SPECIAL POLICY:ADJUSTMENT FOLDING TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE. Cadillac Allante 1992

For 1990-2009 cars

# SPECIAL POLICY:ADJUSTMENT FOLDING TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE

#### IMPORTANT: CANADIAN VERSION OF 98045 IS LOCATED BELOW THE U.S. VERSION ______________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL POLICY 98045 NOVEMBER, 1998

#### SUBJECT: 98045 - SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT FOLDING TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE

#### MODELS: 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT

********************************************************************** THIS SPECIAL POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 1999 ********************************************************************** CONDITION

SOME OWNERS OF 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT VEHICLES MAY COMMENT ABOUT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE CONVERTIBLE FOLDING TOP DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY AT THE WINDSHIELD HEADER.

CAUSE

THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT FROM A FAILURE TO PERFORM THE TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE IN THE CORRECT SEQUENCE. SPECIFICALLY, IT IS MANDATORY TO ENSURE THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HEADER LATCHES ARE SECURED PRIOR TO SECURING THE LATCH AT THE REAR OF THE TOP ASSEMBLY. IF THE FRONT OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IS NOT SECURED TO THE WINDSHIELD HEADER BEFORE THE REAR OF THE TOP IS SECURED, THE LATCHING MECHANISMS MAY NOT BE FULLY SEATED TO EACH OTHER BEFORE THE HEADER MOTORS ARE ACTIVATED, WHICH MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE STRIKERS, ALIGNMENT PINS, AND ALIGNMENT PIN REINFORCEMENTS. IF THE TOP IS NOT CORRECTLY SECURED, IT MAY BE PULLED UP AND BACK WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TOP.

SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT

THIS SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT COVERS THE CONDITION DESCRIBED ABOVE UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 1999, REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE MILEAGE OR OWNERSHIP.

CADILLAC IS PROVIDING EVERY OWNER OF RECORD OF AN INVOLVED VEHICLE WITH AN INSTRUCTION CARD DEMONSTRATING CORRECT TOP OPERATING PROCEDURES (SEE SAMPLE AT END OF BULLETIN). THESE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL STEP OF ENSURING THE TOP IS SECURED AT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HEADER BY VISUALLY CONFIRMING THAT THE ROLLERS ARE PROPERLY SEATED AND THAT THE TOP FRONT IS FULLY SECURED. BOTH THE LATCHING AND VERIFICATION STEPS ARE TO BE PERFORMED PRIOR TO SECURING THE REAR LATCH. ADDITIONALLY, CADILLAC IS INVITING AFFECTED OWNERS TO VISIT ANY CADILLAC DEALERSHIP FOR A DEMONSTRATION OF PROPER TOP OPERATION AND AN INSPECTION OF THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM. EACH DEALER WILL RECEIVE A VIDEO TAPE DEMONSTRATING THE CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING AND SECURING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IN THE "UP" POSITION.

DEALERS ARE TO DEMONSTRATE THE CORRECT TOP OPERATING PROCEDURE UTILIZING THE NEW INSTRUCTIONS TO ANY AFFECTED REQUESTING OWNER. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM SHOULD BE INSPECTED TO ENSURE CORRECT OPERATION. IF ANY REPAIRS ARE REQUIRED TO THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM, THEY ARE TO BE PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. ANY OTHER REPAIRS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE TOP LATCHING MECHANISM, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FABRIC, BRACES, OR OTHER PARTS OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP MECHANISM ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS SPECIAL WARRANTY COVERAGE. THIS SPECIAL POLICY APPLIES ONLY TO REPAIRS TO THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM OF THE ALLANT CONVERTIBLE TOP AND INCLUDES A REVIEW AND EXPLANATION OF THE RECOMMENDED TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

INVOLVED ARE ALL 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT MODEL VEHICLES BUILT WITHIN THE FOLLOWING VIN BREAKPOINTS:

YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH

1990 CADILLAC ALLANT HAMTRAMCK U LU100001 LU175001 1991 CADILLAC ALLANT HAMTRAMCK U MU100001 MU175001 1992 CADILLAC ALLANT HAMTRAMCK U NU100001 NU150005 1993 CADILLAC ALLANT HAMTRAMCK U PU100001 PU175009

PARTS INFORMATION

PARTS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS SPECIAL POLICY ARE TO BE OBTAINED FROM GENERAL MOTORS SERVICE PARTS OPERATIONS (GMSPO). NORMAL ORDERS SHOULD BE PLACED ON A DRO = DAILY REPLENISHMENT ORDER. AN EMERGENCY REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE ORDERED ON A CSO = CUSTOMER SPECIAL ORDER.

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY/ VEHICLE

03545158 STRIKER-FRONT LATCH - RH 0 OR 1 03545159 STRIKER-FRONT LATCH - LH 0 OR 1 03544864 REINFORCEMENT-ALIGNMENT PIN - RH 0 OR 1 03544865 REINFORCEMENT-ALIGNMENT PIN - LH 0 OR 1 03521670 PIN-ALIGNMENT 0, 1 OR 2 08090 ADHESIVE, SUPER TRIM - YELLOW (3M) AS REQ'D

#### NOTICE: DUE TO THE SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES INVOLVED AND LIMITED PARTS AVAILABILITY, DEALERS SHOULD NOT ORDER PARTS FOR USE AS SHELF STOCK.

PARTS SHOULD ONLY BE ORDERED WHEN INSPECTION DETERMINES THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE SPECIFIC COMPONENTS OF THE TOP LATCHING MECHANISM.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ONLY 2% OF INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF ANY FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM PARTS. PLEASE ORDER PARTS ACCORDINGLY.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

AFFECTED OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THIS SPECIAL POLICY ON THEIR VEHICLES BY CADILLAC MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION (SEE COPY OF OWNER LETTER INCLUDED WITH THIS BULLETIN).

SERVICE PROCEDURE

IF REQUESTED BY AN AFFECTED OWNER, DEALERS ARE TO REVIEW THE PROPER PROCEDURE FOR LATCHING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IN THE "UP" POSITION. THIS SHOULD BE DONE USING THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE LAMINATED INSTRUCTION CARD INCLUDED WITH THE OWNER LETTER AND/OR BY HAVING THE OWNER VIEW THE DEMONSTRATION VIDEO TAPE.

REFERENCE 1993 SERVICE INFORMATION MANUAL, SECTION 10-9.

1. INSPECT THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM FOR PROPER OPERATION AND LATCHING, FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDED LATCHING SEQUENCE AND PROCEDURE.

IF THE LATCHING MECHANISM FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, PROCEED TO STEP 28 OF THIS SERVICE PROCEDURE.

IF THE LATCHING MECHANISM DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, AND REPAIR TO ONE OR MORE OF THE COMPONENTS OF THE LATCHING MECHANISM IS REQUIRED, PROCEED TO STEP 2 OF THIS SERVICE PROCEDURE.

2. OPEN THE FOLDING CONVERTIBLE TOP.

#### IMPORTANT: THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PROCEDURE STEPS DESCRIBE THE STEPS REQUIRED TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL ALL THE COMPONENTS OF THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM. DUE TO LIMITED PARTS AVAILABILITY, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ONLY THOSE PARTS THAT ARE DAMAGED BE REPLACED.

3. REMOVE THE MOTOR HEADER TRIM SCREWS.

4. TO AID IN RE-ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENT, SCRIBE THE POSITION OF THE MOTOR MOUNTING PLATES ONTO THE BRACKET PRIOR TO REMOVAL. REMOVE THE HEADER MOTORS (4 BOLTS).

5. REMOVE THE STRIKER ALIGNMENT/CENTERING PINS. DISCARD IF BENT. SEE FIGURE 2.

6. REMOVE THE MOTOR MOUNTING BRACKETS.

7. GRIND THE EDGE OF THE WELDED NUT (FOR STRIKER PIN) FLUSH WITH THE END OF THE BRACKET IN THE AREA SHOWN IN FIGURE 2, SECTION A-A.

