Water Leak on Driver and/or Passenger Side Floor – 2013-2016 Buick & Chevrolet

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Bulletin No.: 16-NA-073
Date: Mar-2016

This Bulletin replaces PI1464. Please discard PI1464.

Brand:	Model:	Model Year:		Breakpoints:		Engine:	Transmission:
		from	to	from	to
Buick	LaCrosse	2013	2016	Start of Production 2013	Prior to December 12, 2015	All	All
Chevrolet	Malibu	2013	2015

Correction

If the above condition exists, follow the Service Procedure below.

Service Procedure

Note:  The beginning recommended diagnosis/repair can pertain to any 2013-2015 Malibu, or any 2013-2016 LaCrosse, built prior to December 12, 2015.

1. Perform normal waterleak test procedures. Refer to Waterleak Test Preparation in SI.

2. If the cause of the leak cannot be determined, remove enough of the rear portion of the front wheelhouse liner on the affected side(s) to access the outer lower hinge pillar. For LaCrosse, refer to the Front Wheelhouse Front Liner Replacement in SI. For Malibu, refer to the appropriate side Front Wheelhouse Rear Liner Replacement in SI.

Note:  The right side hinge pillar is shown in the graphic above. Left side location would be similar.

3. With the front wheelhouse liner removed, visually inspect the outer lower hinge pillar for voids in the body sealer in the areas illustrated above.

• If there are voids found in the body sealer (1), apply appropriate body seam sealer to the affected areas (2).
• If the cause of the leak was not a void in the body seam sealer at the wheelhouse of the affected side(s), continue ahead to step #4.

4. Remove the body hinge pillar garnish molding on the affected side(s), and pull back the carpet enough to inspect the inner hinge pillar. Refer to Body Hinge Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in SI.

Note:  The right side inner hinge pillar is shown in the graphic above. Left side location would be similar.

5. With the garnish removed and the carpet pulled back, visually inspect for voids (1) in the body sealer in the areas illustrated above.

6. If there are voids found in the body sealer, apply appropriate body seam sealer (2) to the affected areas.
7. After all voids are filled, perform a waterleak test to verify the condition is corrected. Refer to Waterleak Test Preparation in SI. If waterleak leak repair is confirmed by vehicle passing the waterleak test, no further repairs are necessary. Reinstall any parts/trim removed for access to repair areas.
   • If the vehicle fails the waterleak test, follow the recommendations below.
     • If your vehicle is a 2014-2015 Malibu, built prior to VIN Breakpoint FF262445, continue ahead to step #8.
     • For all other vehicles return to SI and follow recommended diagnostics.

8. Remove the air inlet grille panel. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement in SI.

9. With the air inlet panel removed, visually inspect for voids in the body sealer on the affected side in areas illustrated above.
10. If there are voids found in the body sealer, apply high tech clear seam sealer, Kent Industries P/N P10200*, to the affected areas.
11. After all voids are filled, perform a waterleak test to verify the condition is corrected. Refer to Waterleak Test Preparation in SI.
12. Reinstall the air inlet grille panel and any parts/trim removed for access to repair areas.

Parts Information

This product is currently available from Kent Industries (1-888-YES-KENT).

Description	Part Number	Qty
HIGH – TECH CLEAR-SEAM SEALER*	P10200	There is enough material to perform multiple vehicles. Store the remaining material for future use.
*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products/materials. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for, or assume any responsibility for the products or material from this firm or for any such items that may be available from other sources.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

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