3 TERM.(UA8) BATTERY SYSTEM CONVERT TO COMMON BATTERY SYS.
MODELS AFFECTED: 1985 ELECTRAS EQUIPPED WITH OPTION UA8
Buick Motor Division has discontinued the optional Power Reserve Battery System which was available on 1985 Electras. Due to the limited number of vehicles produced with this system, and to the possibility of customer inconvenience in obtaining service on this system, the following Special Policy has been established.
Vehicles produced with the Power Reserve System option UA8 will be converted to a more common battery system. This consists of replacing the three (3) terminal posi-power battery with a new two-terminal heavy duty UAl option 78A-72 battery and replacing the power reserve controller and battery cables with new battery cables.
Owners of vehicles involved will be refunded the list price difference of $119 between the price of the two options, plus applicable state and local taxes.
This Special Policy conversion will be done at no charge to the owner regardless of the vehicle age or mileage until June 30, 1986. After June 30, 1986, Buick will continue the refund offer and the conversion of the power reserve system regardless of age or mileage of vehicle at no charge, but the cost of the replacement or new battery will be at the customer expense.
A copy of this "Special Policy Bulletin," should be filed in the 3-ring binder furnished to the dealer by General Motors in September 1982.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All 1985 Electras equipped with Delco Power Reserve Freedom Battery System Option UA8.
OWNER NOTIFICATION AND OWNER REFUND FORM
Owners of vehicles involved in this Special Policy will be notified by Buick Motor Division (see copy of Owner Letter included with this bulletin). A self-explanatory "Owner Refund Request" form is included with each notification letter.
PARTS INFORMATION
The parts required to perform this conversion on one vehicle is as follows:
Quantity Description Part Number Source -------- ----------- ------------ ------- 1 78A-72 Battery 1981590 AC-Delco Outlet
1 Battery Cable Assembly 12038872 GMWDD
To ersure the cable assembly will be obtained as soon as possible, it should be ordered from GMWDD on a C.I.O. order with no special instruction code, but order on an advise code (2).
TECHNICAL PROCEDURE
1. Raise vehicle hood and cover fenders.
2. Disconnect negative cable (black, center cable) from battery and both positive cables from battery. Refer to Figure 1.
3. Remove battery hold-down bolt, washer, and hold-down clamp.
4. Remove posi-power battery and hold for disposition by Buick.
CAUTION:
FOLLOW RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING BATTERIES.
5. Disconnect ECM battery lead connector. (Refer to Figure 3)
6. Detach wiring harness connector from controller. Insulate connector with electrical tape. Refer to Figure 1
7. Remove controller mounting screws. Reinstall screws in ALC cover after removing controller.
8. Remove ALC compressor cover.
9. Disconnect sheet metal ground wire under ALC compressor cover. Refer to Figure 1, View A
10. Disconnect battery cable harness from generator, starter, and engine ground. Refer to Figure 2, View A and C
11. Disconnect battery cable clip at bracket at rear of engine. Refer to Figure 2, View B
12. Remove battery cable assembly with controller attached and hold for disposition by Buick.
13. Replace battery cable assembly with part number 12038872. Follow same routings as removed cables to engine, starter, and generator using the Figures and torques as follows:
Attachment Reference Torque Specification ----------- --------- -------------------- Positive Cable to Figure 2 5.7 N.m (4-5 lb. ft.) Generator
Positive Cable Figure 2, 14-20 N.m (10-15 lb. ft.) to Starter View A
Negative Cable Figure 2, 40-60 N.m (30-44 lb. ft.) to Engine View C
Sheet Metal Figure 1, 6-9 N.m (4-7 lb. ft.) Ground ViewA
Cable Assembly Figure 2, 8-11 N.m (6-8 lb. ft.) Clip to Engine View B
NEGATIVE CABLE MUST BE ROUTED AWAY FROM EXHAUST MANIFOLD. (REFER TO FIGURE 2)
14. Connect ECM battery lead connector. (Refer to Figure 3)
15. Install controller wiring harness detached in step 6 under ALC compressor cover and secure to ALC harness with electrical tape.
