Seeing how a condition affects vehicle operation is critical to proper diagnosis. That’s why GM requests photos to be included when possible with Field Product Reports (FPR) that are part of an Engineering Investigation (EI). (Fig. 9) In an effort to gather feedback more quickly on emerging product concerns, GM has recently introduced the EI Lite process, which is an Engineering Investigation, but does not require technicians to call a GM engineer.
Fig. 9
EI Lite
EI Lites are shown in Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) in the Service Information section for applicable vehicles. They also can be found in the search results with other technical service bulletins. (Fig. 10) If the EI is not shown in IVH, no special action is required and diagnosis and repairs should follow the procedures in the appropriate Service Information.
The difference between a regular Engineering Investigation and an EI Lite is in the details. A regular EI asks that technicians call a GM engineer with detailed information about a specific condition found on a vehicle and repairs made. An EI Lite asks only to submit the description of a specific issue along with photos using the FPR app (U.S. only). A call to an engineer is not necessary
Fig. 10
The feedback from dealership technicians from all Engineering Investigations (EI and EI Lite) are extremely valuable in identifying and correcting the root cause of a product issue as well as in implementing any needed design/assembly modifications or a field fix.
The FPR app is part of the Certified Service Mobile Toolbox. Instructions to install the app on your mobile phone as well as other detailed instructions can be found in the latest version of Bulletin #02-00-89-002. All FPR submissions include added labor time.
Submitting Photos
When submitting photos for an EI Lite investigation, be sure to take a picture of the vehicle showing the location of the issue area, such as the engine, instrument panel, body harness, power seat, etc.
In addition, take a clear picture of the damaged area that shows the type of issue. (Fig. 11) For example, on a wiring harness issue, take pictures of any water intrusion in a connector or a pinched wire. For a harness wiring concern, take “before” and “after” photos to show the incorrect routing and the correct routing after repairs.
Fig. 11
Current EI Lite Example
An example of an EI Lite currently requiring additional information from dealership technicians is #PIE0547, which applies to 2020-2021 XT5 and XT6 models with possible wire, connector or terminal damage or incorrect wiring harness routing.
Photos of the issue on the vehicle should be submitted using the FPR app. Be sure to fill out the required fields and include the EI number in the Condition field.
– Thanks to Ray Romeo
