Customer Satisfaction 99055 - Flywheel-to-Torque Converter Bolts; Low Torque

General Motors has decided that certain 1999 Chevrolet and GMC C/K pickup trucks (GMT 400) built at Flint Assembly may have been built with flywheel-to-torque converter bolts below the specified torque range. In this condition, the fasteners will eventually encounter noise, a possible imbalance, and reduced torque transfer from the engine to the transmission. Eventually there would be a complete loss of torque transfer to the transmission, and damage may occur to the transmission.

To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, dealers are to torque the flywheel-to-torque converter bolts to the proper specification.

Involved are certain 1999 Chevrolet and GMC C/K pickup trucks (GMT400) built at Flint Assembly and built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through VISS (Vehicle Information Service System) prior to beginning campaign repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign.

No parts are required for this campaign.

Customers will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin -- actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this campaign MUST be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin BEFORE customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the customer letter accompanying this bulletin. Campaign follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. If equipped with four-wheel drive, remove the front propeller shaft U-bolts and the front propeller shaft.
3. Remove the bolts attaching the engine to the transmission brace.
4. Remove the bolts attaching the flywheel cover.
5. Slide the flywheel cover aside to access the torque converter bolts.
6. Tighten the torque converter bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

7. Position the flywheel cover and install the attaching bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

8. Install the bolts attaching the engine to the transmission brace.

Tighten

•	For gas engines, tighten the bolts to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

•	For diesel engines, tighten the bolts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

9. If equipped with four-wheel drive, install the propeller shaft and the U-bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

Each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label." Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be located on the radiator core support in an area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought in by the customer for periodic servicing. When installing the Campaign Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow the adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Campaign Identification Labels can be obtained from Dealer Support Materials by calling 1-888-414-6322 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Ask for Item Number S-1015 when ordering.

Apply the "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface.

Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below.

Refer to the General Motors Corporation Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.

Dear Chevrolet/GMC Customer:

This notice is sent to inform you of a recall campaign that includes your vehicle.

General Motors has decided that certain 1999 Chevrolet and GMC C/K pickup trucks (GMT 400) built at Flint Assembly may have been built with flywheel-to-torque converter bolts below the specified torque range. In this condition, the fasteners will eventually encounter noise, a possible imbalance, and reduced torque transfer from the engine to the transmission. Eventually there would be a complete loss of torque transfer to the transmission, and damage may occur to the transmission.

To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, your dealer will torque the flywheel-to-torque converter bolts to the proper specification. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

Please contact your Chevrolet/GMC dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date and to assure parts availability. Instructions for making this correction have been sent to your dealer. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much time will be needed to schedule, process, and repair your vehicle.

If you experience any trouble scheduling your vehicle or you have any questions regarding this recall action, please contact the appropriate Customer Assistance/Relations Center at the number listed below:

The enclosed customer reply card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you no longer own this vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage paid reply card and returning it to us.

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

Chevrolet/Pontiac-GMC Division

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure