PAINT FLAKES IN TRANS. FLUID CORRODED FILL TUBES

MODELS/YEARS 1988 CUTLASS CIERA, CUTLASS CALAIS, DELTA 88, NINETY-EIGHT AND TORONADO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THM 125C/HYDRA-MATIC 3T40 OR THM 440-4/HYDRA-MATIC T4T60 TRANSAXLE (RPO MD9 OR ME9)

This bulletin supersedes Dealer Technical Bulletin 88-T-123 which may be discarded. This bulletin has been revised to add Cutlass Ciera models with THM 125C, 2.5L and 2.8L and additional transaxle models and Cutlass Ciera models with THM 440-T4, 2.8L.

TRANSAXLE MODELS:

THM 125C: BHC, BJC, CTC, LSC, PDC, PZC THM 440-T4: BJH, BKH, BTH, BRH, BYH, CFH, CMH, CWH, CXH, FBH, FCH, FJH, FSH

BULLETIN COVERS:

Black paint flakes may be found in the transaxle fluid, bottom pan, fluid level indicator and filter assembly as the result of paint peeling from inside the transaxle fill tube. After the paint peels the unprotected areas of the fill tubes can corrode (interior and exterior), leaving corrosion on the fluid level indicator and the fill tube.

The fill tube paints used on the interior and exterior of the tube may not withstand temperatures over 260 degrees Fahrenheit. Transaxle durability should not be affected in vehicles equipped with these fill tubes, but paint flakes can cause filter clogging over a period of time.

DATE OF PRODUCTION CHANGE:

The suspect fill tubes may be found in the following vehicles produced between S.O.P. 1988 and October 17, 1987 (Julian Date 289):

Cutlass Ciera and Delta 88 models - THM 440-T4 and 3.8L Engine Ninety-Eight and Toronado models - THM 440-T4 and 3800 Engine Cutlass Calais models - THM 125C and 3.0L Engine Cutiass Ciera models - THM 440-T4 and 2.8L Engine Cutlass Ciera models - THM 125C and 2.5L, 2.8L Engine

SERVICE ACTION:

If vehicles are found with flaking paint fill tubes, they should be changed along with transaxle fluid, filter, fill tube and fluid level indicator.

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

Labor Operation Number: T5181 Labor Time: .9 hrs. Trouble Code: 92

SERVICE MANUAL REFERENCE:

Refer to the On-Car Section of your Service Manual whenever service of the Fluid Level Indicator and Fill Tube is necessary.

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.