Hope someone out there can tell me something about this situation - I'm getting no help from GM. Sorry for the long post, but the details may be important.
Here's the story. I've got a '96 1500K, 5 speed, 4.3l V6. For a few years now, it'll run rough at mid rpms (1500-2500), missing badly. At one point, I'd just replace dist. cap and rotor, and that would seem to help for a while. For the past 6 months, it's been worse, also causing rough idle. The missing at mid rpms almost never goes away - sometimes it would before, after the engine was warm. In the past few thousand miles, I've replaced cap, rotor, coil, wires and plugs. Did the TSB on the coil wire. Nada. Still misses, SES light is on and codes say "random misfires", and do not single out any cylinders. BTW, engine purrs under heavy acceleration, never misses. Generally also smooth at idle.
Had it in a shop - one I trust. They thought the fuel pump was bad due to low pressure, tried a new one but still couldn't get much above 52 psi - too low for consistent operation of the injectors. Bad pressure regulator? Maybe. He did a lot of research online with his tech. service and found that, per the service, GM had issued a nationwide recall in 2003 on the 4.3,
5.0 and 5.7 l engines, 1995-2002, for defects in the injector assemblies. The symptoms described were just like I've experienced. The GM recall number was listed as 99066F. He called one dealer (jerks) who said there is no such recall. Another dealer said they heard of it, but said we'd have to call GM direct and find out what they'd do for us.
I called GM and got a major run-around form the customer service rep, who insisted there was no such recall, or "policy" as GM calls it. Then she found one (99066G), but only for Calif. trucks. Very evasive, and tried to deflect my questions. I had the mechanic try. He got the same run-around, but get this: first, they tell him that there is no recall, then they say that even if there were, it would not apply to my VIN. But, they sadi, I should check with a GM dealer because they might be able to "help me out" with the problem. WHAT KIND OF BS IS THIS?? I am convinced that GM is aware of the problem, but is doing everything possible to keep a very tight lid on it.
I am going to the one (helpful) dealer to have them check it out. In the meantime, does anyone have any ideas as to 1- know if this recall does exist, and 2- getting GM to react in a responsible, customer-friendly way, if it does? I'm not anxious to spend $800-$1000 for the fix if GM should be picking up the tab.
Google for 99066f. It shows up on Alldata.com as a valid TSB. You will have to subscribe to Alldata to get the details if you can't get the full story elsewhere. You might get some help from GM if you push hard enough. However, since your truck is 8 years old you probably are SOL.
I checked the GM service information database, and couldn't find 99066F. I did find 99066G, but not the one you're looking for:
Special Policy Adjustment-Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI) Failures in California Only (YF5 Emission Equipped) #99066G - (Nov 5, 2003)
99066G -- Special Policy Adjustment -- Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI) Failures in California Only (YF5 Emission Equipped) Certain 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P, W4/NPR Trucks and 2003 NPR Trucks
Equipped with 4.3L (RPO L35-VIN Code W or RPO LF6-VIN Code X), 5.0L (RPO L30-VIN Code M) or 5.7L (RPO L31-VIN Code R) Engine and California Emission Equipped (RPO YF5)
This bulletin is being revised to emphasize to Dealers the important of replacing the engine SCPI fuel assembly with the new MFI fuel assembly if the vehicle has already received an injector cleaning. Please discard Special Policy Bulletin Number 99066F, dated March, 2003.
Condition Some owners of 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 model year S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P and W4/NPR trucks and 2003 NPR trucks that are registered in California, equipped with 4.3L (RPO L35 and VIN Code W or RPO LF6 and VIN Code X), 5.0L (RPO L30 and VIN Code M) or 5.7L (RPO L31 and VIN Code R) engine, and California emissions (RPO YF5), may experience a Service Engine Soon light, misfire, rough idle or hard start due to a deposit build up on the Sequential Central Port Injector (SCPI) poppet valve(s). The deposit build up may cause injector poppets to stick closed. Fuels used in California have been found to interact with the SCPI system to cause the deposits.
