GM recall #03034 engine coolant leak

Got a recall notice today from local Pontiac dealer stating this recall has never been performed on my 2000 Grand Prix GT.

Has anyone else here ever got this notice and if so, what exactly is supposed to be leaking anyway? I haven't noticed any leaks on mine.

Gm sent the previous owner a notice, and he says he got it done, but that he still received letters about it...I had to ask the GM customer service a question, and they researched my VIN, and said it had not been done...I don't know what the exact recall is, but they said they will do it for free...I am just waiting till I have some free time, i am swamped now.

Got a recall notice today from local Pontiac dealer stating this recall has never been performed on my 2000 Grand Prix GT.

Has anyone else here ever got this notice and if so, what exactly is supposed to be leaking anyway? I haven't noticed any leaks on mine.

:thumbsdown:
I believe it's a GM recall involving certain 3800 engines across all platforms covering the 2000 - 2003 model years. Something about adding coolant system seal tabs which is some sort of sealer. It ends sometime in 2005.
There has been much debate over the use of these tabs or tablets.

Checkout the following link. It may be helpful in answering your question.

http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/issues/mar04/TLMar04e.html#story7

I disregarded my notice.

how can i find out if my car qualifies? its a 2000.

how can i find out if my car qualifies? its a 2000.

You can call GM/Pontiac Customer Care/Assistance (800) 762-2737 in the U.S. or visit GM's web site and register to get info including recall on your specific GM car.

https://www.mygmlink.com/main/US/en/gm/home?cmp=gmcomhp

All they'll need is the VIN number. Good luck!

You can call GM/Pontiac Customer Care/Assistance (800) 762-2737 in the U.S. or visit GM's web site and register to get info including recall on your specific GM car.

https://www.mygmlink.com/main/US/en/gm/home?cmp=gmcomhp

All they'll need is the VIN number. Good luck!

I called GM about our 2001 Grand Prix GT and sadly our VIN didn't qualify for the recall. Since last Fall and car approached 40,000 miles, we have heard loud howling/blowing from the upper intake manifold whenever the engine is running (audible inside the car; sort of sound like the radiator fans are blowing at high speed except that the radiator fans are not making the sound but the UIM)...

BTW, I don't see any coolant leak or coolant loss on my car. But whatever wrong with my UIM, I want it replaced and I am thinking buying the aftermark UIM and do the replacement myself when I gather enough encouragement/skill to perform the task.

I called GM about our 2001 Grand Prix GT and sadly our VIN didn't qualify for the recall. Since last Fall and car approached 40,000 miles, we have heard loud howling/blowing from the upper intake manifold whenever the engine is running (audible inside the car; sort of sound like the radiator fans are blowing at high speed except that the radiator fans are not making the sound but the UIM)...

BTW, I don't see any coolant leak or coolant loss on my car. But whatever wrong with my UIM, I want it replaced and I am thinking buying the aftermark UIM and do the replacement myself when I gather enough encouragement/skill to perform the task.


Just out of curiousity on the howling/blowing noise. What side of the UIM is it most audible?

Checkout the following link. It may be helpful in answering your question.

http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/issues/mar04/TLMar04e.html#story7

I disregarded my notice.

I would like to know how you found this web site?

This is a site for GM techs only. I know the publisher of that web site and maybe I will be talkig to Mark this week and I would let him know that he may have to password protect his site. All of the other GM sites are password protected.

Just out of curiousity on the howling/blowing noise. What side of the UIM is it most audible?

When inside the car, the sound is like the radiator fans are on all the time. When the car is idling and putting my head right at the UIM, the sound are equally from left (belt/alt) to right (throttle body). Because of the belt/pulley noises on the left, I can't tell if UIM noise is stronger on one side. Very audible and I will say the UIM noises are louder than the belt/pulley noises. And I will also say that the noises of either or combination of air blowing or fuild flowing. I are aware of that there are coolant and exhaust passages inside our UIM, but I can't understand why it is so loud and audible from inside the car (which I didn't hear before)...

This was my wife's exclusive car until I pruchased her a new Chevy Equinox last winter and it becomes my car. I do perform regular oil changes for her since we bought it new in 2001 and occasionally take the car to refuel, but I didn't use the car enough to notice whether UIM was noisy before. I did remove the engine top cover last summer and we didn't notice the UIM noise until the winter... Again I am not losing coolant whatsoever but the noises do cause me to worry coolant leak into engine due to a failed UIM.

