Ken Fichtner

Ken’s Weekly Newsletter Part 2

Index of topics:

Weekly Newsletter – Contents
PART 1:

1) New 2004 Corvette, 2004 SSR and consignment 2003 SSR available
2) 2005 Corvette Pricing, Color Combinations Available, Color Change
3) 2005 Corvette Color Change
4) 2005 Production Dates - UPDATED
5) The latest C6 News, Talking With Tom Peters, Corvette Chief Designer
6) 2005 Corvette Accessories - New

Weekly Newsletter – Contents
PART 2:

7) 2005 Corvette Pre-Delivery Process - New
8) 2004 Corvette Recall
9) 2005 SSR
10) Parts Department Offerings

Weekly Newsletter – Contents
PART 3:

11) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates - UPDATED
12) GMPP Details, MajorGuard - UPDATED
13) GM Employee and Supplier Eligibility - UPDATED
14) Weekly Constraint/Production News - NEW

7) 2005 Corvette Pre-Delivery Process – NEW

Date: August 19, 2004

Subject: 2005 Corvette Service Information.


2005 Corvette New Service and Pre-Delivery Information

Shown below are a few serviceability items that may help answer questions from servcice personnel or when a customer has taken delivery of a 2005 Corvette. A service bulletin is in process and should be in dealerships by the end of the month.
Chassis: The front end alignment specifications have changed for the 2005 Corvette. Refer to SI Document ID # 1540906 for complete specifications.
Body
Keys
The ignition does not require a key. The emergency key can be used to gain access to the rear compartment area, which allows access to the driver door. The key is inserted in the rear panel above the license plate to gain emergency access. A replacement key can be cut using the standard GM key blank.
Remote Keyless Entry and Ignition
As mentioned above, the 2005 Corvette does not require a key to gain entry or to start the ignition. It does require that the remote key FOB be in close proximity to certain proximity antennas located within the car. Listed below is some key information about the remote keyless entry and ignition feature.
• The rear hatch or deck lid can be opened by using the button on the key FOB, by using the button on the driver's side knee bolster or in passive mode by pressing the hidden deck lid release button located above the rear license plate in the rear fascia. Check the owner's manual for exact location. This button will only operate when the key FOB is within three feet of the switch. The FOB sends a signal to activate the rear switch and allow the decklid to be opened from the outside switch. THIS SIGNAL DOES NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. It will not send the signal if the FOB is located in the vehicle. It is possible for an operator to place their jacket or handbag in the hatch or trunk area with the key FOB inside and close the decklid. If the doors were previously locked they would remain locked and the key FOB would be effectively locked in the vehicle. The only way to unlock the doors or enter the vehicle is with the other FOB or through the emergency key tumbler located above the rear license plate.
• There are three proximity antennas located in the interior. These antennas triangulate the location of the FOB and allow entry into the car. When the passive lock and unlock options are selected through personalization, the antenna will recognize the FOB when it reaches approximately three feet of either door. When the FOB is recognized, the memory setting for that FOB is activated and the driver's door is unlocked. If the driver wants to have the passenger door unlocked at the same time, it must be set in the personalization set-up. If this is not selected, only the driver's door will unlock passively. Once the antennas recognize a FOB has entered the interior of the car, the starter button will be energized allowing the vehicle to be started.
• If more than one FOB is detected in the car at the same time, the FOB that enters through the driver's door will be selected and that memory will be energized. If the driver has both FOBs at the same time, the memory for one FOB will be selected.
• As the battery on the FOBs are running low, a message will be displayed on the DIC advising customers to change the key FOB battery. This message will provide approximately 30 days prior to complete battery discharge. If the battery is low and the "No FOB detected" message is displayed on the DIC, the FOB should be placed in the pocket to the left side of the glove box opening for close coupling of the FOB and the antenna. This slot is only visible with the glove box door is open.
• Electromagnetic interference can create a disturbance and confuse the module. The EMI can be generated from devices such as cell phones, cell phone chargers in the center console, PDA devices, remote garage and gate openers. The FOB should not be carried in the same pocket or handbag as these devices. Other EMI signals can also confuse the module such as the transponders used by Mobile Speed Pass and automatic tollbooths. If this occurs with the vehicle shut off, the car can usually be restarted by inserting the FOB into the emergency slot on the left side of the glove box opening. If this occurs will driving, the car will not shut off. The car can be continued to be operated and the message will clear when the signal is no longer over riding the FOB.
• The FOB can be removed from the car while the engine is operating and the engine will continue to operate and the car is drivable. However, if the ignition is switched off and the FOB is not present in the car, the ignition will not restart. This could occur when having the car parked by a valet.
Power Seat Lumbar: This vehicle uses a single bladder for the lumbar and operates differently from previous Corvettes. The pumps to inflate the lumbar only operate during the inflate stage. The exhaust is vented to atmosphere and may take several minutes to fully deflate.