Special Policy Adjustment This special policy covers the SCPI failure condition described above for a period of ten (10) years or 200,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
The repairs will be made at no charge to the owner. This special policy applies ONLY to repairs requiring SCPI system servicing and/or injector cleaning and/or MFI assembly replacement of the SCPI system. The customer should not be charged for performing a system check when it is determined that the SCPI system is not the cause of a customer complaint (labor operation T5532 is provided to submit claims for such system checks). Any additional necessary diagnosis and repairs that are not related to the SCPI condition are NOT covered by this special policy. The customer should be informed that any further service that is not covered by new vehicle warranty will not be covered by this policy.
Vehicles Involved Involved are certain 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P, W4/NPR and 2003 NPR model vehicles registered in California, equipped with 4.3L engine (RPO L35-VIN Code W or RPO LF6-VIN Code X), 5.0L engine (RPO L30-VIN Code M) or 5.7L engine (RPO L31-VIN Code R) and California emissions (RPO YF5). This Special Policy covers all vehicles within these model years, with these engine and emission RPOs.
Parts Information Parts required to complete this Special Policy are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" prior to ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO=Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency, parts should be ordered CSO=Customer Special Order.
Part Number Description Qty/ Vehicle
12345382 Sealant, Thread, Med. Strength (6 ML) As required
TBD* Cleaner, Top Engine (24 ml) If required and available
TBD* Cleaner, Top Engine (15 oz) 24 ml (12346535 size alternative)
12345104 Cleaner, Port Fuel Injector (20 oz) If required
15050573 Asm-Fuel Tank Fill Pipe (97-99 M/L Van) 1, if required
15747585 Asm-Fuel Tank Fill Pipe (99 C/K E63 w/o AC7) 1, if required
15747588 Asm-Fuel Tank Fill Pipe (99 C/K E62 w/o AC7) 1, if required
12568332 Assy, V6 Fuel Injector 1, if required
88894355 Bracket, V6 1, if required
17113215 Kit, V6 Seal 1, if required
93441235 Assy, V8 Fuel Injector 1, if required
93442096 Bracket, V8 1, if required
17113206 Kit, V8 Seal 1, if required
*Top engine cleaner part number 12346535 and 1050002 are no longer California compliant. California dealers will be notified via a DCS message when new alternative cleaner part numbers become available.
Important Isuzu Parts Ordering: In order to comply with the 10-digit Isuzu part numbering system, Isuzu deaelrs must add an "8" to the beginning and a "0" to the end of the listed 8-digit part numbers when ordering parts through AIPDN.
Customer Notification Customers will be notified of this Special Policy on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin-actual divisional letter may vary slightly).
Service Procedure System Check Use strategy-based diagnoses listed in the front of the Driveability and Emissions section of the Service Manual. If the SCPI system is operating properly, inform the customer that the vehicle does not have the condition listed in the owner letter. If poor driveability conditions persist, inform the customer that any further diagnosis and repairs will be at their expense if the vehicle is outside the parameters of the New Vehicle Warranty.
SCPI Injector Cleaning Procedure If diagnosis leads to sticking poppet nozzles, first check GMVIS to determine if the vehicle had a previous claim for injector cleaning under labor claims J5645, T5534 or T5540. If any of these three repair claims are listed, do not clean the injectors, but rather replace the engine SCPI fuel assembly with the MFI fuel assembly. If none of these three repair claims is listed, use the service procedure from Service Bulletin 00-06-04-003B to clean the SCPI poppet nozzles. Please note that the service bulletin term for SCPI is Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI), but is referring to the same fuel system assembly.
SCPI Fuel Tank Fill Pipe Assembly for 1997-99 M/L Van and 1999-some 2000 C/K Truck; with 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L engines and built prior to listed VIN/Production dates on Service Bulletin 00-06-04-018 If diagnosis leads to sticking poppet nozzles on these models, use the service procedure from Service Bulletin 00-06-04-018 to replace the fuel tank fill pipe assembly, if this procedure has not been performed previously. Previous service procedure can be verified by checking GMVIS for Labor Operation L1065 on M/L trucks with replacement part number 15050573; or Labor Operation L1065 on C/K trucks with replacement part numbers
15747585 or 15747588.
