| Subject: | Exhaust System Ping/Crackle/Snap Noise During Cool Down (Replace Exhaust System Rearward of Catalytic Convertor) | 
| Models: | 2000-02 Buick Century | 
| 2000-02 Pontiac Grand Prix | 
| with 3.1L V6 Engine (VIN J, RPO LG8) | 
Some owners may comment on a ping/crackle/snap type noise that is audible for a short period of time after the engine is turned off. Typically, this noise is most apparent when the vehicle is being parked in a garage and may be detected from either the passenger compartment or from outside the vehicle.
This condition may be caused by the thermal related contraction/expansion of the resonator internal layers.
Replace the existing exhaust system muffler assembly, which includes the resonator, exhaust and tail pipes, with the applicable new assembly and a new catalytic converter gasket indicated below in Parts Information by vehicle model. To ensure correct installation, follow the applicable procedure contained in SI2000 as indicated in the chart below.
Model/Year  | Document ID Number  | 
|---|---|
Buick Century/2000  | 586174  | 
Buick Century/2001-02  | 676680  | 
Pontiac Grand Prix/2000  | 583441  | 
Pontiac Grand Prix/2001-02  | 685794  | 
Part Number  | Description  | 
|---|---|
10323005  | Muffler, Exhaust (Buick Century)  | 
10323004  | Muffler, Exhaust (Pontiac Grand Prix)  | 
10275205  | Gasket, Catalytic Converter  | 
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation  | Description  | Labor Time  | 
|---|---|---|
L2584  | Muffler -- Replace  | 0.3hr  |