Navigation Radio: When the vehicle is equipped with the NAV radio, the CD player will only play single CDs. The six-disc changer is not available. MP3 disc will not play in the single disc player that comes with the NAV system. The DVD player for the NAV radio will not play video DVDs. It is only designed to play the DVD NAV disc and audio DVDs. A trunk-mounted changer for the navigation system is being developed as a Genuine Corvette Accessory targeted for late in the model year.
Radio Antennas: The FM and AM antennas are of a wire type and they are located in the rear fascia behind the tail lamps. There is no longer a mast antenna available for convertibles. The XM antenna is mounted on the halo of the coupes and on the deck lid of the convertibles. The XM antenna for all coupes is the standard black color. The XM antenna for convertibles is body colored. Do not paint the black coupe antenna, as it will effect XM reception.
Shift to Reverse Message Displayed on DIC : 2005 Corvettes equipped with manual transmissions must be shifted into reverse before the vehicle will properly shut down. If the transmission is left in any gear except reverse, the engine will shut off but the vehicle's electronics will remain powered. If the driver's door is locked it can not be opened when the transmission is not in reverse and ignition off. If th door is manually unlocked and opened the horn will provide three short beeps to remind the driver to place the shifter in reverse and shut of the ignition. A message will also be displayed on the DIC advising the driver to shift into reverse. If the driver ignores these messages, exits the car and walks away, the electronics will continue to be powered until the battery is drained. Battery run down protection will not be active because the car is not fully shut off. Drivers must remember to alert parking attendants and others that may park the vehicle and may not be familiar with these requirements.
Front License Plate Brackets: Front license plate brackets are required in many states. The bracket and instructions are only shipped with the cars when required based on shipping location of the original dealership. The brackets are held in place with a double-stick-tape that is very aggressive. Once in place, the bracket will be difficult to remove. A service bulletin is being prepared on the proper procedure to remove a bracket, if desired.
Unique Vehicle Characteristics
The purpose of this section is to familiarize you with some of the unique characteristics of the vehicle. The following functions may operate differently that what the customers are used to and are considered normal.
Fuel Quality: Fuel quality varies from location to location and may vary at the same filling station from week to week. Fuel quality may greatly effect the vehicle's performance and can cause fuel systems concerns. While premium high-octane fuel is not required, the performance of the vehicle is reduced when using lower grades. The minimum octane rating is 87. The LS2 engine is equipped with a knock sensor that constantly monitors and adjusts the engine. If a knock is sensed, spark is immediately retarded until the knock is no longer present. The engine management system then begins to increase spark timing back to achieve the best performance. Occasional spark knock may occur as the engine makes adjustments. This is a normal condition. Prolonged spark knock should be addressed.
Oil Consumption: Driving style, and conditions effect oil consumption. Engine oil is used during the normal engine operation. Corporate Service Bulletin # 01-06-01-011A provides guidelines for normal driving condition. Performance and or aggressive driving conditions will effect oil consumption. As engine parts seat and " ;wear in", oil consumption may change. No repairs should be completed until a vehicle reaches 5,000 mi (8,000 km) and an oil consumption test has been performed.
Manual Transmission: Manual transmission vehicles must be shifted to reverse to turn off the ignition completely. If the vehicle is shut off in any gear except reverse, the ignition will remain on and a message will be displayed on the DIC advising the driver to place the transmission in reverse and press the off side of the ignition switch. If the driver attempts to leave the vehicle when the vehicle has not been placed in reverse, the warning chime will sound for three chimes. This is to alert the driver to place the transmission in reverse. If the vehicle is shut off without the transmission being placed in reverse, power will continue to be drawn from the battery and it could cause the vehicle not to start.
Manual Transmission Gear Growl Noise: When starting off slowly, customers may notice a slight gear rattle or growl coming from the transmission. This is a result of clearance between the gears, shifters and shift rails. This is a normal condition and does not require repairs.
Headlamp Cloudiness: The headlamps feature a clear polycarbonate lenses. Customer may note that when the lamps are on, light fog or cloudiness may be visible on the lenses. This is a normal condition caused by out gassing. The headlamps are also vented, thus some condensation/moisture may be seen when humidity is high or there is a change in temperature. The moisture should burn off after one hour of headlamps being turned on. All components for the headlamps are serviced separately and complete assemblies should never be required for warranty repairs.
Driving Lamps: Driving lamps are located close to the ground and they are susceptible to road debris, sand and gravel. All of these can cause conditions from pitting to cracked and broken lens. Any replacement of the fog lamp lens should be reviewed.
Interior Lighting: The passenger sun visor has a small orange lamp that illuminates the console area only when the headlamps are illuminated.
Back Glass: The back glass has compound curves (bends in two direction, horizontally and vertically) to improve the vehicles aero dynamics and to blend well with the body. The curves in the glass cause the vision to be slightly distorted. This is a normal condition and cannot be corrected.
Fluids and Lubricants