Correction If, AFTER cleaning the SCPI poppet nozzles, the normal service manual diagnosis still indicates that the SCPI is the cause of the customer complaint, or if the injectors have previously been cleaned and the vehicle has again experienced sticking poppet nozzles, refer to Service Bulletin
00-06-04-003B and replace the SCPI fuel assembly with the MFI fuel assembly. Please note that the service bulletin term for SCPI is Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI), but is referring to the same fuel system assembly.
Claim Information For vehicles repaired under this special policy, submit a claim with the information indicated below.
Repair Performed Part Count Part No. Parts Allow CC-FC Labor Op Labor Hours
System Check-No SCPI Repair Needed NA NA NA MK-95 T5532 0.0-0.3 hr
Clean Fuel Injectors per Service Bulletin 00-06-04-003B: -- -- * MK-95 T5540 --
Replace Fuel Tank Fill Pipe Asm. 1 -- * MK-95 T5557
1997-99 M/L Van
0.8**
1999 and some 2000 C/K Truck
Use published labor operation time
Replace SCPI fuel system with a new MFI fuel system per Service Bulletin 00-06-04-003B --
MK-95 T5576 1.4 hrs
M/L Van only
add 0.2 hr
-- The "Parts Allowance" should be the sum total of the current GMSPO Dealer Net price plus applicable Mark-Up for SCPI/CSFI parts, fuel tank filler hose and gasket needed to complete the repair.
** -- This labor time is a change to the current Labor Time Guide. The next update of the Labor Time Guide will include this change.
Customer Reimbursement Customer requests for reimbursement are for any previously paid repairs to, or replacement of, the Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI) system. Repairs must have occurred within 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 200,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The requests are to be submitted within two (2) years of the date on which the repair was paid or within two (2) years of the date of this Special Policy Bulletin, whichever is greater.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
a.. Proof of ownership at the time of the repair b.. Original paid receipt confirming the amount of the unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including Service Contract deductible), a description of the repair, the date repaired, and the person or entity performing the repair Customers from the State of California must submit requests for reimbursement directly to (divisions) per instructions in the owner letter.
If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will generally be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.
April, 2003 Dear General Motors Customer:
As the owner of a 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 model year S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P, W4/NPR truck or 2003 model year NPR truck that is registered California, equipped with a 4.3L V6, 5.0L V8 or 5.7L V8 engine, and California emissions, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us. Your vehicle was provided with a new vehicle warranty, which covers certain parts of your vehicle for a specific period. These warranties are of considerable value to you if you should experience problems with your vehicle.
This letter is intended to make you aware that some owners of 1996, 1997,
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 model year S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P, W4/NPR trucks and 2003 model year NPR trucks that are registered in California, equipped with 4.3L V6, 5.0L V8 or 5.7L V8 engine, and California emissions, may experience a Service Engine Soon light, misfire, rough idle or hard start due to a deposit build up on the Sequential Central Port injector (SCPI) poppet valve(s). The deposit build up may cause injector poppets to stick closed. Certain fuels have been found to interact with the SCPI system to cause the deposits.
This is not a recall. Do not take your vehicle to your General Motors dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.
What We Have Done To address the above-mentioned condition, General Motors is providing special warranty coverage to owners of applicable vehicles registered in California. If the SCPI system failure condition occurs on your 1996, 1997,
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P, W4/NPR truck or 2003 model year NPR trucks within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 200,000 miles, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge . Other conditions that may cause similar or different driveability complaints, or cause a Malfunction Indicator Light illumination, that are not a result of SCPI system failure are NOT covered by this special policy. However, you will not be charged for performing a system check when determining that the SCPI system is not the cause. Any repairs made outside the normal warranty coverage due to other conditions would be your responsibility, if you elect to have your dealer provide the service.
What You Should Do Repairs and adjustment qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a dealer. You may want to call the service department at the dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glovebox literature for future reference.