8. REMOVE ANY WELD FLASH/SPLATTER ON THE TOP SURFACE OF THE BRACKET.

FIGURE 1

9. HOLDING THE BRACKET IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE REMAINING MOUNTING HOLES, USE A RAZOR KNIFE TO MAKE A SMALL SLICE (APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH LONG) THROUGH THE HEADLINER JUST REAR OF THE STRIKER PIN NUT (WHICH WAS GROUND IN STEP 7, ABOVE). USE THE BRACKET EDGE AS A GUIDE.

10. SLIDE THE LEG OF THE ALIGNMENT PIN REINFORCEMENT INTO THE SLOT IN THE HEADLINER AND HOOK INTO THE SOFT TOP HEADER.

FIGURE 2

11. POSITION THE MOTOR MOUNTING BRACKETS ON THE HEADER. FINGER START SCREW (1A) ONLY.

12. ASSEMBLE THE REINFORCEMENT TO THE BRACKET WITH THE ALIGNMENT PIN, REPLACING THE PIN WITH A NEW PIN IF NECESSARY.

13. INSTALL THE REMAINING BRACKET SCREWS (1B, 1C). TIGHTEN THE THREE BRACKET SCREWS TO 5.8 NM (51.3 IN. LBS).

14. POSITION THE HEADER MOTORS TO THE BRACKETS AND MOUNTING PLATES. FINGER START THE ATTACHING SCREWS, ALIGN THE MOUNTING PLATES WITH THE SCRIBE MARKS ON THE BRACKET, AND TIGHTEN MOTOR MOUNTING SCREWS TO 5.3 NM (46.9 IN. LBS).

#### NOTICE: WITH THE REINFORCEMENTS IN POSITION, SCREW (1B) MAY INTERFERE WITH THE MOTOR MOUNTING PLATE. IF THIS OCCURS, MARK THE PLATE AND GRIND OR FILE THE MOUNTING PLATE ONLY ENOUGH TO PROVIDE CLEARANCE TO THE SCREW HEAD.

15. INSPECT THE LATCH STRIKERS FOR DAMAGE. IF DAMAGED, REMOVE THE UPPER HEADER MOLDING.

16. REMOVE THE SUNSHADES, CENTER COVER, AND SUNSHADE RETAINER.

17. GENTLY PEEL THE VINYL FROM THE HEADER AND PULL THE MOLDING TO RELEASE THE RETAINERS.

18. REMOVE THE INTERIOR HEADER GARNISH MOLDING. REMOVE ONE SCREW AT CENTER.

19. REMOVE THE LATCH STRIKERS.

20. POSITION THE NEW LATCH STRIKERS TO THE WINDSHIELD HEADER. FINGER START ATTACHING BOLTS.

21. ADJUST STRIKERS FOR PROPER OPERATION. STRIKER ADJUSTMENT: WHEN PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE LATCH ROLLER ON THE FOLDING TOP MOTOR SHOULD BE CENTERED IN THE OPENING OF THE LATCH STRIKER. THE ROLLER WILL TRAVEL TO THE END OF THE STRIKER CHANNEL WHEN IN THE LATCHED POSITION. THE CENTERING PIN SHOULD MOVE FREELY IN AND OUT OF ITS STRIKER WHEN PROPERLY ADJUSTED.

22. TIGHTEN THE STRIKER FASTENERS.

23. RE-INSTALL THE INTERIOR HEADER GARNISH MOLDING AND CENTER SCREW.

24. PULL THE VINYL TIGHT AND RE-GLUE TO THE HEADER. APPLY ADDITIONAL TRIM ADHESIVE (3M 08090 - SUPER TRIM ADHESIVE - YELLOW) IF NECESSARY.

