Park Avenue V6-231 3.8L VIN L SFI (1993)
PROM - Programmable Read Only Memory: Technical Service Bulletins
PROM - Chuggle Above 36mph w/Torque Converter Engaged
Group Ref.: 6E - Engine & Fuel Emission
Bulletin No.: 376517A
Date: August, 1994
SUBJECT:
CHUGGLE AT 36 MPH AND ABOVE WITH TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGED (INSTALL NEW MEM-CAL)
MODELS:
1993-94 BUICK LE SABRE, PARK AVENUE AND REGAL
1993-94 CHEVROLET LUMINA APV
1993-94 OLDSMOBILE EIGHTY EIGHT ROYALE, NINETY EIGHT REGENCY AND SILHOUETTE
1993-94 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE AND TRANS SPORT WITH 3800 ENGINE (VIN L - RPO L27)
THIS BULLETIN REVISES THE APPLICABLE MODEL YEARS TO INCLUDE 1994 AND PROVIDES 1994 PART NUMBER INFORMATION.
PLEASE DISCARD BULLETIN 376517 (GROUP REFERENCE 6E - ENGINE FUEL & EMISSION).
CONDITION:
Some owners may experience a condition described as a "miss," "skip," "chuggle," "hesitation," or "fish bite" sensation while driving the vehicle at 36
mph and above.
CAUSE:
With the TCC engaged, any powertrain or vehicle rotating disturbance is transmitted to the passenger compartment. Refer to NOTE 3 under the heading
"correction."
CORRECTION:
If the technician determines no other conditions are causing the concern, as outlined in the appropriate Service Manual, a service MEM-CAL is available
to only raise the third gear TCC lock from 36 to 50 mph and fourth gear TCC lock from 45 to 54 mph. NO OTHER DRIVEABILITY ISSUES ARE
ADDRESSED WITH THIS MEM-CAL.
NOTE 1
The revised MEM-CALs are not considered a 100% cure, however, most customers do not perceive the "chuggle" or "fish bite" sensation with the
higher TCC lock up speeds.
NOTE 2
The revised MEM-CALs may adversely affect fuel economy (usually less than one mpg depending on individual driving habits). Be sure to advise
the vehicle owner of this fact.
NOTE 3
Chuggle may also be caused by other conditions, for example, out-of-balance tires, out-of-round tires, engine miss due to Ignition related components
or a mechanical failure, A/C compressor cycling, TCC malfunctions causing excessive slip values as measured with a TECH 1, and specific road
surface conditions.
SERVICE INFORMATION:
Use the procedure in Service and Repair Manual for MEM-CAL replacement. There have been no changes in the removal and installation procedure.