Reimbursement If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the SCPI fuel system repaired or replaced, and you have not received reimbursement under a Vehicle Service Contract, and the in-service time and mileage was less than
10 years and 200,000 miles, you should write to your (divisional specific address) to seek reimbursement. Please provide your original paid receipts or invoices verifying the repair, the amount charged, proof of payment, the date of payment of those charges and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair. This information must be provided within two (2) years of the date on which you paid for the repair or within two (2) years of the date of this Special Policy Bulletin, whichever is greater.
If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will generally be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below:
Division Number Deaf, Hearing Impaired, or Speech Impaired*
Cadillac 1-800-458-8006 1-800-833-2622
Chevrolet 1-800-222-1020 1-800-833-2438
GMC 1-800-462-8782 1-800-462-8583
Oldsmobile 1-800-442-6537 1-800-833-6537
Isuzu Medium Duty 1-800-862-4389
Utilizes Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf/Text Telephones (TDD/TTY)
We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.
99066F - SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT - SEQUENTIAL CENTRAL PORT FUEL INJECTION (SCPI) FAILURES IN CALIFORNIA ONLY (YF5 EMISSION EQUIPPED)
MODELS: CERTAIN 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P, W4/NPR TRUCKS AND 2003 NPR TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.3L (RPO L35 - VIN CODE W OR RPO LF6 - VIN CODE X), 5.0L (RPO L30
- VIN CODE M) OR 5.7L (RPO L31 - VIN CODE R) ENGINE AND CALIFORNIA EMISSION EQUIPPED (RPO YF5)
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2002 and 2003 model years to the SCPI Special Policy on certain S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P and W4/NPR truck models. Please discard Special Policy Bulletin Number 99066E, dated February, 2003.
CONDITION
Some customers of 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 model year S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P, W4/NPR trucks and 2003 NPR trucks, that are registered in California, equipped with 4.3L (RPO L35 and VIN Code W, or RPO LF6 and VIN Code X), 5.0L (RPO L30 and VIN Code M) or 5.7L (RPO L31 and VIN Code R) engine, and California emissions (RPO YF5), may experience a "Service Engine Soon" light, misfire, rough idle or hard start due to a deposit build-up on the Sequential Central Port Fuel Injector (SCPI) poppet valve(s). The deposit build-up may cause injector poppets to stick closed. Certain fuels have been found to interact with the SCPI system to cause the deposits.
SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT
This special policy covers the SCPI failure condition described above for a period of ten (10) years or 200,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
The repairs will be made at no charge to the owner. This special policy applies ONLY to repairs requiring SCPI system servicing, injector cleaning and/or MFI assembly replacement of the SCPI system. The customer should not be charged for performing a system check when it is determined that the SCPI system is not the cause of a customer complaint (labor operation T5532 is provided to submit claims for such system checks). Any additional necessary diagnosis and repairs that are not related to the SCPI condition are not covered by this special policy. The customer should be informed that any further service that is not covered by new vehicle warranty will not be covered by this policy.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Involved are certain 1996,1997,1998,1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 S/T, M/L, C/K, G, P, W4/NPR and 2003 NPR model vehicles, registered in California, equipped with 4.3L (RPO L35 - VIN Code W, or RPO LF6 - VIN Code X), 5.0L (RPO L30 - VIN Code M) or 5.7L (RPO L31 - VIN Code R) engine; and California emissions (RPO YF5). This Special Policy covers all vehicles within these model years, with these engine and emissions RPO's.
Parts required to complete this special policy are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" prior to ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
IMPORTANT :Isuzu Parts Ordering: In order to comply with the 10-digit Isuzu part numbering system, Isuzu dealers must add an "8" to the beginning and a "0" to the end of the listed 8-digit part numbers when ordering parts through AIPDN.
Customers will be notified of this special policy on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).
