18-NA-020

Bulletin No.:
Service Bulletin
Date:
18-NA-020
November, 2023
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated with DTCs P0300, P0299, P0234 and/or
P2227 Set
This Bulletin replaces PIP5511A. Please discard PIP5511A.
Brand:
Model:
Chevrolet
Equinox
GMC
Terrain
Model Year:
VIN:
from
to
from
to
2018
2024
-
-
Engine:
Transmission:
Equipped with 2.0L
or 1.5L Engine
(RPOs LTG,
LYX, LSD)
All
Involved Region or Country
United States and Canada
Condition
Some customers may comment on a Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated or a reduced
power complaint
During diagnosis, a technician may find DTC P0300, P0299, P0234 and/or P2227 set or
stored.
Cause
This condition may be caused by a moisture build up inside the charge air cooler (CAC).
This condition is more likely on the smaller displacement engines where an air-to-air
charge air cooler is used.
In cold temperatures, ambient and PCV moisture can freeze in the charge air cooler,
restricting flow, and causing DTC P0299 and/or P2227, or P0300.
Correction
The correction required will be based on the build of the vehicle, previous repairs that
may have been made, and the operating conditions. Use the chart to determine which
repair is required. The more severe the cold weather driving conditions, the more
operations may need to be implemented. Blocking cold air from the CAC is the main
objective to help prevent the moisture from freezing.
The first requirement is to ensure there are no leaks in the system from the turbocharger
to the throttle body, specifically at the charge air cooler. Perform a smoke leak test
(Dealer Essential Tool GE-52250 Power Smoke Diagnostic Leak Detector), then follow
the appropriate repair steps, depending on the test results, build date, and outside driving
condition temperature.
Note: In rare cases where the addition of a charge air cooler shutter doesn't prevent
CAC freezing, install the lower portion of the soft grill cover. Inform the customer to
remove the cover from the grill when temperatures are consistently averaging 32F/0C or
above.
Note: Frozen oil/water condensate contaminant in the Turbocharger Wastegate
Regulator Solenoid Valve (TCV) is often concurrent with vehicle operation conditions that
cause CAC freezing. If DTC P0234 is set - Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid
Valve Inspection.
Important: For additional information on Oil/Moisture Condensate Freezing Up in the
Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve, refer to Service Procedure (Part 1).
Important: Look at the shutter through the lower grill opening to make sure it is not being
restricted by debris such as grass or insects. An obstruction will prevent the shutter from
operating correctly in both cold and warmer temperatures, decreasing its effectiveness in
cold weather, and hindering engine performance in warmer temperatures.
Instruct the vehicle owner to periodically check the shutter and spray it off to
keep it clean and performing as intended.
Copyright 2023 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2
November, 2023
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Important: Service agents must comply with all
International, Federal, State, Provincial, and/or
Local laws applicable to the activities it performs
under this bulletin, including but not limited to
handling, deploying, preparing, classifying,
packaging, marking, labeling, and shipping
dangerous goods. In the event of a conflict between
the procedures set forth in this bulletin and the
laws that apply to your dealership, you must follow
those applicable laws.
Note: If the charge air cooler is not leaking, but is
frozen and/or contaminated, remove, thaw, wash it out
and reinstall. Use labor operation 4087008 (Add Cleaning and Reinstalling Charge Air Cooler if Frozen
and/or Contaminated). If there is a shutter already
installed, spray it off while it is removed for the charge
air cooler thaw and rinse operation.
Important: DO NOT replace the CAC inlet or outlet
ducts as part of this repair unless there is evidence of
damage and/or a leak from either CAC duct.
Service Procedure - Charge Air Cooler
Diagnosis
Part 1
Inspect the Turbocharger Control Valve (TCV) to
ensure it is not frozen.
6055068
3. Using clean shop air regulated to 80-100 PSI
(551-689 kPa), blow through all three ports (1, 2
&3) for 5 seconds each. Repeat this step twice.
Note: Check port #2 to assure the spring gets lifted off
the seat. This will be determined by the compressed air
not dead heading when applied to port #2. When
applying air to this port a small amount of air should be
observed at port #3 and even less air will be noticed at
port #1. If this does not happen, the TCV plunger may
have hardened deposits from hot operating conditions
which will impede TCV plunger movement, and the
Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve
should be replaced.
