[Manitcor]

Subject: Driver's Leather Seatback Material Pulling Away from Side Impact Air Bag Module Bezel (Install New Bezel and Inspect/Replace Seatback Cover)


Models: 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
with Side Impact Air Bag and Leather Seats


Condition:
Some owners may comment that the leather material on the side of the driver's seat is pulling away from the frame (bezel) around the side impact air bag module.


Cause:
This condition may be due to insufficient retention of the seatback cover retainers or tangs in the side impact air bag module housing slots.


Correction:
Replace the side impact air bag module mounting bezel with a new bezel that has narrower slots for improved retention. If when removing the old bezel, there is a white plastic strip attached to the edge of the metal plate behind the bezel, remove and discard it. The strip will be approximately 90 mm (3 1/2 in) long.


Figure 1


Also, inspect the seatback cover and determine if it has the wider retaining tang design (1). If the width of each of the six seatback cover tangs is approximately 10 mm (3/8 in), the seatback cover must be replaced. If the three tangs (1) on the side towards the front of the vehicle are approximately 20 mm (3/4 in) wide and the three tangs to the rear of the vehicle are approximately 10 mm (3/8 in) wide, the seatback cover does NOT need to be replaced.


Important:
Because the seat back release latch bezel may crack during removal, a replacement bezel, P/N 88899786, should be available prior to beginning any repairs.


Parts Information:
Part Number Description
88951498 Bezel, Driver's Seatback Cushion Inflatable Restraint Module Opening
88898191 Cover, Driver's Leather Seatback Cushion - Ebony (RPO 193) Without Heated (RPO KA1)
88898192 Cover, Driver's Leather Seatback Cushion -- Neutral (RPO 523) Without Heated (RPO KA1)
88898200 Cover, Driver's Leather Seatback Cushion - Ebony (RPO 193) With Heated (RPO KA1)
88898201 Cover, Driver's Leather Seatback Cushion - Neutral (RPO 523) With Heated (RPO KA1)
88899786 Bezel, Driver's Seat Back Cushion Latch Release Handle


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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