Electrical System:ignition:switch

NHTSA recall 02V070000 · announced March 6, 2002 · filed by General Motors Corp. · 1,589,948 units affected

The problem

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

The risk

IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

What to do

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Vehicles covered by this recall

• 1996 Buick Skylark
• 1997 Buick Skylark
• 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
• 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
• 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
• 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva
• 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva
• 1996 Pontiac Grand Am
• 1997 Pontiac Grand Am
• 1995 Pontiac Sunfire
• 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
• 1997 Pontiac Sunfire

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.