6055063
1. Remove Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator
Solenoid Valve.
2. Drain Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid
Valve (TCV) by turning valve upside down.
6055077
4. Prior to reinstalling the TCV, pre-position the
thermal wrap, as shown in the picture above. This
will aid in installation of the wrap once the TCV is
reinstalled.
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
November, 2023
6055079
• This is an off-car view of the wrap installed on
the TCV and is representative of what final
installation should look like. The snap can NOT
be completed prior to installing the
mounting bolt
5. Reinstall Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid Valve
(TCV) using the latest service information.
Page 3
6055111
6. Once the mounting bolt and hoses are properly
installed, pull the lower portion of the wrap upward,
and snap it into position
7. Clear all DTC's using GDS and evaluate
8. Continue on to Part 2.
Important: Remove the boost sensor and wipe with a
clean rag to remove residual moisture to ensure the
sensor is not contaminated. DO NOT use chemical
cleaners.
Part 2
1. Perform a smoke leak test of the charge air cooler,
using essential tool GE-52250 Power Smoke
Diagnostic Leak Detector.
Refer to Chart Based Conditions, below, for next
steps.
6055084
Page 4
November, 2023
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Chart Based Conditions
Model
Years
Condition
Replace
Charge Air
Cooler – (CAC)
Refer to Charge
Air Cooler
Replacement
on SI.
20182022
CAC
Leaking ONLY
X
-
-
-
-
2018
CAC Frozen (Built
Before March 1,
2018) *
X
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20182020
CAC Frozen (Built
After March 1,
2018) *
-
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20182020
CAC Frozen &
Leaking
X
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20182024
(already
had CAC
shutter
installed)
CAC Frozen
AFTER removal
of Front Bumper
Secondary (lower)
Shutter AND
Installation of
Front Bumper
Lower (CAC)
Shutter
-
-
-
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20212024
(has not
had CAC
shutter
installed)
CAC Frozen
(Without
RPO VRI)
-
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20212024
CAC Frozen &
Leaking (Without
RPO VRI)
X
X
X
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20212024
CAC Frozen (With
RPO VRI)
-
-
-
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20212024
CAC Frozen &
Leaking (With
RPO VRI)
-
Temperature
Averages are
BELOW 32F/
0C **
-
20182024
P0299 or P0234
Or CAC Frozen
(with or without
VRI) (LYX
/LSD ONLY)
-
-
-
-
Engine Control
Module Reprogramming
with SPS (20182024) and Install
TCV Thermal
Wrap
(2018-2022)
20182021
P0299 or P0234
Or CAC Frozen
(with or without
VRI) (LTG)
-
-
-
-
Install TCV
Thermal Wrap
20182024
CAC Not Frozen
or Leaking
-
-
-
-
Refer to SI
X
Remove Front
Bumper
Secondary
(lower) Shutter
Install Front
Bumper
Lower (CAC)
Shutter,
instructions
below
Install Soft Grill
Cover Over
Lower Grill
Opening***
Repair Other
System Issue
-
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
November, 2023
Page 5
Chart Based Conditions
Model
Years
Condition
Replace
Charge Air
Cooler – (CAC)
Refer to Charge
Air Cooler
Replacement
on SI.
Remove Front
Bumper
Secondary
(lower) Shutter
Install Front
Bumper
Lower (CAC)
Shutter,
instructions
below
Install Soft Grill
Cover Over
Lower Grill
Opening***
Repair Other
System Issue
Note: The Engine Control Module calibration should be updated (LYX/LSD ONLY). The new calibration will enable a revised
transmission shift pattern during cold weather operation which does not use overdrive as frequently. As a result, some customers
may notice elevated engine RPM’s during highway operation. This operating mode will reduce the potential for ice to build up
inside the charge air cooler, and the potential for setting P0299 or P0234 diagnostic codes. The customer must be informed by
dealership personnel by explaining the new engine control module calibration and its effect on transmission shift patterns at
highway speeds during cold weather to avoid a customer return to the dealership after programming is completed.
