Ken Fichtner

Ken’s Weekly Newsletter – 1/8/05 – Part 1

Happy New Year!!!

Important news for my first newsletter of the year:


1) Constraints for this week are published under topic 15, part 2 of the newsletter
2) New Chevrolet incentives announced and they include the C6!
3) Parts order website updates – New Pages and New Items!
4) C6 Convertible production issues

During this special time of the year it’s always heartwarming to reflect upon the year as it draws to a close.

I am thankful for the many new and previous customers who have made 2004 a successful year for all of us here at Fichtner Chevrolet. We have enjoyed meeting many new customers and having the opportunity to earn their business by providing personal and courteous service. I am looking forward to many more years of continued business with each and every one of them. It was also a successful year because of the many, many referrals that we have received from each of you. Thank you for trusting us and for telling your friends about us!

Some traditions should not change, especially the custom of taking the time during the holiday season to send our best wishes to special people and friends like you. Thank you for allowing us to serve your transportation needs this past year.

Your patronage, good will, and trust are very important to us.

We promise to offer the same high standards of service and quality in the new year.

I will be asking all of my employees to once again embrace the motto of: Under promise and over deliver.

May the New Year bring you good health and continued success.

Ken Fichtner
Fichtner Chevrolet


Corsa has released information and pricing on the new systems for C6s and we have declared a PRICE WAR! More details below.

GM parts is offering a nice line of accessories and we are offering several items and packages as well.

We have a great selection of C6 parts and accessories now available. Please contact our parts department at 800-234-5284, EXT 108 for special pricing or email them at: parts@fichtnerchevrolet.com

You can view some of the items and order online here:

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/kenf...rtspage1.shtml


We won’t be undersold on GM Protection Plans, GM Parts or Chevrolet car and trucks.

AND DON’T FORGET THERE’S NO SALES TAX IN MONTANA SO YOUR PROTECTION PLAN, PARTS AND ACCESSORIES WILL BE TAX FREE!!

Drop us an email or give us a call and let us show you how we go the extra mile to satisfy you!!

Call Dennis Fichtner at 800-234-5284, Ext 105 or email him at GMPP@fichtnerchevrolet.com for a quote.
Fichtner Chevrolet personnel directory:

GM Protection Plans and New Car/Truck Sales:
Dennis Fichtner, Business Manager
gmpp@fichtnerchevrolet.com
406-628-4618 Ext 105

Corvette Sales and Advice
Ken Fichtner, General Manager
kenfichtner@fichtnerchevrolet.com
406-628-4618 Ext 103

Parts:
Roberto Wendorff, Parts Manager
BWendorff@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4121

John Thomas Dorsey, Parts Specialist
TDorsey@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4121
Parts@FichtnerChevrolet.com

Service:
John Ingham, Service Manager
Service@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4618

Office Administration/Accounting:
Kayla Eastlick
KEastlick@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4618

Thanks for taking the time to read my weekly newsletter and thanks for your business!

Index of topics:

Weekly Newsletter – Contents

PART 1:

1) Corsa Exhaust – PRICE WAR
2) 2005 Corvette Price Increase
3) 2005 Corvette Convertible Production Issues - New
4) Driving the C6 Corvettte, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
5) 2005 Corvette Pre-Delivery Process
6) 2005 Corvette Transmission Trouble
7) 2005 Corvette Drive Belt Trouble
8) 2005 Corvette Option Code Change

PART 2:
9) 2005 Corvette Accessories - New
10) C5 Custom Painted Fuel Rail Covers
11) Parts Department Offerings - New
12) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates - NEW
13) GMPP Details, MajorGuard
14) GM Employee and Supplier Eligibility - UPDATED
15) Weekly Constraint/Production News – UPDATED


1) Corsa Exhaust – PRICE WAR!

We have analyzed our cost from Corsa, the cost of shipping, a fair profit for our parts department.

Further, we have reviewed the pricing offered by other vendors and are today revising our pricing again to be competitive.

Revised Pricing, November 30, 2004:
Orders must be placed with us by JANUARY 31, 2005

Cash or Check Only

Part Number Description Sale Price

14161 C6 Touring with 4” Pro Series Tips $1219
14170 C6 Touring with Twin 3.5” Pro Series Tips $1276

14160 C6 Sport with 4” Pro Series Tips $968
14169 C6 Sport with Twin 3.5” Pro Series Tips $1023

These prices INCLUDE shipping/handling. Note further that there is NO SALES TAX on purchases from our Montana dealership.