I would like to know how you found this web site?


This is a site for GM techs only. I know the publisher of that web site and maybe I will be talkig to Mark this week and I would let him know that he may have to password protect his site. All of the other GM sites are password protected.

:shakehead:I disagree. GM Techlink is and has been open to the public both consumer and tech. The purpose of this forum is to help people seeking it and I passed the info along. Evidently GM feels that way too otherwise there would have been restricted access to this info.

I'm not a GM tech or auto mechanic for a living and don't need to worry about protecting my job security.

As to how I got the info it is quite obvious it is an unprotected link in the public domain so go figure it out for yourself.

When inside the car, the sound is like the radiator fans are on all the time. When the car is idling and putting my head right at the UIM, the sound are equally from left (belt/alt) to right (throttle body). Because of the belt/pulley noises on the left, I can't tell if UIM noise is stronger on one side. Very audible and I will say the UIM noises are louder than the belt/pulley noises. And I will also say that the noises of either or combination of air blowing or fuild flowing. I are aware of that there are coolant and exhaust passages inside our UIM, but I can't understand why it is so loud and audible from inside the car (which I didn't hear before)...

It doesn't sound like you have signs of a UIM gasket leak or crack but you never know. The air blowing sound is whats concerning and troubling. The part of the UIM often over-looked is in the area of positive crankcase ventilation. If you can determine that this noise is coming more from the left hand side (passenger) of the UIM, then it could be the part of the UIM related to the PCV valve and the seals. Have you ever had the PCV valve serviced or replaced by anyone?

:shakehead:I disagree. GM Techlink is and has been open to the public both consumer and tech. The purpose of this forum is to help people seeking it and I passed the info along. Evidently GM feels that way too otherwise there would have been restricted access to this info.

I'm not a GM tech or auto mechanic for a living and don't need to worry about protecting my job security.

As to how I got the info it is quite obvious it is an unprotected link in the public domain so go figure it out for yourself.

You may disagree but it still is the property of GM for techs use. It may be open on the internet for now but it will change. This site was hidden till recently when they used the google search bar.

I agree with you on the purpose of this site.

This isn't about job security, I don't have to worry about protecting my job because in a few short years most DIY mechanics will not be able to do anything to there cars. Many changes are coming up that will make it impossible for anyone to fix there own cars. Right now you can't even change your own brake switch in the Lacrosse because you have to program the switch. You can't change a window switch in the GMC Envoy without reprogramming it. SO I have no worries about job security. Have you tried to remove your factory radio in put in an aftermarket radio? It can't be done, the factory radio has to stay inside the car because it is a computer.

What it does come down to is too much information in the wrong hands only causes problems. I have seen many times people walking in off the street with a list of bulletins and state I have this problem that is addressed by this bulletin. When in fact they failed to read the bulletin were it states models, years and serial numbers. Then I have to break the bad news to them and I look like the bad guy for doing the right thing.

I have to worry more about being sued and being a lawyer because of stuff like this.

You may disagree but it still is the property of GM for techs use. It may be open on the internet for now but it will change. This site was hidden till recently when they used the google search bar.

I agree with you on the purpose of this site.

This isn't about job security, I don't have to worry about protecting my job because in a few short years most DIY mechanics will not be able to do anything to there cars. Many changes are coming up that will make it impossible for anyone to fix there own cars. Right now you can't even change your own brake switch in the Lacrosse because you have to program the switch. You can't change a window switch in the GMC Envoy without reprogramming it. SO I have no worries about job security. Have you tried to remove your factory radio in put in an aftermarket radio? It can't be done, the factory radio has to stay inside the car because it is a computer.

What it does come down to is too much information in the wrong hands only causes problems. I have seen many times people walking in off the street with a list of bulletins and state I have this problem that is addressed by this bulletin. When in fact they failed to read the bulletin were it states models, years and serial numbers. Then I have to break the bad news to them and I look like the bad guy for doing the right thing.

I have to worry more about being sued and being a lawyer because of stuff like this.


With all due respect Flatrater, GM can do what it pleases. However, until GM Techlink is suppressed it's fair game and the info will get out one way or another.