Note: Replacement of the Charge Air Cooler is ONLY required if GM IVH (View Vehicle Build) indicated build date is before 03/
01/2018 AND GM IVH (View Transaction History Detail) indicates the CAC has not been previously replaced.
** Remove Soft Grill Cover Over Lower Grill Opening when temperatures are consistently averaging 32F/0C or above.
5775941
*** For Terrains with front license plate bracket (VK3), install tape over the openings on bottom of the license plate bracket, to
prevent airflow from bypassing the grill cover and flowing directly at the charge air cooler, as shown in the picture above.
Page 6
November, 2023
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Examples of the Differences Between the Shutter
Systems
5736482
•
•
Front Bumper Upper Shutter with the Front
Bumper Secondary (lower) Shutter attached (1),
as shown in the picture above.
Front Bumper Lower Shutter that mounts in the
front of Charge Air Cooler (2), as shown in the
picture above.
Service Procedure - Install Front
Bumper Lower (CAC) Shutter
Important: The Front Bumper Lower (CAC) Shutter is
a permanently retrofitted item. The added shutter is
activated to close and open based on temperature,
controlled by integral thermostatic springs.
Note: Advise the customer to keep the shutter clear of
debris, including leaves and insects. The shutter should
be periodically cleaned with a soapy water spray,
especially right before the cold weather season begins.
1. Remove the Front Bumper Upper Shutter for
modification. Refer to Front Bumper Shutter
Replacement in SI.
2. Remove and discard the front bumper secondary
(lower) shutter assembly from the upper shutter.
Refer to Front Bumper Secondary Shutter
Replacement in SI.
Note: The secondary (lower) shutter assembly will
NOT need to be reinstalled in the future.
5279924
3. On the back of the now removed upper shutter,
using a saw blade, cut the upper shutter to
secondary (lower) shutter actuator at the pivot
location, as shown in the picture above. Remove
the linkage (1) and discard.
4. Reinstall the upper shutter.
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
November, 2023
Page 7
5775942
5. Remove and discard the 4 Lower Air Baffle push-in
retainers (1), as shown in the picture above.
5775943
6. Locate Front Bumper Lower (CAC) Shutter in front
of the lower air baffle and install the new, longer
retainers, as shown in the picture above.
7. Continue reinstalling the parts that were removed
during disassembly as part of Front Bumper
Shutter Replacement in SI.
Page 8
November, 2023
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Examples of the Grill Opening Covers (Installation
instructions included in the part packaging)
5776421
Shown in the picture above are examples of the grill
opening covers for the Equinox (1), Terrain without
(RPO VK3) (2) and Terrain with (RPO VK3) (3).
Parts Information
Causal Part
X
Description
Charge Air Cooler
Part Number
RPO
85163204
LYXLSD
85163205
LTG
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Causal Part
November, 2023
Description
COVER PKG-FRT GRL OPG
NA*
Part Number
RPO
2018-2021 84624274 (Equinox)
Without WBL or WFP
2018-2021 84624275 (Equinox
with Redline/Sport or accessory
grill PDV)
With WBL or WFP or accessory
grill PDV
2018-2021 84630081 (Terrain
without front license plate
bracket)
Without VK3
2018-2021 84648360 (Terrain
with front license plate bracket)
With VK3
2022-2024 85551501 (Equinox,
except RS)
Without B8G
2022-2024 85551504
(Equinox RS)
With B8G
2022-2024 85555139 (Terrain,
except Denali, with front license
plate bracket)
With VK3
2022-2024 85555142 (Terrain,
except Denali, without front
license plate bracket)
Without VK3
2022-2024 85576446 (Terrain
Denali, with license plate
bracket)
With VK3
2022-2024 85576448 (Terrain
Denali, without front license
plate bracket)
Without VK3
2018-2021 85139401 (Equinox)
SHUTTER KIT - FRT BPR LWR
(CAC Shutter)
2018-2021 85139400 (Terrain)
2022-2024 85139402 (Equinox)
2022-2024 85139403 (Terrain)
RETAINER, FRT BPR
SHUTTER BFL
11589291 x 4
TCV THERMAL WRAP
25205589
*For warranty transactions, DO NOT mark this/these
parts as the Causal Part. Enter the word “Bulletin” in the
Causal Part Description free-flow text field.