Other vendors will be adding for shipping/handling/taxes.

Our prices are to your door step!

Call us our parts department toll free today to take advantage of this introductory offer.
1-800-234-5284

FYI:
Corsa is an official licensed product of General Motors. We order our systems thru both Corsa and GM. GM does not dictate to us pricing. If we choose to sell parts and accessories at or below our cost it is our choice. The same goes for new cars, new trucks and the GM Protection Plan.

The reason that we are advertising special pricing is to increase our sales volume and to be competitive.

Competition has made this a great country to live and work in. Competition will continue to assure the best pricing and service to consumers.

We invite you to experience the level of customer satisfaction that we have been providing customers for 52 years!


2) 2005 Corvette Price Increase

Chevrolet will announce revised 2005 model year Suggested Retail prices effective with vehicles produced on or after November 12, 2004. The revised Suggested Retail prices will affect the Avalanche, Aveo, Astro, Blazer, Classic, Colorado, Corvette 245, Equinox, Express, Impala, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Silverado, SSR, Suburban, Trailblazer, Trailblazer EXT and Tahoe. Dealer invoice amounts will increase accordingly. Dealer discounts remain unchanged.

Dealer price schedules will be available in GM Dealerworld under Sales &/Or F&I Tabs effective November 12, 2004.

All qualified bona fide sold retail orders entered in VOMS on or before November 11, 2004 and delivered to the original customer after that date will be price protected. These units will be invoiced at prices in effect at the date of production; however, the dealer open account will automatically be credited for the price increase once the unit has been delivered.

Generally, fleet orders are invoice price protected (i.e., bid center FBC order types, VQ orders). All other fleet orders will be price protected according to the bona fide sold retail price protection policy above. Refer to the price protection effective date on the invoice.

Please file this administrative message with your 2005 model year pricing information.
It is anticipated that this pricing information will be reflected in GM AutoBook on GM Access beginning November 12,2004.

2005 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE PRICE SCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE WITH PRODUCTION 11/12/2004

1YY07 Corvette Coupe MSRP $43710.00 (increased $265)
1YY67 Corvette Convertible MSRP $51445.00

Destination and Handling MSRP $800.00

Coupe Package 1SX MSRP $0.00
Coupe Package 1SA MSRP $1405.00
Convertible Package 1SA MSRP $0.00
Coupe Package 1SB MSRP $4360.00
Convertible Package 1SB MSRP $2955.00

CM7 Power Convertible Top MSRP $1995.00
R8C Museum Delivery MSRP $490.00
G90 3.15 Performance Axle MSRP $395.00
UE1 OnStar Communications MSRP $695.00
Z51 Performance Handling Pkg MSRP $1495.00
U2K XM Satellite Radio MSRP $325.00
U3U AM/FM CD with DVD Navigation MSRP $1400.00
C2L Dual Roof Panels MSRP $1400.00
CC3 Transparent Roof Panel MSRP $750.00
F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control MSRP $1695.00
MN6 6 Speed Manual Transmission MSRP $0.00
MX0 Automatic OD Transmission MSRP $0.00
QG7 Polished Aluminum Wheels MSRP $1295.00
19U LeMans Blue Metallic MSRP $300.00
79U Millennium Yellow MSRP $750.00
86U Magnetic Red Metallic MSRP $750.00

2005 Corvette Exterior Color Change

After a limited build period, Precision Red will be discontinued and a new Victory Red will be offered.

2005 Corvette Red Exterior with Grey Interior Now Available

Beginning June 17, two new color combinations will be available on the 2005 Corvette.
• Steel Grey interior (363) will be available with Precision Red (27U) exterior and
• Steel Grey interior (363) will be available with Magnetic Red Metallic (86U) exterior.
Convertibles with these color combinations can be ordered with either a Black (41T) or Grey (37T) top.

3) 2005 Corvette Convertible Production Issues - New

It’s quite obvious that the plant is having a difficult time with the production of the new 2005 C6 Convertible. Orders placed within dealer allocations in November for production in December now have production dates into March!

I can understand how impatient many of you are getting while waiting for this great car. But I believe that you would rather have a flawless and trouble free car than one that is produced with known defects!

Here’s the latest on Convertible production. Note that this issue is not what has slowed the production of Convertibles ordered WITHOUT the power top!

