Customer Advisory - Windshield Wiper Pivot Housing

General Motors previously announced product recall 01014 involving 1997 and 1998 model year Chevrolet Malibu and Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicles registered in states with moderate to heavy annual snowfall (see below). If a buildup of snow or ice on the windshield or on the wipers restricts the movement of only the passenger side wiper arm, the windshield wiper pivot housing may crack and the wipers may become inoperative.

Customers whose vehicles are registered in other states can choose to have the pivot housing replaced because they expect to drive in heavy snow and ice conditions. If the customer requests this service, dealers are to provide it without charge, according to this bulletin.

Important: Prior to performing any repairs, check the customer's vehicle in the GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS) to determine appropriate action below.

Involved are all 1997-1998 model year Chevrolet Malibu and Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicles registered outside of the states listed at the beginning of this bulletin. Vehicles registered in those states will continue to be covered by recall 01014.

Parts required to complete this service are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO).

General Motors will notify customers of this advisory on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

Tools Required

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and verify that the windshield wipers are in the PARK position. After verifying, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

Important: The ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT windshield wiper transmissions have locators for properly positioning the wiper arms during assembly. The service replacement PASSENGER side transmission does NOT have the locator. Therefore, to assure correct positioning of the wiper arms during installation, you must mark the location of the passenger side wiper blade on the windshield before removal.

2. Using a marker or a piece of masking tape, mark the location of the passenger side wiper blade on the windshield. It is NOT necessary to mark the location of the driver's side blade.
3. Disconnect the washer hose from both wiper blades.
4. Remove the wiper arm nut cover from both wiper arms.
5. Remove the wiper arm retaining nuts.
6. Remove the wiper arms.
7. Remove the air inlet screen push-in retainers.
8. Remove the washer hose from the air inlet screen.
9. Remove the air inlet screen.
10. Remove the bolts attaching the wiper module assembly, reposition the module, and disconnect the electrical connection.
11. Remove the wiper module assembly from the vehicle.
12. Using J 39232 or equivalent, remove the two drive links from the passenger side transmission arm.
13. Remove the two screws attaching the passenger side transmission to the wiper module frame.
14. Install the grommet, included in the kit, on the transmission housing and install the plastic cap on the transmission shaft. Refer to the old wiper transmission for proper installation.

Important: Some vehicles may have a foam seal on the old passenger side wiper transmission assembly. If there is a foam seal on the old transmission, transfer it to the new transmission at this time. If no foam seal is found on the old transmission, it is NOT necessary to install one on the new transmission.

15. Install the new passenger side transmission to the wiper module frame using the new attaching screws included in the kit.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

Important: Before connecting the drive links to the transmission in the next step, ensure that adequate lubricant (grease) is present on the ball studs and in the ball stud sockets on the end of the drive links. If additional lubricant is required, use P/N 1051344 (US), 993037 (CAN) (grease) or equivalent.

16. Using J 39529 or equivalent, install the two drive links on the passenger side transmission arm.
17. Clean the knurls on the driver's side wiper transmission with a wire brush.
18. Install the wiper module assembly in the vehicle and connect the electrical connector.
19. Install the bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (88 lb in).

20. Install the air inlet screen and push-in retainers.
21. Install the washer hose to the air inlet screen.
22. Align the passenger side wiper arm blade with the mark or tape on the windshield and install it on the wiper transmission. Using the locator on the driver's transmission, install the driver's wiper arm on the transmission.
23. Install the wiper arm retaining nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

24. Install the wiper nut covers.
25. Install the washer hoses on the wiper arms.
26. Remove the mark or tape from the windshield and verify proper wiper system operation.

Submit claims with the information indicated below.

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 1997 or 1998 model year Chevrolet Malibu or Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicle, it is our commitment to you as a member of the GM family to provide you with important information that may affect your vehicle.

General Motors previously announced a product recall involving 1997 and 1998 model year Chevrolet Malibu and Oldsmobile Cutlass vehicles registered in states with moderate to heavy annual snowfall. These states are listed below.

If a buildup of snow or ice on the windshield or on the wipers restricts the movement of the passenger side wiper arm, the windshield wiper pivot housing may crack and the wipers may become inoperative without warning. Reduced visibility in inclement weather could lead to a vehicle crash.

Records indicate that your vehicle is not registered in one of those states, but you could experience this condition if your vehicle is operated under heavy snow or ice conditions while traveling. If you intend to travel where you could encounter these conditions, you may contact your dealer to arrange to have the passenger side windshield wiper pivot housing replaced. Bring this letter to your dealer or refer to Bulletin 05008. This service will be performed at no charge to you.

If you do not expect to encounter heavy snow or ice conditions, no action is required, but we suggest you put this letter with your owner manual for future reference.

If your vehicle’s pivot housing cracked following exposure to heavy snow or ice conditions and you paid for the repair, you may be eligible for reimbursement. The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request it.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure

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