25. RE-INSTALL THE SUNSHADES, CENTER COVER, AND SUNSHADE RETAINER.

26. RE-INSTALL THE UPPER HEADER MOLDING.

27. RE-INSTALL THE MOTOR TRIM COVERS TO THE SOFT TOP.

28. CHECK FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE LATCHING MECHANISM.

CLAIM INFORMATION FOR VEHICLES REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, SUBMIT A CLAIM WITH THE INFORMATION INDICATED BELOW:

PART FAILED PARTS LABOR LABOR NET REPAIR PERFORMED COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC OP * HOURS ITEM

INSPECT FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM ONLY (NO REPAIRS REQUIRED). INSTRUCT OWNER REGARDING CORRECT TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE. 0 N/A N/A MK-95 T5512 0.2

INSPECT FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM - REPLACE DAMAGED PART(S) AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCT OWNER REGARDING CORRECT TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE. 1 TO 6 --- * MK-95 T5513 1.0 **

* THE "PARTS ALLOWANCE" SHOULD BE THE SUM TOTAL OF THE CURRENT GMSPO DEALER NET PRICE PLUS 30% FOR STRIKERS, REINFORCEMENTS, AND/OR ALIGNMENT PINS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR.

** THE AMOUNT IDENTIFIED IN THE "NET ITEM" COLUMN SHOULD REPRESENT THE SUM TOTAL OF THE COST OF P/N 08090, 3M SUPER TRIM ADHESIVE - YELLOW, NOT TO EXCEED $0.66 PER VEHICLE.

REFER TO THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION CLAIMS PROCESSING MANUAL FOR DETAILS ON PRODUCT CAMPAIGN CLAIM SUBMISSION.

FIGURES: 2 ATTACHMENTS: 2

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 TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, 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 DEALER/RETAILER FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER YOUR VEHICLE MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

NOVEMBER, 1998

DEAR CADILLAC CUSTOMER:

AS THE OWNER OF A 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT , 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 SPECIFIED PERIOD. THIS WARRANTY HAS BEEN VALUABLE TO YOU IF YOU EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH YOUR VEHICLE. YOUR WARRANTY COVERAGE IS BEING EXTENDED TO COVER CERTAIN PARTS (AND ASSOCIATED LABOR COSTS) OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM. COMPONENTS OF THIS MECHANISM MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO IMPROPER LATCHING OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IN THE UP POSITION, AND COULD RESULT IN THE TOP BEING PULLED UP AND BACK WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

CONDITION: SOME 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT MODELS MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE CONVERTIBLE FOLDING TOP DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY AT THE WINDSHIELD HEADER. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT FROM A FAILURE TO PERFORM THE TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE IN THE CORRECT SEQUENCE. SPECIFICALLY, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HEADER LATCHES MUST BE SECURED PRIOR TO SECURING THE LATCH AT THE REAR OF THE TOP ASSEMBLY. IF THE FRONT OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED TO THE WINDSHIELD HEADER BEFORE THE REAR OF THE TOP IS SECURED, THE LATCHING MECHANISMS MAY NOT BE FULLY SEATED AND ENGAGED TO EACH OTHER BEFORE THE HEADER MOTORS ARE ACTIVATED, WHICH MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE STRIKERS, ALIGNMENT PINS, AND ALIGNMENT PIN REINFORCEMENTS. IF THE TOP IS NOT CORRECTLY SECURED, IT MAY BE PULLED UP AND BACK WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TOP.

ACTION: GENERAL MOTORS IS SENDING OWNERS OF 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT MODELS SPECIAL LAMINATED INSTRUCTION CARDS (ENCLOSED) WITH CLEAR, EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER LATCHING OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IN THE "UP" POSITION. PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTION CARD CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE STEPS OUTLINED ON THE INSTRUCTION CARD THE NEXT TIME YOU RAISE YOUR CONVERTIBLE TOP. WHEN YOU READ THE INSTRUCTION CARD, YOU'LL SEE THAT IT INCLUDES A STEP TO MAKE SURE THAT THE TOP IS SECURED AT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HEADER AFTER THE FRONT LATCHES ARE SECURED. BOTH THE LATCHING STEPS AND VERIFICATION STEP ARE TO BE PERFORMED PRIOR TO SECURING THE REAR LATCH.

