Don't know if anyone else has received a letter from GM yet, but I got one today regarding the problem of no brakes when first starting our GXP's. It's not a recall, but an offer to "calibarate" the brakes with something "improved." It's an option that you have to call your dealer and ask for - referring to TSB0-7-05-25-007B. Can someone pull up the TSB and see what it actually says? On the same note, I wonder what ...007A says.
The original version had the calibration release only for Automatics, the "A" version changed some wording and the "B" version added the manual transmission calibration release.
Here is a cleaner copy of the TSB and a PDF of the June 26th target mail date letter (generic sample):
#07-05-25-007B: Pedal Noise/Buzz, Extra Effort Needed to Depress Brake Pedal After Vehicle Has Not Been Driven For Extended Period of Time (Reprogram ECM and ECM) - (May 16, 2008)
Models: 2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP
2008 Saturn SKY Redline
2008 Daewoo G2X
Built Prior to the Breakpoints Listed Below
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This bulletin is being revised to announce that the calibrations are available for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-05-25-007A (Section 05 -- Brakes).
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Model-VIN Breakpoint
Saturn-8Y129355
Pontiac-8Y129363
Daewoo-All Vehicles
Please make a copy of this bulletin and give it to your customer for future reference.
System Description
The 2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn SKY Redline, and Daewoo G2X are performance vehicles that come equipped with the 2.0L (RPO LNF) engine and an advanced performance braking system called Optimized Hydraulic Boost (OHB). The OHB brake system utilizes the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) to assist vehicle braking in low brake vacuum conditions.
The brake systems on these vehicles use engine vacuum to assist the power brake system during most brake applications. The OHB system supplements the power assist brake system when there is low engine vacuum, such as when the engine is initially started after an extended period of no operation or while operating in high altitude.
Condition
Some customers may comment on one or more of the following brake system characteristics:
• Increased brake pedal effort due to low brake booster vacuum conditions that may occur after the vehicle has not been operated for an extended period of time and/or at higher altitudes and restarted.
• Brake pedal movement or pulsation accompanied by a ratchet sound coming from the brake system during OHB activation when braking.
Correction
Reprogram the ECM with an updated engine calibration. This new service calibration will increase engine vacuum when the vehicle is initially started.
Reprogram the EBCM with an updated brake calibration. This programming event will return the module to its original state if it was previously updated for this condition.
These calibrations will be available as an EBCM/ECM programming sequence event. From the controller list, select "EBCM/ECM Sequential Program."
Important:
• After the EBCM/ECM calibration, brake pedal movement or pulsation accompanied by a ratchet sound will be reduced.
• Allowing the engine to idle for a period of time after the engine is started will help increase the vacuum for the power assist brake system.
• If the SVC BRAKE SYSTEM message is displayed on the DIC. The brake system must be inspected for any faults in the system.
Refer to the Owner Manual (page 4-4 for the Pontiac Solstice or Saturn SKY) for additional information on this brake system operation.
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 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 your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
The recalibration is covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles, which ever comes first.
The NHTSA has closed their Preliminary Investigation into the 2008 Solstice GXP and 2008 Saturn Sky Redline and the OHB System. So it appears no further investigation or no escalation to a recall request will be forthcoming.
NHTSA said:
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
So has anyone had this done?
Would you recommend this - I drive my car almost daily, never had this issue. I really don't like the idea of an increased idle to fix a vaccume issue, sounds like one evil for another?
What is the felling aout getting this done on my car? would you do it to yours?
I just had my brakes looked at as well when I was having another minor thing replaced. They are not working well in reverse. They did the recalibration and I truly do not feel hardly any difference. The brakes in reverse still randomly choose when and when not to work. It makes me VERY nervous to back up, esp. if on an incline.
The NHTSA has closed their Preliminary Investigation into the 2008 Solstice GXP and 2008 Saturn Sky Redline and the OHB System. So it appears no further investigation or no escalation to a recall request will be forthcoming.
NHTSA said:
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
I have a steep driveway and backing out is interesting when the engine is cold. (Really bad design.)
I went to the local dealer today for the update. They read the update from GM and had no idea what to do. Waste of time! I think that I will just keep living with it. :willy:
I had mine done Saturday; it's a small country dealership and they knew exactly what to do when I showed them the letter. I have not noticed any change in behavior on my GXP.