Second, I disagree that DIY'rs wont be able to fix their cars in the future and what I learned is never under estimate anyone. Where there is a will, there is a way. In my case my engineering specialty is microprocessors and analog to digital & digital to analog AD-DA circuits and have a combination of over 30 years as an electronic tech and electrical engineer. I teach theory of operation on ECUs, etc. and can repair black box components. I'm quite sure others on the forum are in a similar situation.

And as an Information Technology professional rest assured that the technical info on cars will be out there on the Internet and in service manuals to include TSBs for all to share one way or another. Most people on the forum just want a reasonable explanation, guidance or help, its not a matter of the information being in the wrong hands. I am a firm believer in people having a right to know. When you suppress info, people have a tendency to distrust (especially auto mechanics) and then the conspiracy theories start or customer complaints rise. This is the last thing GM, its dealer's or techs need, especially since GM's market share is going down the drain to the Japanese auto manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan and Honda.

If what you're saying is true and I was an ASE tech or auto mechanic, I would be worried about my job security because you're going to have to be an electronics tech or computer programmer and have the proper educational foundation in order to fix these future cars and maintain customer satisfaction. Thats why automotive educational institutions like UTI (Universal Technical Institute) and other tech colleges are flourishing and I know for a fact dealer's are flocking to them for graduates to deal with the future and their survival.

With all due respect Flatrater, GM can do what it pleases. However, until GM Techlink is suppressed it's fair game and the info will get out one way or another.

I am not trying to offend you in any way, its not my intent. But since my friend is the editor of the techlink I have talked to him about this issue and in the future this site will be password protected. He has told me of many problems from people reading his articles and taking them out of context. So it is being forced into password protection.

Second, I disagree that DIY'rs wont be able to fix their cars in the future and what I learned is never under estimate anyone. Where there is a will, there is a way. In my case my engineering specialty is microprocessors and analog to digital & digital to analog AD-DA circuits and have a combination of over 30 years as an electronic tech and electrical engineer. I teach theory of operation on ECUs, etc. and can repair black box components. I'm quite sure others on the forum are in a similar situation.

GM currently is producing a truck with a 42 volt system on it. This system can kill people if worked on the wrong way. The GMC Envoy's have at least 30 repairs that are done thru a computer program. DIY'rs will still be able to do minor repairs but that will be it.

Since you have a microprocessor background you will understand how a high speed LAN system works. All the new GM models have high speed networking structure. Probe the wrong wire and you fry a computer or the car will not start. Without GM manuals and GM equipment what you will be able to do will be limited. If you don't believe me research the pending "Right to repair" bill in the congress right now. The aftermarket companies are putting pressure on GM to give out secret information to the aftermarkets so they can get a chunk of the repairs.

And as an Information Technology professional rest assured that the technical info on cars will be out there on the Internet and in service manuals to include TSBs for all to share one way or another. Most people on the forum just want a reasonable explanation, guidance or help, its not a matter of the information being in the wrong hands. I am a firm believer in people having a right to know. When you suppress info, people have a tendency to distrust (especially auto mechanics) and then the conspiracy theories start or customer complaints rise. This is the last thing GM, its dealer's or techs need, especially since GM's market share is going down the drain to the Japanese auto manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan and Honda.

If you want to spend 3K a year you can buy the GM manuals but without the special tools listed in the repair procedures you will be lost.

As for a reasonable explanation and guidance I am all for that and I have been offering it for some time now. But at least I can filter the useless junk GM includes in everything. Every piece of paper that comes out of GM goes thru GM legal before anyone outside of GM can see it. GM legal changes things maikng some info incorrect. The GM service manuals have to be at least 80% correct to print. Can you tell me if you are in the 80% or the 20%?

As for the mistrust issue owners feel towards the techs, its too late they already mistrust us and the mistrust can't get worse. No matter what I do the owners still whine and complain, it won't stop. Today I had a customer with a 03 Lesabre with 26K miles on it getting all whiny because his brake pads aren't covered under the factory warranty. Teusday I had a customer complaining because he had to pay his bill and couldn't understand why the bill wasn't covered under warranty. I told him this problem was caused by the guy you you paid to install your remote starter and not by GM. Want to take bets that I will have someone whing tommorrow? Its a daily whine fest from the owners when they have to pay. All the car owners are given a booklet that explains how the warrnty works and what is covered. They are informed yet still don't get it.