Many of the fluids and lubricants specified for the Corvette may differ from those used in other GM products. Please ensure that only correct fluids and lubricants are used. Damage may result from use of incorrect materials. The following chart summarizes some of the most critical. Please refer to Service Information (SI) and Owner's manual for a complete list.
Important: The oil capacity has changed due to the new oil pan design. Please advise technicians responsible for maintenance.
Location Fluid/Lubricant Quantity
Fuel Use premium unleaded fuel with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher. Tank capacity: 68L (18.0 gal)
Engine Oil with Filter Oil meeting GM standard GM4718M. Factory;Filled with Mobile 1 with Super Syn motor oil. 5.2L (5.5 qt)
Engine Coolant DEX-COOL® (GM627M) 50% concentration 11.9L (12.6 qt)
Auto Trans Oil DEXRON® III 10.8L (11.4 qt)
Manual Trans Oil DEXRON® III 3.8L (4.1 qt)
Rear Axle SAE 75W-90 API, GL5, synthetic axle lubricant (GM P/N 12378261 1.7L (1.8 qt)
Brakes Delco Supreme 11® Brake Fluid GM P/N 12377967 (in Canada, 89021320) or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid ;
Power Steering GM power steering fluid (US P/N 89021184, Canada P/N 89021186) ;
Hydraulic Clutch System Hydraulic clutch fluid (US P/N 88958860, Canada P/N 88901244) ;
Service Support
Instrument Cluster: The cluster is not repairable and must be replaced as an assembly. Should a new cluster be required a replacement cluster must be ordered from GMSPO. The mileage will be set appropriately by SPECMO.
Audio System: The audio system is handled on an exchange basis through SPECMO. Radios must be programmed to match the BCM when replaced.
Electronic Service Information: All required service information is currently online on GM eSI. A dealership can also find the most current owner's manual and Labor Time Guide online at website http://spo.gm.com/dept/eng/naspe/naspe.shtml and under common links.
Quality Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)
Delivery Condition
Vehicles are delivered in the following condition:
• A plastic film known as "TransSeal" is applied to external horizontal painted surfaces to provide protection from ultra violet light, fallout and chemical attack from bird droppings, etc. This protection should be left on all vehicles during storage. It has been tested and approved for up to six months. If the dealership has difficulties in removing the protective material, the manufacturer provides a toll free number for assistance 1;800-307-7218 in the United States or 972-286-7890, in Canada. It is also important to follow the directions for removal found in Corporate Service Bulletin # 03-08-51-001. Foam blocks are installed on both doors. They are designed to protect the vehicle while in storage or on display. The foam blocks should not be removed until the vehicle is delivered to the owner.
• Install the front air dam. Install the two outer pieces first then align the holes with the center section and install the push pins from the center section to the outer section and then connect the top of the center section
• A package containing the Owner's Manual portfolio, (Getting to Know your Corvette Guide, an information CD and a owner's DVD video (US only)) are included in the rear hatch area of every car. If the car is equipped with the Navigation system, the Navigation DVD, Owner's Manual Supplement, instructional CD and a quick reference guide are shipped in the hatch area as well. It is important that the individual that receives the car from the carrier inspects for any missing pieces when the carrier delivers the car.
• Tire pressures can greatly affect the handling of the vehicle. Incorrect tire pressures are a main cause of owner complaints for vehicles that pull to the left or right and or rough ride. The tire pressures should be set to 30 psi (210 kPa) using a tire pressure gauge prior to the car being delivered to the customer. The new PDI process requires a test drive to insure the car does not have leads, pulls or vibrations when the car is delivered. The tire pressure and the road test odometer reading are to be recorded on the new PDI form.
• Battery life can be affected by the length of time a vehicle has been sitting without being started as well as short starts and stops. Part of GM's new pre-delivery process requires the dealership to check the state of the battery charge, record the reading on the PDI form and charge the battery if the voltage is below 12.6 volts. This must be performed before the car is delivered to the customer to insure the customer has a fully charged battery.
PDI Instructions
See General Motors Quality as a Value Pre-Delivery Inspection Procedure for passenger cars and light-duty trucks for complete PDI instructions. Special attention should be paid to the following areas prior to delivery to the customer:
• Remove paint film protection and insure the door edge foam blocks remain in place.
• Check contents of "loose items" pack and fit components to vehicle.
• Wheel trim
• Floor mats and retainers
• Spare keys
• License plate bracket, if equipped
• Getting to Know Your Corvette booklet and CD (US only)
• Navigation DVD, and audio CD if equipped
• Remove all interior protection
• Verify the On-Star option is activated and operating properly, if equipped
• Place the Customer Information CD in the audio CD player (US only). Place the DVD-ROM in the Navigation system DVD slot and select the proper region of the country, if equipped.
• Remind customers that if their vehicle is equipped with XM radio, the trial service will end in 90 days
• Set clock time in radio
• Set the customer's preferences and driver's name for the DIC
• Communicate to the driver the importance of shifting into reverse prior to shutting off the ignition on manual equipped transmissions.
• Reset all MPH (KPH), MPG (L/100 km) and trip odometers settings to zero.
• Set tire pressures to specified pressure (30 psi / 210 kPa - refer to tire placard at rear of driver's door).

