This information applies to 1996-2005 passenger cars, trucks and utilities.
In the past, star washers have been used under most ground connections. It was believed using a star washer would improve continuity to ground and prevent the ground fastener from becoming loose.
GM Engineering has determined that installing a star washer increases the chance for corrosion and prevents the terminal from achieving proper torque. On vehicles being built today, star washers are not being used under any ground connection.
It is recommend NOT to use a star washer on any ground connection to the body or chassis of the vehicle.
TIP: Be sure the fastener and terminal are clean and corrosion free. When removing corrosion, be careful not to remove the plating from the terminal. And be sure to torque the fastener to the proper specification.
- Thanks to Dino Poulos, GM TechLink, February 2005
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.
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Article ID: 349
Created: July 18, 2014
Last Updated: July 18, 2014
Online URL: https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/knowledgebase/article/1996-2005-corvette-gm-techlink-star-washers-in-grounds-349.html