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT HOW TO OPERATE YOUR CONVERTIBLE TOP PROPERLY, YOUR CADILLAC DEALER WILL DEMONSTRATE THE CORRECT PROCEDURE TO YOU. A DEMONSTRATION VIDEO TAPE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO REVIEW AT THE DEALERSHIP.

ALSO, SPECIAL WARRANTY COVERAGE IS BEING EXTENDED TO OWNERS OF 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT MODELS. IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THE IMPROPER LATCHING CONDITION DESCRIBED ABOVE, AND YOU BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO YOUR CADILLAC DEALER BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 1999, YOUR DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE FRONT CONVERTIBLE TOP LATCHING MECHANISM AT NO CHARGE TO YOU. ANY OTHER REPAIRS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE TOP LATCHING MECHANISM, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FABRIC, BRACES, OR OTHER PARTS OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP MECHANISM ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS SPECIAL WARRANTY COVERAGE. ANY REPAIRS THAT MAY BE NECESSARY DUE TO OTHER CONDITIONS WOULD BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, IF YOU ELECT TO HAVE YOUR DEALER PROVIDE THE SERVICE.

THIS IS NOT A RECALL CAMPAIGN. DO NOT TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO YOUR CADILLAC DEALER AS A RESULT OF THIS LETTER UNLESS YOU BELIEVE YOUR VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THE CONDITION DESCRIBED ABOVE, OR YOU WANT YOUR DEALER TO EXPLAIN THE PROPER CONVERTIBLE TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE AS DESCRIBED IN THE LAMINATED INSTRUCTION CARD ENCLOSED WITH THIS LETTER.

CONTACTING YOUR DEALER: REPAIRS QUALIFYING UNDER THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE MUST BE PERFORMED BY A CADILLAC DEALER. YOU MAY WANT TO CALL THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT YOUR DEALER TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT AT THE MOST CONVENIENT TIME FOR YOU. YOUR DEALER CAN TELL YOU HOW LONG THEY WILL NEED TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE TO COMPLETE THIS SERVICE PROCEDURE. PLEASE KEEP THIS LETTER WITH YOUR OTHER IMPORTANT GLOVEBOX LITERATURE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

SHOULD YOUR DEALER BE UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE DATE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT THE APPROPRIATE NUMBER LISTED BELOW:

CADILLAC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER TELEPHONE NUMBER DEAF, HEARING IMPAIRED OR SPEECH IMPAIRED *

1-800-255-2683 1-800-833-2622

* UTILIZES TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR THE DEAF/TEXT TELEPHONES (TDD/TTY)

WE ARE SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE YOU; HOWEVER, WE HAVE TAKEN THIS ACTION IN THE INTEREST OF YOUR CONTINUED SATISFACTION WITH OUR PRODUCTS.

CADILLAC MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

ENCLOSURE

COPYRIGHT 1998 GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

********************************************************************** CANADIAN VERSION **********************************************************************

SPECIAL POLICY 98045 OCTOBER 1998

#### SUBJECT: 98045 SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT - FOLDING TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE

#### MODELS: 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT

********************************************************************** THIS SPECIAL POLICY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 1999 **********************************************************************

CONDITION

SOME OWNERS OF 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT VEHICLES MAY COMMENT ABOUT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE CONVERTIBLE FOLDING TOP DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY AT THE WINDSHIELD HEADER.

#### CAUSE:

THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT FROM A FAILURE TO PERFORM THE TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE IN THE CORRECT SEQUENCE. SPECIFICALLY, IT IS MANDATORY TO ENSURE THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HEADER LATCHES ARE SECURED PRIOR TO SECURING THE LATCH AT THE REAR OF THE TOP ASSEMBLY. IF THE FRONT OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IS NOT SECURED TO THE WINDSHIELD HEADER BEFORE THE REAR OF THE TOP IS SECURED, THE LATCHING MECHANISMS MAY NOT BE FULLY SEATED TO EACH OTHER BEFORE THE HEADER MOTORS ARE ACTIVATED, WHICH MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE STRIKERS, ALIGNMENT PINS, AND ALIGNMENT PIN REINFORCEMENTS. IF THE TOP IS NOT CORRECTLY SECURED, IT MAY BE PULLED UP AND BACK WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TOP.

SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT

THIS SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT COVERS THE CONDITION DESCRIBED ABOVE UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 1999, REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE MILEAGE OR OWNERSHIP.

GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA LIMITED IS PROVIDING EVERY OWNER OF RECORD, OF AN INVOLVED VEHICLE, WITH AN INSTRUCTION CARD DEMONSTRATING CORRECT TOP OPERATING PROCEDURES (SEE SAMPLE AT END OF BULLETIN). THESE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL STEP OF ENSURING THE TOP IS SECURED AT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HEADER BY VISUALLY CONFIRMING THAT THE ROLLERS ARE PROPERLY SEATED AND THAT THE TOP FRONT IS FULLY SECURED. BOTH THE LATCHING AND VERIFICATION STEPS ARE TO BE PERFORMED PRIOR TO SECURING THE REAR LATCH. ADDITIONALLY, GM IS INVITING AFFECTED OWNERS TO VISIT ANY GM DEALERSHIP FOR A DEMONSTRATION OF PROPER TOP OPERATION AND AN INSPECTION OF THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM.

DEALERS ARE TO DEMONSTRATE THE CORRECT TOP OPERATING PROCEDURE, UTILIZING THE NEW INSTRUCTIONS, TO ANY AFFECTED REQUESTING OWNER. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM SHOULD BE INSPECTED TO ENSURE CORRECT OPERATION. IF ANY REPAIRS ARE REQUIRED TO THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM, THEY ARE TO BE PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. ANY OTHER REPAIRS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE TOP LATCHING MECHANISM, THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FABRIC, BRACES, OR OTHER PARTS OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP MECHANISM ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS SPECIAL WARRANTY COVERAGE. THIS SPECIAL POLICY APPLIES ONLY TO REPAIRS TO THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM OF THE ALLANT CONVERTIBLE TOP AND INCLUDES A REVIEW AND EXPLANATION OF THE RECOMMENDED TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

INVOLVED ARE ALL 1990-93 CADILLAC ALLANT MODEL VEHICLES BUILT WITHIN THE FOLLOWING VIN BREAKPOINTS:

YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH

1990 CADILLAC ALLANT HAMTRAMCK 'U' LU100001 LU175001 1991 CADILLAC ALLANT HAMTRAMCK 'U' MU100001 MU175001 1992 CADILLAC ALLANT HAMTRAMCK 'U' NU100001 NU150005 1993 CADILLAC ALLANT HAMTRAMCK 'U' PU100001 PU175009

PARTS INFORMATION

PARTS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS SPECIAL POLICY ARE TO BE OBTAINED FROM GENERAL MOTORS SERVICE PARTS OPERATIONS (GMSPO).

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY/VEHICLE

03545158 FRONT LATCH STRIKER - RH 0 OR 1

03545159 FRONT LATCH STRIKER - LH 0 OR 1

03544864 ALIGNMENT PIN REINFORCEMENT - RH 0 OR 1

03544865 ALIGNMENT PIN REINFORCEMENT - LH 0 OR 1

03521670 ALIGNMENT PIN 0, 1 OR 2

08090 (PROCURE LOCALLY) SUPER TRIM ADHESIVE - YELLOW (3M) AS REQUIRED

#### NOTICE: DUE TO THE SMALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES INVOLVED AND LIMITED PARTS AVAILABILITY, DEALERS SHOULD NOT ORDER PARTS FOR USE AS SHELF STOCK.

