Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
New Polymer Coated Piston And Rod Assembly (03-06-01-002)
Reference number: 03-06-01-002
NEW POLYMER COATED PISTON AND ROD ASSEMBLY
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| BUICK: | 2000-2003 Century; 2002-2003 Rendezvous with 3.1L or 3.4L V-6 Engine (VINs E, J - RPOs LA1, LG8) |
| CHEVROLET: | 1996 Lumina APV; 1997-2003 Venture; 1999-2001 Lumina; 1999-2003 Malibu, Monte Carlo; 2000-2003 Impala with 3.1L or 3.4L V-6 Engine (VINs E, J - RPOs LA1, LG8) |
| OLDSMOBILE: | 1996-2003 Silhouette; 1999 Cutlass; 1999-2003 Alero with 3.1L or 3.4L V-6 Engine (VINs E, J - RPOs LA1, LG8) |
| PONTIAC: | 1996-1999 Trans Sport; 1999-2003 Grand Am; 2000-2003 Grand Prix, Montana; 2001-2003 Aztek with 3.1L or 3.4L V-6 Engine (VINs E, J - RPOs LA1, LG8) |
| SECTION: | 06 - Engine/Propulsion System |
SERVICE INFORMATION
A new piston and rod assembly has been released for use in the above models. The new piston is Polymer coated and will arrive with the piston rings and connecting rod already assembled to it, but does not contain the connecting rod bearing. Use this new piston assembly any time the need to replace either the piston or connecting rod should arise.
The new piston assembly part numbers are:
| Engine VIN | Engine RPO | Assembly P/N |
|---|---|---|
| E | LA1 | 12578021 |
| J | LG8 | 12564008 |
Parts are expected to be available from GMSPO February 17, 2003.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.