I got the service bullitin taken care of on 8/1/09 - The delearship needed the car on a week day so they had the phone support. All is well - I fell no change in the Solstice. Mileage does not seem to be any different in the last couple of days.
CHEERS & THANKS ALL FOR THE ADVICE
is there any way to find out if my solstice has already had this done or not. i talked to my srv manager yesterday and he said it doesnt need it. I bought the car new, but it sat on the lot for 10 months, and am wondering if it was already taken care of while it sat there.
is there any way to find out if my solstice has already had this done or not. i talked to my srv manager yesterday and he said it doesnt need it. I bought the car new, but it sat on the lot for 10 months, and am wondering if it was already taken care of while it sat there.
At the time that the service bulletin above came out, GM/Pontiac started a Service Update Program for specific vehicles in dealership inventory. These cars were to receive the same reprograming.
In theory your car should have been on lot during the time this program was in place, April 30, 2008 to October 31, 2008. It could have been done.
Any dealership can take your VIN and using the GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GM VIS) to see if any warranty claim was submitted for reprograming.
Or if you would like, post it here, or PM me with it and I will check.
If the reprograming has not been done, and you are seeing the symptoms as described in the TSB, you can have your dealership perfrom the repairs under it's guidelines.
well, to me it does not feel like solid breaking. the brakes on my t/a grab now... granted two different cars, perhaps i am asking too much... i pm my vin to small dealer...guess i will find out
I have a Very steep drive as well, if on a cold start you pull out forward or reverse, you have brakes but there is not enough vacum. GM adds a bit of cold idle rpm, but if you jump in the car start it and just drop it into a gear and go then need brakes it still is not FULL of vacum.
Mine after the update only
idles faster at start, if you put it in gear before idle down it drops idle when you shift this might be to save the drive train, you would get a clunk.
I let it idle a bit maybe 10+ sec.(let the oil get around) Rever up to 2k this grabs air intake and letting off the gas makes the needed vacum. This also kicks off the high rich starting setting they seem to use. Almost feels old school, you know the days when warming up a car was minutes, No vacum system in a HPcamed cars, manual brakes, or Soggy power brakes at best even if it ran for a week:lol:
my 2cents and the only real way to do this right is a vacum pump and tank that turns on at start or even a bit before if the pump takes longer than a few seconds as some in a HURRY:lurk:
the fix for your brakes from a tech who wns/fixed 1!
ok guys just got on the forum and cannot believe there are still people with this problem. quick background i am a certified gm technician who also is engaged to the owner of a solstice gxp. first time i felt the brakes on a cold start i damn near drowned in disbelief after some well placed calls and a few days i had what gm is calling the brake retrofit package. it seems that the early 08 models would run out of vacuum for the brakes on cold start due to cam timing. the later 08 models have a vacuum pump to assist brakes when vacuum is low but the early ones did not the reprogram just adjusts the valve timing at cold start in a marginal attempt to make this preoblem better. for those who want it fixed the awnser is to call the gm hotline explain that it has been in several times for the concern and that you are unsatisfied with the safety of the brakes and that you are aware of a brake retrofit to correct this concern and would like it done to your car. youllbe glad you did. it does work. sorry if this info is elsewhere on the site.
I have the same Brake problem on my 2008 GXP. when I firwst start it up and back up out of my garage the brakes feel like there not working properly. Then after I start to go forward it seems to work ok. I am going to take it back and hopefully they will fix this problem... Thanks for the tip
Hello Solstice owner. I wanted to know when I should have my oil changed.
I bought my 2008 GXP from a dealer back in July and now have 17,200 miles. I have about 70% oil life to date as what the computer is indicating. I know there is synthetic oil used. I also know it’s six months or six thousand miles with synthetic blend like Mobil 1. Should I wait to reach a certain mileage, months or when the life percentage reaches a certain percentage? I am also concerned with the colder months arriving.
My GXP has had the update and it still has the problem. When starting up in the morning I can tell if there will be brakes or not just by listening to the tone of the exhaust. When there is low vacuum / no brakes the exhaust has a very low tone. When there is sufficient vacuum the tone goes up and it idles smoother too. I have had other cars with a turbo and they did not have this problem.
The small trim door on the right side is misaligned on the 95% cherry 08. I don't see an adjustment area. Any solutions? The drivers side door is perfect.
Now that you have posted in a good spot, we can ignore this one.
:dunno:
.
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