16. Install ALC compressor cover.
17. Install new #78A-72 battery. Do not connect battery cables at this time.
18. Reassemble hold-down clamp and secure battery in place. Torque bolt to 15-20 N.m (11-15 lb. ft.).
19. Remove right lower instrument insulator panel. Disconnect battery reserve switch connector to switch under dash (Refer to figure 4)
20. Remove switch, switch bracket screw, and remove bracket and nut.
21. Tape switch connector and wiring to instrument panel wiring harness to prevent rattling. Reinstall lower instrument insulator panel.
22. Attach positive cable (red) to battery positive (+). Torque to 16-20 N.m (12-15 lb. ft.). (Refer to Figure 3)
23. Attach negative cable (black connector) to battery negative (-). Torque to 16-20 N.m (12-15 lb. ft.).
24. Start vehicle and check electrical operation. Close hood. NOTE: Disconnection of battery will cause loss of any electronic memory settings.
DISPOSITION OF REPLACED PARTS
Replaced parts must be held for disposition by Buick contact personnel. Each replaced part must have a claim tag attached showing the repair order and the VIN of the vehicle from which it was removed.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Dealers are to submit each vehicle as a separate case on the one-line warranty document, Form S-764. Dealers submitting warranty claims by teletype terminal are to transmit completions as a separate case.
LIST THE ONE APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATION
FAILURE OPER. LABOR OTHER SUBLET OPERATION COUNT PART NO. ALLOW. CODE NO. HOURS HOURS MTL TWG --------- ----- -------- ----- ---- -- ----- ----- -------- Perform Power Reserve System Conversion on or Priorto June 30, 1986 2 1981590 * 92 T5102 .6 hr. - -
*List current dealer price plus 30% of battery part no. 1981590 and cable assembly part no. 12038872 less scrap allowance of $1.95 for replaced battery.
Perform Power Reserve Battery System Conversion After June 30, 1986 1 12038872 ** 92 T5103 .6 hr. - -
**List current dealer price plus 30% of cable assembly part no. 12038872.
To assure accurate records of all transactions on this program, it is recommended that these repairs for each vehicle be listed on a separate repair order. Other repairs performed to the vehicle may be listed on the same repair order, and warranty cases other than this program may be listed on the same warranty document.
Zone authorization is not required.
Dear Buick Electra Owner.
Buick Motor Division has discontinued the optional Delco Power Reserve Battery System (Option UA8) which was available on early production 1985 Electras.
As part of Buick's continuing commitment to customer satisfaction, we want you to be aware of a serviceability concern that may affect you, since our records indicate you have this battery system on your car.This option can readily be identified by looking at the battery. The battery will have three posts or terminals on top of the battery instead of the more common two-side terminals.
Due to the decision to cancel this option, replacement three-post batteries will not be available. This may cause some customer inconvenience and delays at such time the original battery requires replacement.
To avoid this inconvenience, your Buick Dealer is prepared to convert the power reserve system on your vehicle to the more common battery system. This consists of replacing the three (3) terminal battery with a new two-terminal heavy-duty option UAl 78A-72 battery and new battery cables. If you still own the vehicle, Buick will refund the difference between the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the two options of $119, plus any applicable state and local taxes. To qualify for the $119 refund, the battery conversion must be done to your vehicle, and it must be done by a Buick Dealer. This conversion offer will be done at no charge regardless of the age or mileage on your vehicle until June 30,1986. AfterJune 30, 1986, Buick will continue the refund offer and the free conversion of the power reserve system regardless of age or mileage of vehicle, but the cost of the new battery will be at your expense.
Instructions for making this conversion have been sent to your Buick Dealer. We recommend you contact your dealer to arrange a date to have this service done to your vehicle.
Enclosed with this letter is a request form which is to be used to obtain the $119 refund. After the conversion is done on your vehicle, this form is to be completely filled out by you and the servicing dealer, a copy of Repair Order attached, and mailed to:
We suggest you keep a copy for your records. It will take approximately 30 days for your refund to be processed.
The enclosed owner reply card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making this conversion to your vehicle in the shortest possible time. If you have sold or traded your vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage paid owner reply card and returning it to us.
We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our product.
POWER RESERVE BATTERY SYSTEM CONVERSION POLICY REFUND REQUEST --------------------------------
The following should be completely filled out by the vehicle owner and servicing Buick Dealer and submitted with a copy of the Dealer Repair Order to:
Buick Motor Division 902 E. Hamilton Avenue Sales Accounting Department Flint, Michigan 48550 Atten: Battery Option Refund
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those 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 a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
