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For 1990-2009 cars only

COLD START STALL-CHUGGLE AT 35-45 MPH WITH TCC

SUBJECT: COLD START STALL - CHUGGLE AT 56-72 KPH (35-45 MPH) WITH TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGED (REPLACE MEM-CAL)

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1989-91 "C, E, H" MODELS WITH 3800 ENGINE (VIN C) PONTIAC BONNEVILLE OLDSMOBILE EIGHTY EIGHT, NINETY EIGHT, TORONADO BUICK LE SABRE, PARK AVENUE, RIVIERA/REATTA

THIS BULLETIN IS REVISED TO INCLUDE THE 1989-90 "E" MODELS.

Some owners of 1989 through 1990 C/E, and 1989-91 H models equipped with the 3800 (VIN Code C/RPO LN3) engine may experience one or both of the following conditions:

* Engine does not stay running on initial cold start.

* Chuggle at 56-72 kph (35-45 mph)-with torque converter clutch engaged.

The two conditions are independent of each other, yet it may be possible for both conditions to exist on one vehicle.

Follow the information outlined under the individual heading for that condition:

ENGINE DOES NOT STAY RUNNING ON INITIAL COLD START

If the vehicle's basic engine controls and fuel systems are operating properly, it is important for the technician to familiarize themselves with information contained in Product Service Bulletin 91-6-103 "Recommended fuels for non-turbo port fuel injection engines". If the condition cannot be repaired by changing fuel or using currently published service and diagnostic procedures, it may be necessary to install a revised calibration mem-cal. Install mem-cals listed in Table A for this condition only.

CHUGGLE AT 56-72 KPH (35-45 MPH) WITH TOROUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGED

Proceed with the diagnostic flow chart (Figure 1) to aid in identifying the possible cause of the condition.

Note: The new revised calibration mem-cals may slightly affect fuel economy. Be sure to advise the vehicle owner of this fact.

ENGINE DOES NOT STAY RUNNING ON INITIAL COLD START AND CHUGGLE AT 56-72 KPH (35-45 MPH) WITH TOROUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGED ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Should owners, comments indicate both conditions exist. Follow steps outlined in both procedures. The two conditions are independent of each other. If it is determined that a new revised calibration mem-cal is necessary to correct both conditions, select mem-cals listed in Table B.

Note: The new revised calibration mem-cals in Table B may affect fuel economy. Be sure to advise the vehicle owner of this fact.

TABLE "A" - COLD STALL ONLY

BROADCAST SERVICE YEAR MODEL AXLE RATIO SCANNER ID CODE PART # ---- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ------- 1989-90 BUICK/OLDS 2.84 5614 AYLA 16165848 C NATL/CALIF

1989-90 BUICK/OLDS 2.97 5634 AYLC 16165839 C NATL/CALIF

1989 BUICK/OLDS 2.84 0844 BBZD 16181863 E NATL/CALIF

1989 BUICK/OLDS 2.97 0864 BBZH 16181871 E NATL/CALIF

1990 OLDS 2.84 0894 BBZL 16181883 E NATL/CALIF

1990 BUICK/OLDS 2.97 0904 BBZM 16181887 E NATL/CALIF

1989-91 BUICK/OLDS/PONT 2.84 5614 AYLA 16165848 H NATL/CALIF

1989-91 BUICK/OLDS/PONT 2.97 5634 AYLC 16165839 H NATL/CALIF

1989-91 PONT 3.33 5654 AYLF 16165834 H NATL/CALIF

TABLE "B" - COLD STALL AND CHUGGLE ----------------------------------- BROADAST SERVICE YEAR MODEL AXLE RATIO SCANNER ID CODE PART # ---- ----- ---------- ---------- -------- ------- 1989-90 BUICK/OLDS 2.84 5624 AYLB 16165843 C NATL/CALIF (see note)

1989-90 BUICK/OLDS 2.97 5644 AYLD 16165829 C NATL/CALIF

1989 BUICK/OLDS 2.84 0834 BBZC 16181859 E NATL/CALIF

1989 BUICK/OLDS 2.97 0854 BBZF 16181867 E NATL/CALIF

1990 OLDS 2.84 0874 BBZJ 16181875 E NATL/CALIF

1990 BUICK/OLDS 2.97 0884 BBZK 16181879 E NATL/CALIF

1989-91 BUICK/OLDS/PONT 2.84 5624 AYLB 16165843 H NATL/CALIF (see note)

1989-91 BUICK/OLDS/PONT 2.97 5644 AYLD 16165829 H NATL/CALIF

Note: Some 1991 H bodies with a 2.84 axle ratio and Federal emissions package had a PROM released that used Scanner ID 5644 but had a broadcast code of AWJD. This should not be confused with 16165829 PROM which uses Scanner ID 5644 for a 2.97 axle ratio. DO NOT rely on the Scanner ID to determine which PROM is in a vehicle. Look at the broadcast code on the PROM to be sure.

For vehicles repaired under warranty use:

Labor Time: 0.7 hr. (Replace mem-cal) 0.2 hr. (Add to complete chuggle Diagnostic Flow Chart only.


Object Number: 77969  Size: LF

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those 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 a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.