8) 2004 Corvette Recall

Upcoming Safety Recall 04043 – Lower Control Arm Ball Stud Washer

GM SERVICE AND PARTS OPERATIONS
DCS1214
URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY


Date: June 30, 2004

Subject: Upcoming Safety Recall
04043 – Lower Control Arm Ball Stud Washer

Models: 2004 Cadillac CTS, SRX and XLR
2004 Chevrolet Corvette

To: All Cadillac and Chevrolet Dealers

Attention: Dealer Operator, General Manager, Sales Manager,
Used Car Manager, Service Manager, Parts Manager
and Warranty Administrator

Based on information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) web site, the media may report that General Motors will be announcing a safety recall involving certain 2004 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX and XLR, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles.

Some of these vehicles have lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers made of the wrong steel material. The washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle. This could cause separation of the lower control arm from the knuckle, resulting in the loss of vehicle control.

To correct this condition, Cadillac and Chevrolet dealers will inspect the ball stud joints and measure the torque of the nut for all front lower control arms in all models affected as well as the rear lower control arms on the XLR and Corvette. If the torque is not at specification, the dealers will replace the ball stud, the knuckle, and the nut. If the torque is at specification, the dealers will replace the nut/washer assembly only. These repairs will be performed at no cost to the customers.

There are approximately 45,000 vehicles involved. GM is working with its suppliers to obtain the parts needed to correct this condition as quickly as possible. Based on the anticipated schedule, we plan to begin notifying customers about this recall during the third quarter of 2004. GMVIS information will not be available until the recall is formally announced.

Listed below are some anticipated questions and answers to assist in responding to customer inquiries.

Q1: What is the condition that prompted a safety recall?
A1: Some 2004 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX and XLR, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles have lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers made of the wrong steel material.

Q2: What impact does this condition have on the vehicle?
A2: The washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle. This could cause separation of the lower control arm from the knuckle, resulting in the loss of vehicle control.

Q3: What might occur as a result of this condition?
A3: If front control arm separation occurs, the affected corner of the vehicle could drop and the control arm may be forced downward, contacting the wheel. This would slow the vehicle down and create a tendency for the vehicle to turn in the direction of the affected corner.

For the XLR and Corvette, if rear control arm separation occurs, there could be unpredictable right or left lateral forces at the rear of the vehicle. Although steering of the front wheels would be unaffected, control of the vehicle might be difficult.