To: All Chevrolet Dealers

From: VSSM Order Fulfillment

Re: Corvette – Power Convertible Top

Date: January 4, 2005

Due to supply challenges surrounding the power convertible top on the Chevrolet Corvette, many orders have slipped back significantly in the production schedule. In an effort to minimize wait time for the highly desirable Corvette Convertible model, we are returning approximately 100 stock orders (currently scheduled for February 28 or later production) to the dealer's placed tab in VOMS.

Dealers interested in expediting production of these units may remove the power top option (CM7) from the order. Based on the current Convertible assembly plan, orders which have the power top option removed should be produced sometime in mid to late February. If the power top option is not removed, the order will likely not be built until late March/early April – based on current production plans. Please note that changes in the Convertible ramp up may affect these production estimates.

Dealers will have until Tuesday, January 11, 2005 to change these orders. All orders will be moved back into the production system at that time. The list of returned orders is attached to this message.

If you have sold orders where the customer would rather expedite the order than wait for the power top option, please contact the Dealer Business Center and arrange to have the option removed from the order.

The list of affected orders is posted in the special addendum to this newsletter, section 1A.

4) Driving the C6 Corvettte, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

DRIVING THE C6 CORVETTE

By Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Through my relationship and my family’s history with Chevrolet, I am fortunate enough
to get a lot of opportunities. Occasionally, those are opportunities are beyond the
friendships I have made as a result of my association with Chevrolet.

One such opportunity is driving the C5-R, which remains one of the most rewarding
experiences I have ever had. Through the efforts of my father and his relationship with
Chevrolet, I can say I’ve actually driven one the most incredible racecars to ever come
out of the U.S. As a result of that race and the attention that it created, both dad and I
were “adopted” by the Corvette brand team, the race team and Corvette fans everywhere.

As a Corvette enthusiast myself, I am very proud to be part of the Corvette’s history.
Recently, I was given the opportunity to spend some time in a pre-production C6
Corvette. When I say, “spend some time,” I mean I have had this car for almost two
months now. When I say “pre-production,” I mean one out of the first 100 or so pilot cars
run down the Bowling Green Assembly line. It’s a black Z51 six-speed with a Cashmere
leather interior. From what my friends within the Corvette brand team tell me, it has
every option available on a C6, minus the painted roof panel.

I have a Precision Red Z51 C6 on its way, so I was anxious to see what the newest
Corvette is like. When they told me I could be a test pilot in exchange for an honest
appraisal, I snatched the keys, or key fob as the case may be.

Looking at the car, I’ll have to admit, I like the covered headlights. It makes it look a lot
like the C5-R and brings it into the 21st century. I also like the sharp lines on the body,
especially the creases at the tops of the fenders and quarter panels. It makes it obvious
that it has some 63-67 Stingray DNA in it. The side scoop looks good too and I also like
the chopped off rear end.

The rear of the car looks good. It has a little C4 in it, which is by no means a bad thing.
Overall, I think it’s a great looking car. It comes off more hostile and tense looking than a
C5, but it’s easily recognizable as a Corvette. The colors seem to play a part in how it
looks too. The metallic colored cars have more going on, in terms of how light plays off
of the sharp edges, while the darker cars have more of a purposeful look to them. I’m
sure the aftermarket will have a field day with the new body, especially the hood. I was
thinking a ’67-style big block stinger-type hood would look pretty cool.

On the inside, the car seems much more finished than a C5. The light tan interior in the
test car is pretty nice. I think the brushed aluminum parts wake up the black instrument
faces and break up some of the tan color on everything. The gauges are neatly arranged
and easy to read. The information center is a good feature, as on the C5. The tester also
has the optional navigation system, which is a nice, 21st century feature. It’s hard not to
want to fiddle with it all of the time, but most regular stereos are like that too. The
speakers are clear and the sound system is good for a production car. As always, the Bose
people did a good job with matching everything up to work well inside the car. Seating
position is good and the range of adjustment can meet pretty much anyone’s needs.

Enough with the gadgets though. Let’s get to the hardcore stuff; performance.

The car handles great. It’s really a pretty neutral-handling car. You can flick the wheel,
stab the throttle and easily drive it like a big sprint car if you’re so inclined. I’m sure
there’s some more handling left in there, but it would compromise the everyday ride. The
test car is a Z51. I like it so well that I ordered option Z51 on my red C6. It may be a little
on the stiff side for some compared to the base car, but it feels just about right to me. It
seems like it’s sprung a good bit differently than a C5. Actually the C6 with Z51 seems to
be better mannered overall than a standard C5. I also noticed that on rougher roads, the
new car doesn’t seem as jittery as the old car. There’s going to be some shaking going on
in any performance car on a rough road, but the C6 seems to take it a whole lot better
than a C5. In terms of handling and ride, the C6 is a car you can drive every day and not
be tired of . The C5 was also like that but the C6 is like that and then some. I imagine that
a lot more C6 Corvettes will become daily drivers, which is a concept you couldn’t even
contemplate in a number of great Corvettes from the past. As far as braking goes, it stops
very well for a street car. They’re firm and stop the car extremely well, which is what’s
supposed to happen.