If what you're saying is true and I was an ASE tech or auto mechanic, I would be worried about my job security because you're going to have to be an electronics tech or computer programmer and have the proper educational foundation in order to fix these future cars and maintain customer satisfaction. Thats why automotive educational institutions like UTI (Universal Technical Institute) and other tech colleges are flourishing and I know for a fact dealer's are flocking to them for graduates to deal with the future and their survival.

Let me try to explain this one to you. There is a shortage of "SKILLED" techs in dealerships. Most dealers only have one or two skilled techs the rest are bodies that perform service work such as brakes and oil changes. They have no skill set to repair cars. These non skilled techs are what makes the profits for the dealer since the service work is where the profits are. Ford only requires one skilled trained tech after that its just bodies.

My specialty is electrical and driveablities problems. I am the tech who has to find and fix the hard to solve problems which make very little profit for the dealership. I am a necassary evil for the dealer. They need me to fix the headaches. My job isn't to create profits. I am also the Onstar tech and the dealer IT person running the network in the service department. I have the training and knowledge to fix these advanced computer problems. Going to school teaches you the basics and you learn on the job.

As I said we have a "SKILLED" shortage of techs and GM knows the only way to fix that problem is to bring new blood into the dealership and train them in house. So the dealers and GM go to the tech schools and try to fill the need. In my 14 years of working for the dealership most college or tech school kids last less than a year before they quit. That is why GM is heavy into the ASEP and AYES programs. These programs teach and train the future kids to become techs in dealers. The biggest hurdle these new techs face is the low pay and the lack of training in house along with doing only oil changes.

Let me explain the pay plan in dealerships. I am a commison based employee with no set salary. If I don't fix a car I don't get paid. If I don't fix the car right the first time I don't get paid for the second attempt. Each job has a set time to perform the job. Now take a kid out of tech school who will be thrown on the lube rack to fend for himself while trying to pay off his 12K student loan, his 3K tool bill while making 10 dollar a hour on commision doing mostly oil changes that don't pay.He can ask other techs for help but he won't get it since we don't get paid being in another lift helping someone else make money. They are thrown to the sharks and told to swim without any help under odds that make it near impossible to pay your bills. Take this example last week I was in the shop for 45 hours and I produced 31 hours of work, guess how many hours I get paid for? Then you add the complaining whining owners to the mix and it leaves a bad taste in the kids and they quit.

I have no fear in losing my job "Skilled techs" are impossible to find and in great demand. I applied at 5 different dealers last year and all of them made me an offer. So I have no fear in not working. And if I want I can go back to fixing airplanes or go into IT work. I taught myself the improtance on being cross trained in different areas in case something happened.

Flatrater,

It took a while to read your whole detailed reply but that's some very interesting information and point of view from someone in the business.

You're the IT Mgr for your dealership. Interesting. What system are you running. I've had some experience with Reynolds & Reynolds software. I'm the IT Mgr for a major US company supporting a wide area network and domain consisting if over 1500 workstations and over 50 file/web/communications servers so we have something in common. I agree, no problems with job security in this type of business so its always good to keep your options open. The automotive repair business sounds very frustrating.

And I agree that the pay in the auto repair business leaves a lot to be desired. I don't know how you guys do it. But we should be thankful for technical educational institutions like UTI who strives to make it better for all in the field and that means graduates commanding more pay. It's the same company where you can learn to be a NASCAR mechanic. My son is currently attending the MMI (Motorcycle Mechanics Institute) division where he will be a certified Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki motorcycle tech upon completion after 18 months. When I visited the campus I couldn't believe the amount of GM, Chrysler and Ford dealers recruiting there.

Again thats an interesting perspective.

Flatrater,

While I seem to have your undivided attention and sticking to the issue at hand, what's your take on Customer Satisfaction Program Bulletin #03034 concerning use of the cooling system sealing tabs or aka "sawdust" tablets.

I know of a lot of GM owners refusing to take their cars in pursuant to the selective recall. Sort of reminds me of the Doctor that performed surgery on you and left something behind and then wants your permission to go back in and remove it. :screwy:

Flatrater,

While I seem to have your undivided attention and sticking to the issue at hand, what's your take on Customer Satisfaction Program Bulletin #03034 concerning use of the cooling system sealing tabs or aka "sawdust" tablets.

