WB23-L-001

BULLETIN NUMBER:
WB23-L-001
IMPORTANT SERVICE
INFORMATION FOR:
✓ SERVICE MANAGER
✓ SERVICE ADVISOR
✓ PARTS DEPARTMENT
✓ WARRANTY PERSONNEL
ISSUE DATE:
APRIL 2023
GROUP:
FUEL & EXHAUST
NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER CLAIMS
AFFECTED VEHICLES
•
2012MY and Newer Isuzu N-Series Vehicles
Equipped with Gasoline engines
INFORMATION
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) has been receiving warranty part returns that
have aftermarket catalytic converters welded in place instead of the OEM catalytic
converter. This is because vehicle owners who have had the OEM or Fleet Value catalytic
converters stolen from their vehicles often replace the stolen catalytic converters
aftermarket with non-Isuzu parts. When those replacement parts fail and cause the check
engine light to illuminate, vehicle owners may seek to have the non-Isuzu replacement
catalytic converter repaired or replaced under warranty. In fact, however, neither the new
vehicle warranty nor the one-year replacement part warranty covers the failed non-Isuzu
part.
Examples of Non-OEM Catalytic Converters: The images/photographs below are
provided to help dealers recognize Non-OEM catalytic converters and distinguish them
from OEM and/or Fleet Value catalytic converters.
Aftermarket Catalytic Converters
Aftermarket catalytic converters will have non-factory welds attaching the converter to
the exhaust pipe. These welds may have excess welding slag at the attachment points.
(See Figures 1 and 2.)
Excessive
Slag
Machine
Weld
Figure 1 – Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Installed
Heat Shield
Excessive
Slag
Figure 2 – Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Installed
Additionally, aftermarket catalytic converters may have exhaust pipe spacers welded in
(See Figure 3) or have blocked-off air injection ports or pipes (See Figure 4).
Pipe
Spacer
Figure 3
w/spacer
–
Aftermarket
Catalytic
Converter
Blocked Off Air
Injection Port
Figure 4 –Extra Ports for multiple applications
Fleet Value Catalytic Converters
Fleet Value catalytic converters have a slip joint secured with a clamp at the front of the
exhaust pipe assembly. (See Figures 5 and 6.)
Figure 5 – Fleet Value Catalytic Converter Slip Joint
(On Vehicle)
Figure 6 – Fleet Value Catalytic Converter Slip Joint (Off Vehicle)
Additionally, Fleet Value catalytic converters may be identified by the etched numbers (if
still visible) on the bottom of the catalytic converter itself. (See Figure 7.)
Figure 7 – Fleet Value Catalytic Converter Markings
Etching Line 1: Example - N/CE 95500 MMYY
N - indicates a new converter
CE - manufacturer code issued by EPA
95500 - numerical designation of the vehicle application / part series
MMYY - the month and year of manufacture (i.e., "0187" for January 1987)
Etching Line 2: Example - 1004692
Supplier internal part recognition
Etching Line 3: Example - 29406D31X1
AIPDN part number
New Requirements for Submitting New Vehicle (Regular) or Parts Warranty Claims
for Catalytic Converters
Below are descriptions of certain additional requirements that apply when submitting a
regular warranty or Parts Warranty (dealer installed or Over-the-Counter) claim for, or that
includes, the replacement of, a catalytic converter (Labor Operation Code L2300) on
2012MY and newer N-Series vehicles with gasoline engines.
REQUIRED INFORMATION
All claim submissions that include the replacement of a catalytic converter must include
digital photographs of the following items:
•
•
For OEM Converters, the entire removed exhaust pipe assembly
that contains the catalytic converter, including both flanges. (See
Figure 8.)
A close-up view of the OEM catalytic converter itself, including the
factory welds attaching the converter to the exhaust pipe. (See Figure
9.)
•
For Fleet Value Converters, only a photo of the serial numbers
etched onto the converter. (See Figure 10.)
Figure 8. - OEM Catalytic Converter Assembly (4 pipe welds)
Machine
weld
Figure 9 – OEM Catalytic Converter welds
Figure 10 – Fleet Value Catalytic Converter Markings
CLAIM SUBMISSION
Dealers may submit an additional 0.3 Hours of labor for the time necessary to take these
photographs and attach them to the claim.