PARTS SHOULD ONLY BE ORDERED WHEN INSPECTION DETERMINES THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE SPECIFIC COMPONENTS OF THE TOP LATCHING MECHANISM.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ONLY 2% OF INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF ANY FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM PARTS. PLEASE ORDER PARTS ACCORDINGLY.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

AFFECTED OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THIS SPECIAL POLICY ON THEIR VEHICLES BY GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA LIMITED (SEE COPY OF OWNER LETTER INCLUDED WITH THIS BULLETIN).

SERVICE PROCEDURE

IF REQUESTED BY AN AFFECTED OWNER, DEALERS ARE TO REVIEW THE PROPER PROCEDURE FOR LATCHING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IN THE "UP" POSITION. THIS SHOULD BE DONE USING THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE LAMINATED INSTRUCTION CARD INCLUDED WITH THE OWNER LETTER.

REFERENCE 1993 SERVICE INFORMATION MANUAL, SECTION 10-9 AND FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 1

1. INSPECT THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM FOR PROPER OPERATION AND LATCHING, FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDED LATCHING SEQUENCE AND PROCEDURE.

IF THE LATCHING MECHANISM FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, PROCEED TO STEP 28 OF THIS SERVICE PROCEDURE.

IF THE LATCHING MECHANISM DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, AND REPAIR TO ONE OR MORE OF THE COMPONENTS OF THE LATCHING MECHANISM IS REQUIRED, PROCEED TO STEP 2 OF THIS SERVICE PROCEDURE.

2. OPEN THE FOLDING CONVERTIBLE TOP.

#### IMPORTANT: THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PROCEDURE STEPS DESCRIBE THE STEPS REQUIRED TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL ALL THE COMPONENTS OF THE FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM. DUE TO LIMITED PARTS AVAILABILITY, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ONLY THOSE PARTS THAT ARE DAMAGED BE REPLACED.

3. REMOVE THE MOTOR HEADER TRIM SCREWS.

4. TO AID IN REASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENT, SCRIBE THE POSITION OF THE MOTOR MOUNTING PLATES ONTO THE BRACKET PRIOR TO REMOVAL. REMOVE THE HEADER MOTORS (4 BOLTS).

5. REMOVE THE STRIKER ALIGNMENT/CENTRING PINS. DISCARD IF BENT. SEE FIGURE 2.

6. REMOVE THE MOTOR MOUNTING BRACKETS.

7. GRIND THE EDGE OF THE WELDED NUT (FOR STRIKER PIN) FLUSH WITH THE END OF THE BRACKET IN THE AREA SHOWN IN FIGURE 2, SECTION A-A.

FIGURE 2

8. REMOVE ANY WELD FLASH/SPLATTER ON THE TOP SURFACE OF THE BRACKET.

9. HOLDING THE BRACKET IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE REMAINING MOUNTING HOLES, USE A RAZOR KNIFE TO MAKE A SMALL SLICE (APPROXIMATELY 12.7MM [cent ]1/2 INCH| LONG) THROUGH THE HEADLINER JUST REAR OF THE STRIKER PIN NUT (WHICH WAS GROUND IN STEP 7, ON PAGE 4). USE THE BRACKET EDGE AS A GUIDE.

10. SLIDE THE LEG OF THE ALIGNMENT PIN REINFORCEMENT INTO THE SLOT IN THE HEADLINER AND HOOK INTO THE SOFT TOP HEADER.

11. POSITION THE MOTOR MOUNTING BRACKETS ON THE HEADER. FINGER START SCREW ONLY (SEE FIGURE 2 1A).

12. ASSEMBLE THE REINFORCEMENT TO THE BRACKET WITH THE ALIGNMENT PIN, REPLACING THE PIN WITH A NEW PIN IF NECESSARY.

13. INSTALL THE REMAINING BRACKET SCREWS (SEE FIGURE 2 1B, 1C). TIGHTEN THE THREE BRACKET SCREWS TO 5.8 N M (51.3 IN. LBS.).