I know of a lot of GM owners refusing to take their cars in pursuant to the selective recall. Sort of reminds me of the Doctor that performed surgery on you and left something behind and then wants your permission to go back in and remove it. :screwy:

You asked for my honest take on this recall? Well my answer is it is pure BS. The recall is a bandaid fix which really fixes nothing just tries to hide the problem. Its all about the money it costs.

In the same manner as I would go to bat for GM I will do the same for the customer. I have made me feelings known to GM on this issue.

The fact is if your engine already has a coolant leak this recall will not fix it, if the coolant is leaking from the upper intake which 90% of the time is the problem the recall does nothing. I asked the GM big wigs about the upper intake leaking while we have a recall on coolant leaks if the recall can apply to the lower intake leaking? GM gave me the answer of no its not covered under the recall. And if the owner wants the leak fixed he needs to pay for it.

Ok I said enough about my feelings on this recall.

BTW my shop runs ADP who set up the network in the begining I only have to fix it when other people mess it up. I don't know enough to do everything but I know enough to be dangerous. In the futrue I would like to take some IT classes and invest some time into becoming a good IT tech. I'm not claiming to be an expert, just a person who can undo people's mistakes.

You asked for my honest take on this recall? Well my answer is it is pure BS. The recall is a bandaid fix which really fixes nothing just tries to hide the problem. Its all about the money it costs.


I thought so too. But thanks for your input and honest opinion on this issue.

Flatrater, Just my opinion I work for a indepent transmission shop for 5yrs I have no tech school training (I just know my stuff). I have thought for a year or so now about going back to school for auto mechanics so I could possibly get a job at a dealer but in you view it kinda sounds like a no win deal for the rookie. What is ASEP (ASE??) by the way. I would fit good into the new generation of techs I am good with computer and electronics. Its a shame that every thing has to be programmed anymore its getting harder & harder to run a indepent shop not to mention $$$. I have heard tons of bad things about dealers its too bad thats its got that way. Its also a shame when I was in tech school for autobody the mechanic side would not let the local ford dealer hire any techs because they would not pay them over 6.50 hr.

bnaylor3400, i think you scared him away lol.

Because all the blowing noises inside my UIM and concern about potential coolant leak due to UIM failure, I contacted Pontiac Care a few months back about the coolant/UIM recall on 2001 GPGT; And was only told my VIN was not part of the recall. After escalated to a higher-level dept and I was still denied (I couldn't even convince Pontiac to pay for a diagnostic). The car just exceeded 3yrs and was around 37K when we notice the noisy UIM problem. The local Pontiac wanted 6 hrs of labor @$90 plus part to replace the UIM. I gave up my hope on Pontiac and has been planning to do it myself...

Well, tonight, we just received an "Important GM Recall Notification" email about a "Engine Coolant Leak" recall for our VIN. It refers us to mygmlink.com but the site tells us that there is no open recall for our particular VIN... I will just have to wait for postal notice.

Is my recall same as #03034? Will Pontiac replace my UIM (as my problem is noise)? BTW, I would have been a happier Pontiac owner if they agreed to a free diagnose or do the recall earlier when I first contact them. Wonder what take them so long to include our VIN on the recall list?

bnaylor3400, i think you scared him away lol.

I doubt it but he's got KustomKid54 fuming over an allegation of theft of service on another post/thread. See Anti Theft Stero System Code.

I'm cool with it and have no problems with his opinions and views. Everyone is entitled to one.

Well, tonight, we just received an "Important GM Recall Notification" email about a "Engine Coolant Leak" recall for our VIN. It refers us to mygmlink.com but the site tells us that there is no open recall for our particular VIN... I will just have to wait for postal notice.

Is my recall same as #03034? Will Pontiac replace my UIM (as my problem is noise)? BTW, I would have been a happier Pontiac owner if they agreed to a free diagnose or do the recall earlier when I first contact them. Wonder what take them so long to include our VIN on the recall list?


To avoid speculation, I'd recommend waiting for the paper recall notice. It will have your VIN listed, the 5 digit identification number of the respective Customer Satisfaction Program Bulletin number/recall which may or not be 03034, and contain a brief description.