[Manitcor]

Subject: HVAC Lack of Performance (Evacuate and Recharge the A/C System)


Models: 1997-2000 Buick Regal
1999 - 2000 Buick Century
1997-2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2000 Chevrolet Impala
1998-2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1998-2000 Pontiac Grand Prix


Condition:
Some customers may comment on a lack of expected performance of the air conditioning system in hot humid weather.


Cause:
This condition may be caused by an undercharged A/C System. This may have occurred during the vehicle assembly process.


Correction:
Service correction procedure for 1997 through 1999 vehicles


Perform the Cooling Insufficient, A/C System Check found in the HVAC section of the appropriate Service Manual. If a condition is identified, make the appropriate repair. If no abnormal condition is identified, proceed to the next step.
Evacuate and recharge the A/C system with 1.02 kg (2-1/4 lbs) of R134a.
Replace the A/C evaporator label with P/N 10442041. This label will allow future service technicians to know at a glance how much refrigerant is required by the system.


Service correction procedure for 2000 model year vehicles.


Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo, SOP through VIN Y9133359.
Buick Regal/Century, SOP through VIN Y1101894.
Oldsmobile Intrigue, SOP through VIN YF115332
Pontiac Grand Prix, SOP through VIN YF115332


Perform the Cooling Insufficient, A/C System Check found in the HVAC section of the appropriate Service Manual. If a condition is identified, make the appropriate repair. If no abnormal condition is identified, proceed to the next step.
Evacuate and recharge the A/C system with 1.02 kg (2-1/4 lbs) of R134a.
Replace the A/C evaporator label with P/N 10442041. This label will allow future service technicians to know at a glance how much refrigerant is required by the system.


Service procedure for 2000 model year vehicles within the following VIN breakpoints


Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo, VINs Y9133360 through Y9206366.
Buick Regal/Century, VINs Y1101895 through Y1178929.
Oldsmobile Intrigue, VINs YF115333 through YF191330.
Pontiac Grand Prix, VINs YF115333 through YF191329


Important:
This group of vehicles had the correct amount of R134a installed at time of manufacture, however, the label was incorrect.


Service procedure for 2000 model year vehicles greater than the following VINs


Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo with VINs greater than Y9206366.
Buick Regal/Century with VINs greater than Y1178929.
Oldsmobile Intrigue with VINs greater than YF191330.
Pontiac Grand Prix with VINs greater than YF191329.


Important:
These vehicles were produced with the correct amount of R134a and the correct Label.
Inspect/test the A/C system for signs of leaks both visually and with the A/C leak tester used in your service facility.
If a leak is found, perform the recommended repair as outlined in the appropriate Service Manual for the vehicle being serviced.
If no leaks are found, perform the Cooling Insufficient, A/C System Check found in the HVAC sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual. If a condition is identified, make the appropriate repair. If no abnormal condition is identified, the system is operating per design specifications.


Parts Information:
Part Name Part Number
Label 10442041


Parts are currently available from GMSPO.


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.


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