[Acky]

I'm hoping someone on this forum can help me with this issue.

My wife and I are Americans who have lived in Canada for a number of years. We own a 2020 Chevy Suburban and a 2018 Camaro 2SS. Both were purchased brand new from a dealer in Canada.

This coming December we are relocating back to the States.

Our vehicles are compliant with all EPA and DOT requirements EXCEPT for the "Passenger Airbag Status Indicator" which are on our upper consoles. The Canadian version shows symbols (icons) and the US version has the words "OFF" and "ON".

I'm told by US Customs and GM Canada that I must have our Canadian version changed to the US version. It must be done by a dealer and have written documentation to show it's been done.

I checked GM Direct Parts in the US and got a part #84059831 which is the Passenger Airbag Status Indicator Display which I thought would have the OFF and ON light. I also checked Canadian GM parts and it shows the same part #.
That says to me that the part does not contain what I need to get the US version.

Has anyone recently relocated to the States with a newer Chevy and, if you did, how was it resolved.

We'll be driving down to the States in the Suburban and the Camaro will be transported by Hansen's.

Thanks for any advise.

Acky

[dmcmahan60]

https://wise.com/ca/blog/buying-a-ca...mporting-to-us

[JKSully]

Totally guessing on this, but - could it be that the part number you listed is just the light portion, and the symbol displayed is actually on the console that part mounts in? In other words, it's the 'cutout' on the console that is in the shape of the required symbol.

It's always hard to tell with the GM parts diagrams - but maybe you need part #2 instead of #6 (your part number).

[Acky]

Thanks dmc and JK for your replies.

JK, I fear you may be correct about needing the overhead consoles which may indeed contain the display i need.
With Canadian prices, that will not be an inexpensive fix.

Unfortunately, even my dealer is having a hard time getting info on what exactly the console has for a display.

What a PITA !!

[JKSully]

I found this image in a listing on eBay that seems to support my theory - I don't see any evidence of a shape for either country on this.

[Acky]

Thanks, JK. That's probably what I need but I dont see the OFF and ON verbiage.

Can you forward the link for ebay (if you still have it) and perhaps it will give a part # ??.

Thanks
Acky

[JKSully]

That is the part number from your original post, I just found an actual photograph instead of the line drawing in the GM diagram. I can't find the same listing now (of course), but here's another one with even better pictures attached.

But, I don't see the Yes/No in the face of it, or the Canadian markings either. Which makes me think that the console itself has an opening with an overlay with transparent sections in the shape of the symbols. Where I have the yellow highlighting is where I think the opening is.

Again, I'm guessing at this and don't have proof - I don't even have a Camaro in the garage to check because it was just built and hasn't been delivered yet. It just reminded me of the way my range is built and I recently replaced the part behind the overlay on that, so it was fresh in my mind.

[Acky]

Thanks, JK, for the info.

The GM line drawing you sent is for the 2020 Suburban. However, just the overhead console (# 2 ) is part # 2320733. What I'm trying to confirm with the dealer is, as you suggest, does the console part itself have some sort of transparent overlay.

Interestingly, the Canadian version does not have the words "PASSENGER AIR BAG", only symbols. That's because the verbiage would also have to be in French as well. Oh, the joys of a dual official language.

I'm sure once all is sorted out, the Camaro and Suburban will essentially be the same fix. $$$$$$$$$ My dealer is in contact with the rep at GM Canada trying to get the real scoop.

By the way, I've written to the DOT asking for some sort of exemption since this issue is pretty minor and the cars are totally compliant with EPA and DOT. Knowing the way bureaucrats usually work, I probably have a better chance of swimming to Europe underwater.

Hopefully, your Camaro will be in your garage real soon. Congrats!!!

Acky

[JKSully]

Good luck on getting it sorted, and w/ the move!

[MIKZ28]

If the State you are moving to does not have annual inspections I wouldn't worry about it.

[HDRDTD]

Originally Posted by MIKZ28

If the State you are moving to does not have annual inspections I wouldn't worry about it.

His concern isn't with his state right now, it's with Customs.

[xqwisit23]

Customs should not be an issue. I did the reverse 4yrs ago... US to Canada and customs just confirms the VIN number matches and pay any fees. Once you get to the state you are moving to that is where you would have to do an inspection... likely only change odometer to read miles - km.

[Acky]

JK,
Just thought I'd let you know that the Suburban indicator was changed today and now shows "OFF" and "ON". All they did was install part # 84059831 as shown in the picture you sent and it worked !!
Of course, that was $186 later but, at least, GM can now certify the car for import.
The Camaro goes into the dealer next week. Hopefully, with the same result.

If successful, I'm buying a lottery ticket.

MIKZ28--- At the border, US Customs, after inspecting the vehicle and having GM's letters, issues a specific document which OKs the car for import. This document must then be presented to the State DMV in order to get the vehicle registered. It would also have to pass that State's inspection should there be one.

XQWISIT23---Canada is a lot less stringent than the US on importation of vehicles. Like you, I have brought up cars and motorcycles from the States and never had an issue except for a 2000 Ram which needed daytime running lights.

Thanks to all for their replies.

Acky

[JKSully]

Good news! Though I'll point out, that is the part number you originally said it should be and I tried to make you doubt it. Happy to be proven wrong if it made your fix cheaper and/or easier!