NO START/HARD START-COLD EXCESS. MOISTURE ON DIST. CAP. Pontiac Optima (Canada) 1988

For 1990-2009 cars

# NO START/HARD START-COLD EXCESS. MOISTURE ON DIST. CAP

#### Models Affected: 1988 LeMANS

Some of the subject vehicles may experience cold engine starting difficulties under ambient conditions of high humidity and cool temperatures (25-40 degrees Fahrenheit typical).

This starting difficulty may be caused by excessive moisture condensing on the distributor cap inner and outer surfaces resulting in a weak spark at the spark plugs.

Condensation of moisture at the distributor can be aggravated by the plastic distributor splash shield (plastic bag covering the distributor cap) that was installed on all vehicles built prior to VIN JB372711.

Corrective action for these vehicles is to discard the distributor splash shield and to dry off the exterior and interior of the distributor cap.

In some cases, excessive cranking coupled with a failure to start will result in "fouled" spark plugs. If, after removal of the splash shield and drying off the distributor cap, difficulty is still encountered in starting the engine, follow the appropriate service procedures for correcting "fouled" spark plugs and use an additional labor allowance of .7 hours when this condition is encountered.

Labor Operation: T1352 Labor Time : .3 Hours

#### Add:

A - For Correcting Fouled Plug Condition: .7 Hours

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those 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 a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.