My favorite thing about the 2005 Corvette is the LS2 engine. You can really feel the
difference, especially in the higher RPM range. The new engine is much freer-breathing,
which is important on a twisty road or a track day. I did what I was supposed to with the
test car, which is to give it a good workout. The engine never flinched. It never ran over
210 degrees and in almost 2,000 miles of powershifting and back-country road trips, it
never used so much as a drop of oil. What really surprised me though was the fact that
it’s showing 19.8 miles per gallon on the computer, which is amazing considering it’s
been driven like it was stolen the whole time.

We took it to a local track and with a timing device attached, ran a string of consistent
12.7 quarter-mile times. Zero to 60 was a little harder to master without the traction
control activated but it was typically 4.7 to 4.9, which is pretty serious for a street car.
These are numbers that some of the old 427s and 454s laid down in their day, which are
impressive, regardless of when they were recorded. Around town, it pulls a lot like a well
behaved big-block, delivering the reward of big-engine torque without solid lifters to
adjust or plugs that fuel foul. If it were up to me, I’d give the engine guys a raise.

Fit and finish on the car were as good as any I’ve seen on any original Corvette. The
panels all line up well and there are no squeaks or rattles to mention. Usually, early
production cars are the opposite, so a finished production car should really be nice.

Now all I need to do is work on the right people at Chevy to be a test driver for the next
Z06.

5) 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 service 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 chosen 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 chosen, 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 chosen and that memory will be energized. If the driver has both FOBs at the same time, the memory for one FOB will be chosen.
· 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 the 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 affect 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 pushpins 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 pick 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).

6) C6 Mis-Machined Transmission Countershaft Snap
Ring Groove (Inspect/Replace the Transmission)

Service Bulletin 04-07-29-003
Mis-Machined Transmission Countershaft Snap
Ring Groove (Inspect/Replace the Transmission)

DATE: October 21, 2004

SUBJECT: Service Bulletin 04-07-29-003
Mis-Machined Transmission Countershaft Snap
Ring Groove (Inspect/Replace the Transmission)

MODELS: 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
2005 Cadillac CTS-V
with 6-speed manual transmission
Corvette Transmission, Manual 6-SPD, Tremec
(RPO MM6 or MZ6)
CTS-V Transmission, Manual 6-SPD, Tremec
(RPO M12)
and included in the attached VIN list

TO: All Cadillac and Chevrolet Dealers

ATTENTION: Dealer, General Manager, Sales Manager,
Service Manager, Parts Manager and
Warranty Administrator
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

Advanced Service Bulletin 04-07-29-003 is being released today and advises dealers to inspect for the mismachined transmission countershaft snap ring groove. Dealers will perform a transmission snap clutch maneuver and if necessary, replace the transmission.

In addition to using this procedure to repair vehicles with this complaint, we are requesting that this repair be performed on all vehicles currently in your inventory that are included in this Administrative Message VIN list. Completion of this procedure prior to vehicle sale or delivery will help ensure customer satisfaction and reduce the possibility of future complaints.

We are also requesting you contact the DBC to report owner information for any recently delivered vehicles.

Please see the attached VIN list and bulletin for detailed instructions. The list of involved vehicles is also included in the attached bulletin.

Subject: Mismachined Transmission Countershaft Snap Ring Groove
(Inspect/Replace Transmission)
Models: 2005 Chevrolet Corvette with Manual 6–Speed Tremec Transmission
(RPOs MM6, MZ6)
2005 Cadillac CTS-V with Manual 6–Speed Tremec Transmission (RPO M12)
Attention: This correction should be performed on all vehicles currently in your inventory that are included in the Administrative Message (U.S.) or Dealer Communication(Canada) VIN list prior to sale or delivery. In Canada, the Dealer Communication and VIN list is distributed to affected dealers only.

File In Section: 07 - Transmission/Transaxle
Bulletin No.: 04-07-29-003
Date: October, 2004 Service Bulletin

Condition
Some of the 6-speed transmissions in the subject
vehicles may have been assembled with an extension
countershaft snap ring grove dimension that was
machined out of specification. This condition may result
in fore and aft / back and forth movement of the shift
lever when in 5th gear, then 5th or 6th gear clash
noise, and eventual premature wear of the 5th and/or
6th gear synchronizer.

