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Special Coverage #14311: Negative Battery Cable (includes Holden)

331906 Views 279 Replies 106 Participants Last post by  Blasirl
Just got notified of another special coverage. I don't have the details yet but it's to resolve the loose Negative Battery Cable some people are experiencing. We have had many members report problems with this cable and its connections. I'll post more information when I receive it.

#14311: Special Coverage Adjustment - Negative Battery Cable Loose - (Dec 3, 2014)
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Subject:14311 — Special Coverage Adjustment – Negative Battery Cable Loose
Models:2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze
[HR][/HR]ConditionOn certain 2011–2015 model year Chevrolet Cruze vehicles, the negative battery cable terminal clamp may have an insufficient crimp at the battery negative terminal. Over time, the internal resistance increases and vehicle electrical systems do not receive adequate power.
With this condition, the following effects are possible: the Radio/HVAC Display may turn off and on; the Antilock Brake System, Service Traction System, Service Stabilitrac and Steering vehicle messages may come on and off; the turn signal sound may not be heard; “Battery Saver Active” and “Service Steering” may display in the Driver Information Center (DIC); and the interior and exterior lighting may flicker. Power steering assist may also be lost, and greater effort may be needed to turn the steering wheel at low speeds or while the vehicle is stopped.
Special Coverage AdjustmentThis special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Dealers will replace the battery negative cable, which will now require a bolt to fasten the small regulated voltage cable. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after December 4, 2014 are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to December 4, 2014 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles InvolvedAll involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Applicable Warranties section in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
@gyrfalcon found the link at NHTSA for this coverage adjustment. It's a PDF with more detail. Thank you.

Another Link: TSB #14311

EDIT: Adding 2011-2015 Holden Cruze Service Bulletin for similar coverage:
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Omermd-

Are you getting these notifications from safercar.gov or from GM? Still wondering if I'm going to be getting the power steering one. Haven't seen that yet.
ChevyMGR-

Thanks for the info on this one. As many of us were thinking it was the cables that were loose, not the construction of the cable.

Is there a verification test that Chevy is making you do before replacement? Unlike the water pump that you can see leaking, I'd hope the manufacturer would allow effected owners to have this one done, without such signficant problems mentioned above that could arise from a bad battery cable.
This is the negative cable from the battery to the front Frame gounding spot right? What makes this GM cable so special, that it couldn't be replaced in an emergency with $5-$10 negative battery cable that you can buy at your local farm supply or even warmart? Or cut the end off the factory cable, and use an aftermarket end connection at the battery.

Am I understanding the cable that they are replacing correctly? It doesn't even run all the way down to the starter like old cars did. It runs to the main ground connection that is part of the body assembly.

I'm not happy about all these recalls and issues with a newer car either, but at least GM acknoldged an issue, and the fix appears to be pretty easy, and won't leave you stranded. Worst case there's a walmart nearly everywhere that should have a cable that would work for this in an emergency.

I spent 12 years driving Oldsmobile Intrigues with dimming headlights, that GM called an overload demand due to the smog pump running. Sure the smog pump triggered the flickering, but it didn't go away, and it was something in the alternator, and the alternator on the 3.5L LX5 shortstar is a lot of work for removal.

While I'm not thrilled with all these issues occuring lately, at least we're being made aware of them, and with the knowledge of the issue, any shop anywhere could address this issue, even if it was a temporary solution.
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