Page 9
LTG, LYX
LYX/LSD
2018-2022 LYX
Page 10
November, 2023
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under the Powertrain coverage,
use the following labor operation. Reference the
Applicable Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle
History (IVH) for coverage information, except ECM
reprogramming is covered for 8 years/80,000 miles
(U.S.) or 8 years/130,000 km (Canada).
Labor
Operation
Description
Labor Time
2.3 hrs.
(Equinox
RPO LTG)
4087008*
Perform Smoke Test for
Charge Air Cooler and
Charge Air Cooler
Replacement
2.4 hrs.
(Equinox RPO
LYX/LSD)
2.6 hrs. (Terrain
RPO LTG)
2.4 hrs. (Terrain
RPO LYX/LSD)
Add
Cleaning and Reinstalling
Charge Air Cooler if
Frozen and/or
Contaminated
1.0 hrs.
(Equinox,
Terrain)
Add
Install Shutter Cover if
also Replacing Charge
Air Cooler
0.2 hrs.
(Equinox,
Terrain)
1086018*
Perform Smoke Test and
Install Charge Air Cooler
Grille Cover
4087308*
Perform Smoke Test for
Charge Air Cooler and
Install Shutter Cover
1.3 hrs.
(Equinox,
Terrain)
Add
Engine Control Module
Re-programming with
SPS, Removal of
condensation from
Turbocharger Wastegate
Regulator Solenoid Valve
and Install Thermal Wrap
1.0 hrs.
(Equinox,
Terrain)
0.6 hrs.
(Equinox)
0.5 hrs.
(Terrain)
*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
Bulletin No.: 18-NA-020
November, 2023
Page 11
Version
24
Modified
Released January 22, 2018
Revised July 26, 2018 – Added Holden Equinox Model.
Revised October 19, 2018 – Updated the Cause and Correction.
Revised December 21, 2018 – Updated Additional Options, Correction, Parts Information
and Warranty Information.
Revised January 09, 2019 – Updated the Parts Information.
Revised February 19, 2019 – Added Envision also updated the Condition, Parts
Information and Warranty Information.
Revised March 19, 2019 – Updated the Service Procedure and Warranty Information for
Equinox/Terrain.
Revised May 15, 2019 – Updated the Warranty Information and adding flow chart.
Revised November 05, 2019 – Updated the Warranty Information.
Revised December 17, 2019 – Added 2020 Model Year.
Revised February 21, 2020 – Updated pictures for flow charts, also updated applicable
information within the bulletin including the Service Procedure Equinox/Terrain also Part
and Warranty Information.
Revised April 07, 2020 – Updated information for the following: Correction, Service
Procedure (Equinox/Terrain) and Warranty Information.
Revised February 11, 2021 – Added 2020-2021 Model Years for Equinox/Terrain, added
Examples of the Difference Between the Two Shutters information and updated
information under Service Procedure Equinox, Terrain.
Revised March 18, 2021 - Removed Buick Envision and updated applicable information
throughout the Bulletin.
Revised January 21, 2022 – Added 2022 Model Year and updated information under
Condition, Chart Based Conditions Table, Part Information and Warranty Information.
Revised January 28, 2022 – Updated the Warranty Coverage.
Revised February 10, 2022 – Updated information under Service Procedure - Charge Air
Cooler Diagnosis, Chart Based Conditions, Part Information and Warranty Information.
Revised May 24, 2022 – Updated information under Subject, Service Procedure - Charge
Air Cooler Diagnosis, Chart Based Conditions, Part and Warranty Information.
Revised August 25, 2022 – Added 2023 Model Year, RPO LSD and updated information
under Correction, note above the Service Procedure, Chart Based Conditions and Parts
Information.
Revised December 14, 2022 - Updated the Warranty Information.
Revised January 19, 2023 - Updated Note above Service Procedure - Charge Air Cooler
Diagnosis and information in Chart Based Conditions and Warranty Information.
Revised February 08, 2023 - Updated the Parts Information.
Revised October 19, 2023 - Added 2024 Model Year, Important Statement, and updated
the Chart Based Conditions.
Revised November 09, 2023 - Added 2018–2021 LTG Information to Chart Based
Conditions.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.
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