14. POSITION THE HEADER MOTORS TO THE BRACKETS AND MOUNTING PLATES. FINGER START THE ATTACHING SCREWS, ALIGN THE MOUNTING PLATES WITH THE SCRIBE MARKS ON THE BRACKET, AND TIGHTEN MOTOR MOUNTING SCREWS TO 5.3 N M (46.9 IN. LBS.).

#### NOTICE: WITH THE REINFORCEMENTS IN POSITION, SCREW (SEE FIGURE 2 1B) MAY INTERFERE WITH THE MOTOR MOUNTING PLATE. IF THIS OCCURS, MARK THE PLATE AND GRIND OR FILE THE MOUNTING PLATE ONLY ENOUGH TO PROVIDE CLEARANCE TO THE SCREW HEAD.

15. INSPECT THE LATCH STRIKERS FOR DAMAGE. IF DAMAGED, REMOVE THE UPPER HEADER MOULDING.

16. REMOVE THE SUNSHADES, CENTRE COVER, AND SUNSHADE RETAINER.

17. GENTLY PEEL THE VINYL FROM THE HEADER AND PULL THE MOULDING TO RELEASE THE RETAINERS.

18. REMOVE THE INTERIOR HEADER GARNISH MOULDING. REMOVE ONE SCREW AT CENTRE.

19. REMOVE THE LATCH STRIKERS.

20. POSITION THE NEW LATCH STRIKERS TO THE WINDSHIELD HEADER. FINGER START ATTACHING BOLTS.

21. ADJUST STRIKERS FOR PROPER OPERATION. STRIKER ADJUSTMENT: WHEN PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE LATCH ROLLER ON THE FOLDING TOP MOTOR SHOULD BE CENTRED IN THE OPENING OF THE LATCH STRIKER. THE ROLLER WILL TRAVEL TO THE END OF THE STRIKER CHANNEL WHEN IN THE LATCHED POSITION. THE CENTRING PIN SHOULD MOVE FREELY IN AND OUT OF ITS STRIKER WHEN PROPERLY ADJUSTED.

22. TIGHTEN THE STRIKER FASTENERS.

23. REINSTALL THE INTERIOR HEADER GARNISH MOULDING AND CENTRE SCREW.

24. PULL THE VINYL TIGHT AND RE-GLUE TO THE HEADER. APPLY ADDITIONAL TRIM ADHESIVE (3M 08090 - SUPER TRIM ADHESIVE - YELLOW) IF NECESSARY.

25. REINSTALL THE SUNSHADES, CENTRE COVER, AND SUNSHADE RETAINER.

26. REINSTALL THE UPPER HEADER MOULDING.

27. REINSTALL THE MOTOR TRIM COVERS TO THE SOFT TOP.

28. CHECK FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE LATCHING MECHANISM.

CLAIM INFORMATION

SUBMIT A CLAIM WITH THE INFORMATION INDICATED BELOW:

PART FAILED PARTS LABOR LABOR NET REPAIR PERFORMED COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC OP * HOURS ITEM

INSPECT FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM ONLY (NO REPAIRS REQUIRED). INSTRUCT OWNER REGARDING CORRECT TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE. --- --- --- MK-95 T5512 0.2

INSPECT FRONT LATCHING MECHANISM - REPLACE DAMAGED PART(S) AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCT OWNER REGARDING CORRECT TOP LATCHING PROCEDURE. 1 TO 6 --- * MK-95 T5513 1.0 **

* THE "PARTS ALLOWANCE" SHOULD BE THE SUM TOTAL OF THE CURRENT GMSPO DEALER NET PRICE PLUS 30% FOR STRIKERS, REINFORCEMENTS, AND/OR ALIGNMENT PINS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR.

** THE AMOUNT IDENTIFIED IN THE "NET ITEM" COLUMN SHOULD REPRESENT THE SUM TOTAL OF THE COST OF P/N 08090, 3M SUPER TRIM ADHESIVE - YELLOW, NOT TO EXCEED $0.66 PER VEHICLE.

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 TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, 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 DEALER/RETAILER FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER YOUR VEHICLE MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION.

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