Letter - Cycling Thermostat

[gmcleer]

Has anyone gotten a letter from GM regarding cycling of the thermostat creating stress fractures in the radiator on 2014 5.3s and 6.3s? Anyone experience the issue? I love this truck but the number of recalls and TSBs is greater than anything I have owned before. First model year blues?

[qwank]

I've replaced a lot of radiators and thermostats for this issue, all have been 2014s. Didn't realize there was a special policy on this now

[cbrsilv15]

I just did yesterday. I occasionally smell coolant when I exit my truck. I wonder if I can take it to the dealer to have them look at it and be covered 100%

[Eddie 70]

I've only had my 14 for the last 25k miles. It currently has 70k on it. I haven't gotten this letter yet but I sure don't want to replace the radiator. I have already got to replace the upper a arms because of worn out ball joints. Seems they just about have engineered failure to 3 years now. Since I have had the truck, a little over 14 months now, recall on the hitch, seat belt and now a cycling thermostat or worse a cracked radiator.

[Silver ice 6.2]

I had this same issue last year.. I searched this forum and found a lot of info.. I called the local dealer and made an appointment.. I went there and told them all the info and the service guy was clueless.. I told him your tech is going to check the truck and he's gonna find the leak.. then your gonna call me and say yes there is a leak like you stated.. then your gonna order up a new updated radiator and thermostat for the truck.. and I also told the service guy the recall code.. which I don't remember now.. and my goodness when I pick up the truck the service guy said do you work for gm... I step back and smile and other employees are looking at me and I said no...

[gmcleer]

I had this same issue last year.. I searched this forum and found a lot of info.. I called the local dealer and made an appointment.. I went there and told them all the info and the service guy was clueless.. I told him your tech is going to check the truck and he's gonna find the leak.. then your gonna call me and say yes there is a leak like you stated.. then your gonna order up a new updated radiator and thermostat for the truck.. and I also told the service guy the recall code.. which I don't remember now.. and my goodness when I pick up the truck the service guy said do you work for gm... I step back and smile and other employees are looking at me and I said no...

 

 

I see from your signature that you have a 15', so I guess this issue is not exclusive to the 14's as the letter implies.

[Silver ice 6.2]

I see from your signature that you have a 15', so I guess this issue is not exclusive to the 14's as the letter implies.

Yes 2015 silverado built on June of 2015

[EaZ8]

i got the letter a couple days ago. im curious where the t stat is and if the fix is a new t stat and new rad.

 

no clue if mine has this issue or not... ill mention it at my next service.

[2016 Sierra Owner]

This was an issue with the 14s as stated. There are a few threads on the same problem others were having with their trucks. Yes I guess these are the new model year blues. So much for all of that testing GM claims they did with these trucks.

[tom.boswell.79]

Can someone post the TSB number for this issue?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[qwank]

#15829: Special Coverage - Radiator Leak - (Nov 9, 2016)

Subject: 15829 — Radiator Leak

 

Models: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado LD 2014 GMC Sierra LD

Reference Number: N15170099

Release Date: November 2016

Revision: 00

Make

Model

Model Year

RPO

Description

From

To

Chevrolet

Silverado LD

2014

2014

L83, L86

5.3 and 6.2L Engines

GMC

Sierra LD

Involved vehicles are identified on the Applicable Warranties section in GM Global Warranty Management system. This site should always be checked to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs.

Condition:

Some 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado LD and GMC Sierra LD vehicles equipped with 5.3L or 6.2L engines (RPO L83 or L86), may have a condition in which the cycling of the thermostat may result in stress fractures on the radiator, and may lead to coolant leaks.

Special Coverage Adjustment

This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after November 15, 2016, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to November 15, 2016, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Correction

Dealers are to install a new thermostat and if necessary, replace the radiator. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

Parts Information

 

Quantity

Part Name

Part No.

1

Radiator

84062175

1

Water Pump Outlet (w/Thermostat)

12674639

3

Transmission Fluid Cooler Pipe Retainer

24205103

3

Engine Coolant

12346290 (US)

10953464 (Canada)

Note: Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the GM Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) to determine which part to order.

Warranty Information

 

Labor Code

Description

Labor Time

Trans. Type

list distribution/regions,if applicable]Net Item

9900393

Diagnostic Time Only – No Repair Required

0.1-0.3

ZREG

N/A

9900394

Replace Radiator and Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing

Add: Diagnostic Time

2.9

0.1-0.3

ZREG

N/A

9900395

Customer Reimbursement Approved - For USA and Canada dealers only

N/A

ZREG

*

9900396

Customer Reimbursement Denied – For USA dealers only

N/A

ZREG

**

* For USA and Canada: Submit the dollar amount reimbursed to the customer in Net/Reimbursement. Submit $20.00 administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.