Q4: Can the driver maintain control of the vehicle?
A4: The driver could maintain some steering control of the unaffected front wheel(s), however control would be diminished. The braking system would continue to be functional. If the separation of the wheel assembly severs the wheel's hydraulic brake hose, this may result in increased stopping distance.

Q5: How would a customer realize the condition exists?
A5: Fracture of the washer may occur unexpectedly without prior indication to the vehicle operator.

Q6: Have there been any incidents related to this condition?
A6: GM is aware of four incidences of the condition occurring.

Q7: Have there been any reports of crashes or injuries related to this condition?
A7: There have been no reports of crashes or injuries related to this condition.

Q8: How was this condition discovered?
A8: A fractured washer was discovered at the assembly plant.

Q9: Why was the washer made of the wrong steel material?
A9: GM is investigating how the suspect washers were stamped with the wrong material.

Q10: Is it possible that vehicles built before January 8 and after April 20, 2004 may have the suspect washers?
A10: These are the start and stop dates of vehicles built with the suspect washers. GM purged its supply of nut/washer assemblies received from the supplier and replaced them with nut/washer assemblies made of certified materials.

Q11: Where were these vehicles built?
A11: The Cadillacs involved in this recall were built at the General Motors assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan (Grand River plant) and the Corvettes were assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Q12: What will GM do to correct this condition on the subject vehicles?
A12: Cadillac and Chevrolet dealers will inspect the ball stud joints and measure the torque of the nut for all lower control arms in all models affected as well as the rear lower control arms on the XLR and Corvette. If the torque is not at specification, the dealers will replace the ball stud, the knuckle, and the nut. If the torque is at specification, the dealers will replace the nut assembly only. These repairs will be performed at no cost to the customers.

Q13: Are parts at the dealers, and can customers bring in their vehicles for repair right away?
A13: No. The recall will begin during the third quarter of 2004.

Q14: Is the vehicle safe to drive?
A14: The 2004 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX and XLR, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles involved in this recall meet all federal safety standards.

9) 2005 SSR News

New LS2 Engine Standard
New 4L65E Automatic 4 Speed Transmission Standard
New 6 Speed Manual Transmission Optional

0-60 MPH, Automatic = 5.6 seconds
0-60 MPH, 6 Speed Manual = 5.3 seconds

Times are a full 2 seconds quicker than the 2003 and 2004 models!

Quarter mile, 6 Speed Manual = 13.8 seconds

Serial numbers are sequential from the first SSR produced thru the 2005 model year. Normally serial numbers start new each year but not with the SSR.

New Options for 2005:
Color – Aqua Blur. It changes from teal to purple!
New Engine Cover
New Dual Exhaust System
New Auxiliary Gages
New Body Colored Interior Package
New Body Colored Running Boards
New Windbreak
New Dual Hood Struts

All in all this spells COOL!

10) Parts Department Offerings

EVERYTHING IS ON SALE

Call “Sponge Bob” Robert Wendorff at 406-628-4121 for the best deal!!!

SAME DAY SHIPPING ON ALL INSTOCK ITEMS ORDERED BY 1 PM, MOUNTAIN TIME!

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and YES even American Express. You can simply select the item(s) you want and complete your order quickly and securely. We will receive your order via email and will fill it and ship it ASAP.

We are confident that this will make ordering parts from us much more convenient. No need to call us long distance or take time from your busy schedule. You may, of course, still call our parts department at 406-628-4121 or email them at parts@fichtnerchevrolet.com

MAKE SURE TO READ SECTIONS 1 & 3 OF THIS NEWSLETTER!!

lager99

Lots of good info on the fob, I wonder why the car needs to be in R when you shut it off???

Wadoka

Well, that's an interesting and slightly disquieting piece of news...

It's a good thing the car won't shut off (see the rest of thenews) if it temporarily loses track of the fob while running!

Vette_DD

To keep you from forgetting to put it in R before you leave the car (man. tranny only) to prevent battery drain?

lager99

I know that, but why would they want it in reverse? Who cares what gear it's in?

runamuk

This is kind of interesting, how will this affect people who install aftermarket stereos

vette67

Having it in reverse insures that a low gear has been selected to aid in holding the car while parked. Parking brakes are notorously enefficient. You should use both to make sure the car doesn't move when parked.

lager99

I've never put in in reverse & I've never used the P brake. Coincidentally, I just picked up the new R&D, it addressed that & it's so that you can't accidentally turn off the car while you are driving & have the column lock.

barkingowl

That's pretty damn sad...