The following is an email letter that I've received from GM's Cadillac division in regard to the compatibility of the on-board computer(s) and the year 2000 bug.

Cadillac introduced their "Computer Command Control" for engine management on the 1980 model year, since that time all Cadillacs have used computer control in engine management, climate control, anti-lock brakes (track master system is NOT included), traction control, driver information centers, navigation systems, seat, steering column and mirror memory positioning, keyless entry, and theft deterrent systems.

Thank you for your recent inquiry concerning the "Year 2000" readiness of General Motors passenger cars and trucks. The following is the latest information we have on the Year 2000:

Among our earliest priorities was the analysis of the electronics in our passenger cars and trucks. GM's passenger cars and trucks have microprocessors, which depending on the vehicle, are used for powertrain management, automatic climate control, anti-lock braking systems, traction control, stability enhancement, driver information centers, supplemental inflatable restraint systems, head-up display, real-time damping, navigation systems, seat, steering column and mirror memory positioning, remote keyless entry, entertainment systems, interior and exterior lighting systems, entry control, cellular communications and anti-theft systems.

We have analyzed the microprocessors in our current and planned models. Additionally, we have checked the processors in past models dating back to when we first started installing "date processing-capable" microchips in our cars and trucks. Here's what we found:

• Most of these electronic systems have no date-related functionality and, therefore, pose no Year 2000-related problems. Those few systems that have date-related functionality were found to be Year 2000 capable.

• Although not specifically a Year 2000 problem, certain 1989 and 1990 Cadillacs have a "Change Engine Oil" light that may illuminate on January 1, 2000. This situation was identified in 1990 and is triggered on the first day of every new decade. Owners of these vehicles may reset the oil life monitor themselves per the Cadillac Owner's Manual or contact a Cadillac dealership to have the indicator reset at no charge.

In addition to our products, our program addresses critical computing systems that serve our financing and insurance customers, to minimize the potential for Year 2000 glitches that could causes inconvenience to our customers. Finally, we are working closely with our dealerships to minimize any inconvenience in connection with sales and servicing of your GM vehicle.

Given the scope and detail of our efforts, GM anticipates no problems with past, current, of future model vehicles, or significant disruption of GM's business as a result of the Year 2000 problem.

We hope you find this information helpful.

Sincerely,

Cadillac Motor Car Division

Info - The Year 2000 (Y2K) and Vehicle Electronics
Technical Service Bulletin #99-00-89-022

The Year 2000 (Y2K) and Vehicle Electronics

2000 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks

One of GM's first priorities in its Year 2000 Program was the analysis of vehicle electronics in GM passenger cars and trucks. This review included all current and planned models, as well as older cars and trucks produced during the period of approximately the last 15 years, back to when GM first began to install microprocessors capable of processing date-related information.

Most of the electronic systems in GM vehicles have no date-related functionality and, therefore, pose no Year 2000-related concerns. Those few systems that have date-related functionality were found to be Year 2000 ready. Accordingly, GM anticipates that there will be no problems with past, current, or future model vehicles as a result of calendar Year 2000 (Y2K).

Nonetheless, it is possible that some customers will report concerns on their vehicles on or after January 1, 2000 that they believe are related to calendar Year 2000 (Y2K). This bulletin is intended to assist dealers in explaining to those customers why their concerns are not related to calendar Year 2000 (Y2K). However, in the event that dealership service personnel believes that a reported concern is possibly related to calendar Year 2000 (Y2K), they should report it to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) during normal business hours, in accordance with the normal reporting procedure, and await further direction.

Microprocessors and Display Device Dates

Some common examples of on-board vehicle microprocessors include the powertrain control module, the ABS controller, automatic climate control controller, supplemental restraint system (air bag) controller , and the keyless remote entry controller. These microprocessors do not process calendar date data. As such, they are unaffected by the Y2K issue. No on-board vehicle microprocessor that controls fundamental vehicle operation like powertrain, braking, suspension, steering, fuel delivery, exhaust, base electrical (including engine cranking and battery charging), windshield wipers, restraints and the like, has calendar date processing capability. Consequently, the Y2K issue affects none of these vehicle systems.

Examples of on-board vehicle microprocessors and display devices that may process and display calendar date data are the Onstar System electronics, Driver Information Centers, and some body control modules (BCMs).

The Onstar System receives date data from satellite transmission, and communicates it to the ground tracking station. The Onstar System in-vehicle electronics have been tested and determined to be Year 2000 ready.

Some BCMs process calendar dates. Vehicles with these BCMs are readily identified as having calendar date displays in the Driver Information Center or elsewhere displayed in the instrument panel. If the vehicle does not have a calendar date display visible, it is very unlikely to have a calendar date processing BCM aboard. A vehicle with calendar date processing capability will have a calendar date entry device easily set by the user as described in that vehicle's Owner's Manual. BCMs with calendar date processing ability do so only for user convenience reasons like displaying the date, computing estimated time of arrival with the trip computer, alerting when an oil change is recommended, etc. As such, they do not influence the vehicle's fundamental ability to operate. Known date processing BCMs have been analyzed and determined to be Year 2000 ready.

Handling of Incorrect Display Device Dates

If a customer vehicle displays an incorrect date on the display device, the procedure in the vehicle Owner's Manual describing how to set the correct date should be followed. If the display device is not working, consult the Service Manual. If further diagnosis is needed, contact TAC.

After-Market Equipment

This information applies only to GM factory installed equipment. GM makes no representation whatsoever about the Y2K readiness of after-market equipment installed on any vehicle.

This information is intended to help dealership service personnel respond to customer concerns regarding the impact of calendar Year 2000 (Y2K) on their GM passenger car or truck. It is not intended to modify, or in any way alter or extend a vehicle's warranty.

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