** Submit $10.00 administrative allowance in Net/Admin Allowance.

Service Procedure

Note: For this particular condition, signs of leaks can be found where the radiator tubes attach to the radiator headers.

1. Verify that the radiator is leaking. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing (L83, L86, LV1, LV3) in SI.
   • If the radiator is NOT leaking, no further action is required. Inform the customer that any additional diagnosis and repairs are not covered under this special coverage.
   • If the radiator is leaking, replace the radiator and the engine coolant thermostat. Refer to Radiator Replacement (L83, L86) and Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Replacement (LV1, LV3, L83 with Thermostat) in SI.

Customer Notification

General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicle (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin).

Customer Reimbursement

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by November 30, 2017. See General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual, Sections 1.4 and 6.1.10, for courtesy transportation program details.

November 2016

This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN:_____________________________________

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado LD or GMC Sierra LD, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us

TThis letter is intended to make you aware that some 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado LD and GMC Sierra LD vehicles equipped with a 5.3L or 6.2L engine, may have a condition in which the cycling of the thermostat may result in stress fractures on the radiator, and may lead to coolant leaks.

Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

What We Have Done: General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the condition described above. If this condition occurs on your 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado LD or GMC Sierra LD within 5 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge. Diagnosis or repair for conditions other than the condition described above is not covered under this special coverage program.

What You Should Do: If you believe that your vehicle has the condition described above, repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to contact your GM dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

Reimbursement: If you have paid for repairs for the condition described in this letter, please complete the enclosed reimbursement form and present it to your dealer with all required documents. Working with your dealer will expedite your request, however, if this is not convenient, you may mail the completed reimbursement form and all required documents to Reimbursement Department, PO Box 33170, Detroit, MI 48232-5170. The completed form and required documents must be presented to your dealer or received by the Reimbursement Department by November 30, 2017, unless state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.

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

Division

Number

Text Telephones (TTY)

Chevrolet

1-800-630-2438

1-800-833-2438

GMC

1–866–996–9463

1–800–462–8583

Puerto Rico – English

1-800-496-9992

 

Puerto Rico – Español

1-800-496-9993

 

Virgin Islands

1-800-496-9994

 

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

Terry M. Inch

Executive Director

Global Connected Customer Experience

Enclosure

15829

 

[qwank]

#PI1513A: Coolant Smell and/or Slight Leak at Radiator - (Nov 15, 2016)

Subject: Coolant Smell and/or Slight Leak at Radiator

 

Models: 2015 Cadillac Escalade Models 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe 2015 GMC Sierra, Sierra Denali, Yukon Models, Yukon Denali Models Equipped with 4.3L, 5.3L or 6.2L Engine (RPOs LV1, LV3, L83 or L86)

 

Attention: This PI also applies to any of the above models that may be Export from North America vehicles.

This PI has been revised to remove the 2014 Model Year and update the Parts and Warranty Information. Please discard PI1513.

Condition/Concern

Some customers may comment that they may smell coolant while driving or outside the truck. This could include a coolant leak under the front of the truck.

Recommendation/Instructions

Technicians should start by inspecting the radiator for signs of leaks. Normally, signs of leaks can be found where the tubes attach to the headers.

This condition may be the result of excessive thermocycles within the cooling system caused by excessive cycling of the thermostat. These excessive thermocycles within the coolant system may cause the tubes to fatigue, crack and leak at the radiator headers. To correct this condition, a new thermostat has been designed that eliminates the thermostats excessive cycling.

If this condition is found, in addition to replacing the radiator, the engine coolant thermostat housing (w/thermostat) must also be replaced. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Replacement in SI, which is located in the Engine Heating and Cooling section.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

Qty

84062175

RADIATOR ASM

1

12671393

OUTLET, W/PMP (W/THERM)

1

24205103

RETAINER, TRANS FLUID CLR PIPE FTG

3

12346290 (US)

10953464 (Canada)

ENGINE COOLANT

3

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.

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

4080838*

Replace Radiator and Thermostat

2.9 hrs

Add

Diagnostic Time

0.3 hr

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.

Additional Keywords: Odor

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.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

 

[gmcleer]

Thanks!!

 

So the thermostat is to be replaced on all trucks that have received letters, and if leaking the radiator as well? Am I reading that correctly?

[2016 Sierra Owner]

Thanks!!

 

So the thermostat is to be replaced on all trucks that have received letters, and if leaking the radiator as well? Am I reading that correctly?

 

Yes you are reading that correctly. A new thermostat will be installed as to eliminate the cycling that is causing the problem.

[theatasigma]

Interesting, I was just at the dealer yesterday as my thermostat housing had cracked and it drained out 2/3rds of my coolant. They never mentioned that, they fixed the thermostat and its connections and refilled my coolant. I was up in Maine for the holiday weekend so it wasn't my normal dealer, but I will check with the dealer in NH where I bought the truck and see what they know of this.