Correction
Dealers will inspect for this condition by performing a
transmission snap clutch maneuver and, if necessary,
replace the transmission.

Page 4 Bulletin No.: 04-07-29-003 October, 2004
Transmission Snap Clutch 5th Gear Test Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle so that the rear
wheels are safely off the ground. Refer to Lifting
and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information:
• Corvette – SI Document ID #104056.
• CTS-V – SI Document ID #813128
2. Start the vehicle.
Important: Ensure that the transmission is not in
Reverse and that the wheel speed is zero.
3. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor.
4. Shift the transmission into 5th gear and remove
your hand from the shift ****.
5. Increase the engine speed to 2,000 RPM.
Important:
• The shift lever should have NO fore-aft / back and
forth motion when the clutch is released.
• On a very small number of vehicles, the shift lever
may move slightly rearward only once. This is a
normal characteristic.
• The shift lever WILL have some lateral / side to
side motion which will occur due to torque roll of
the powertrain.
• If the shift lever moves, it will be toward 6th gear
(rearward) and the magnitude could be
4 mm – 8 mm (0.16 in – 0.31 in) at the shift lever
**** and will repeat each time the clutch is
snapped.
6. Quickly release the clutch pedal and watch to see
if the shift lever has any fore-aft movement.
• If the shift lever DOES NOT move fore-aft, or
moves very slightly, about 2 mm (0.079 in),
repeat the test sequence Steps 3 to 6 for a total
of 10 times to ensure there is no shifter lever
movement. If the shift lever does not move other
than once very slightly after 10 cycles of test
sequence, the transmission is OK. No additional
repair is necessary and the inspection labor
operation may be claimed.
• If the shift lever DOES move fore-aft, repeat
the test sequence Steps 3 to 6 to confirm the
shifter lever movement. If the shifter lever does
move fore-aft, continue with the next step.
Important: The following test is for comparison purpose
only. The 3rd gear amount of fore-aft movement is
allowable.
7. Perform a comparison test with the shifter in 3rd
gear. Compare the amount of fore-aft movement
with the shifter in 3rd gear and 5th gear while
performing test sequence Steps 3 to 6.
• If the amount of fore-aft shifter lever movement
is the same in 3rd gear as 5th, or if only slight
movement occurs once in 5th gear, no
additional repair is necessary and the inspection
labor operation may be claimed.
• If the amount of fore-aft shifter lever movement
is greater in 5th gear than in 3rd gear, continue
with the next step.
8. Replace the transmission. Refer to Transmission
Replacement:
• Corvette — Document ID #1399623
• CTS-V — Document ID #1523514
Dealer Action For Sold Units On VIN List
It is possible that some vehicles on the VIN list may
have been sold.
For sold units in the U.S., the dealer is to call the
Dealer Business Center (DBC) and provide them with the customers’
information. In Canada, the dealer is to send the
customers’ information by fax to the GM of Canada
Warranty Department

Parts Information
Dealers are to contact the Product Quality Center (PQC)
to confirm diagnosis and to obtain
approval for part replacement.
Due to parts availability, the PQC will handle all orders.
Warranty Information
The labor time guide has been changed to reflect the
times in this bulletin.
Labor Operation Description Labor Time
K9701 Transmission Inspection
Procedure 0.4 hr
K2720
Transmission/Transaxle
Assembly - Replace
Corvette
4.5 hrs
K2720
Transmission/Transaxle
Assembly - Replace
CTS-V
2.0 hrs

Bulletin No.: 04-07-29-003 Page 5 October, 2004

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

7) 2005 Corvette Drive Belt Trouble

2005 Chevrolet Corvette Y Body Serpentine Belt Comes Off

GM is investigating cases on some 2005 Corvette where the serpentine belt is either noisy, or has come off the pulley. The root cause is believed to be a crankshaft pulley that has loosened and caused a misalignment . Should you encounter a 2005 Corvette with either a missing or noisy serpentine belt please contact Technical Assistance for instructions prior to attempting any repair.

8) 2005 Corvette Option Code Change - NEW

The RPO code used to identify the new Sound System with Navigation has changed from (U3U) to (URB). This is an RPO change only. There are no changes to the performance or functionality of the system. Preliminary orders will be automatically changed to reflect the new (URB) code.

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