SERVICE PROCEDURE
System Check: Use strategy-based diagnoses listed in the front of the Driveability and Emissionssection of the service manual. If the SCPI system is operating properly, inform the customer that the vehicle does not have the condition listed in the owner letter. If poor driveability conditions persist, inform the customer that any further diagnosis and repairs will be at their expense if the vehicle is outside the parameters of the new vehicle warranty.
SCPI Injector Cleaning Procedure: If diagnosis leads to sticking poppet nozzles, use the service procedure from Service Bulletin 00-06-04-003B to clean the SCPI poppet nozzles. Please note that the service bulletin term for SCPI is Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI), but is referring to the same fuel system assembly. If the poppet nozzles have previously been cleaned and the sticking condition has reoccurred, refer to the correction paragraph below.
SCPI Fuel Tank Fill Pipe Assembly for 1997-99 M/L Van and 1999 - some 2000 C/K Truck: with 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L engines and built prior to listed VIN/Production dates on Service Bulletin 00-06-04-018: If diagnosis leads to sticking poppet nozzles on these models, use the service procedure from Service Bulletin 00-06-04-018 to replace the fuel tank fill pipe assembly, if this procedure has not been performed previously. Previous service procedure can be verified by checking GMVIS for Labor Operation L1065 on "M/L" trucks with replacement part number 15050573; or Labor Operation L1065 on "C/K" trucks with replacement part numbers 15747585 or 15747588.
Correction: If, after cleaning the SCPI poppet nozzles, the normal service manual diagnosis still indicates that the SCPI is the cause of the customer complaint, or if the injectors have previously been cleaned and the vehicle has again experienced sticking poppet nozzles, refer to Service Bulletin 00-06-04-003B and replace the SCPI fuel assembly with the MFI fuel assembly. Please note that the service bulletin term for SCPI is Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI), but is referring to the same fuel system assembly.
For vehicles repaired under this special policy, submit a claim with the information indicated.
CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT
Customer requests for reimbursement are for any previously paid repairs to, or replacement of, the Sequential Central Port Fuel Injection (SCPI) system. Repairs must have occurred within 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 200,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The requests are to be submitted within two (2) years of the date on which the repair was paid or within two (2) years of the date of this Special Policy Bulletin, whichever is greater.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
- Proof of ownership at time of repair.
- Original paid receipt confirming the amount of unreimbursed repair expense(s) (including Service Contract deductibles), a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.
Customers from the State of California, must submit requests for reimbursement directly to (Divisions) per instructions in the owner letter.
If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.
There's also one out for the '02 Duramax...they extended the engine warranty from 100k miles to 200k. Something about fuel rails...maybe it was a bad year for GM's fuel department?
I just had this work done on my 99 Astro 4.3L with 46k NON California emissions vehicle. The problem the CSFI is firing incorrectly due to sticky poppet valve ball(s). The Service Bulletin first recommends a special procedure and equipment to clean injectors,throttle body, and restore condition of poppet valves 'as new'. I had this done last Oct and back to misfires recently with only 3k miles additional. In my case most of the time the vehicle ran smoothly but occasional hard start, rough idle, and rough acceleration. They just replaced the CSFI with MFI per the second recommendation of the Bulletin. I did get a dealer credit for the first procedure which failed but the cost still $850 for new injection system and GM lifetime warranty. If you live in California you're probably covered because their emissions requirements essentially cover the useful life of the vehicle. Otherwise it is the 1995 federal standard of only 2yr/24k or GM
3yr/36k bumper to bumper. My Service Bulletin reads slightly different so I'll just type some of the heading:
Document ID# 1234172
1999 Chevrolet/Geo Astro - 4WD Rough idle after start, and/or a service engine soon (ses) light (unstick and clean central sequential fuel injection (csfi) poppet valves or convert to mfi) #00-06-04-003B (Jan 30, 2003)
1995-2002 Chevrolet and GMC S/T Models
1996-2002 Chevrolet and GMC C/K, M/L,G,P Models
1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada
1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade with 4.3L,5.0L or 5.7L Engine(VINs W,X,M,R -- RPOs L35,LF6,L30,L31) Except 2002 VIN X - RPO LU3 Models
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