CAMPAIGN: PASSENGER SIDE INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR). Buick Skylark 1996

NOTE: GM OF CANADA CAMPAIGN 96066 IS LOCATED BELOW THE U.S. VERSION

PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN

SUBJECT: 96066 - PASSENGER SIDE INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) MAY ------------------------------------------------------ SNAG ON INSTRUMENT PANEL REINFORCEMENT --------------------------------------

MODELS: CERTAIN 1996 'N' VEHICLES -------------------------

The Highway Safety Act, as amended, provides that each vehicle which is subject to a recall campaign of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty (60) days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time.

If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitied to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation.

To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. As you will see in reading the attached copy of the divisional letter that is being sent to customers, the customers are being instructed to contact the appropriate Customer Assistance Center if their dealer does not remedy the condition within five (5) days of the mutually agreed upon service date. If the condition is not remedied within a reasonable time, they are instructed on how to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DEFECT INVOLVED

General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1996 Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Achieva vehicles. During deployment of the passenger air bag, the air bag fabric may snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel, causing the expanding bag to lift the instrument panel pad and then deploy under the instrument panel pad instead of through the door in the instrument panel. The reinforcement may also fracture. In a crash, the front seat passenger could receive more severe injuries if he or she contacts a broken reinforcement or if the snagging affects the deployment of the bag.

To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, dealers are to inspect I/P pads and, if necessary, install a plastic edge protector to the instrument panel pad reinforcement. On certain early-production vehicles, the instrument panel pad will be replaced.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are certain 1996 Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Achieva ('N' body) vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints:

PLANT YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH ---- ---------- ------- ------- ----- -------- -------- 1996 Buick Skylark Lansing "C" TC400000 TC402620 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Lansing "M" TM300000 TM301590 1996 Buick Skylark Lansing "C" TC402621 TC426252 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Lansing "M" TM3Ol591 TM325078

NOTICE: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through VISS (Vehicle Information Service System) prior to beginning campaign repairs.

Please note that there are two groups of vehicles in the above table.

- The first group (early production) requires complete removal of the I/P pad for inspection and service.

- The second group requires partial dis-assembly of the I/P for inspection and service.

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. Customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign.

PARTS INFORMATION

NOTICE:

40 % of requirements of P/N 22659572-(edge protector) required to complete this campaign will be pre-shipped to involved dealers of record. This pre-shipment will occur the week of November 4, 1996. Parts received for a recently transferred vehicle should be forwarded by the original dealer (with a phone call) to the dealer that received the transferred vehicle. Pre-shipped parts will be charged to dealer's open parts account.

Notice: Due to limited initial parts availability of I/P pads (P/Ns 22601506,7,8, and 22604341) and Buick appliques (P/Ns 22648474,5,6), dealers are encouraged not to order I/P pads or appliques for use as shelf stock.

I/P pads and appliques should only be ordered when inspection determines that it is necessary to replace the I/P pad and applique.

Orders for I/P pads and appliques should be placed on a CSO-3= Customer Special Order - Overnight Delivery. Apply for reimbursement for any additional charges associated with CSO-3 orders in the 'NET ITEMS' column of the warranty claim table.

Part Quantity/ Number Description Vehicle

22659572 Protector-Edge 1 as required 22601506 Pad-Instrument Panel-Graphite (12I) 1 as required 22601507 Pad-instrument Panel-Dark Teal (37I) 1 as required 22601508 Pad-Instrument Panel-Med Dark Neutral (52I) 1 as required 22604341 Pad-instrument Panel-Garnet Red (78I) 1 as required 22648474 Applique-Buick (Custom-W/V1J) 1 as required 22648475 Applique-Buick (Gransport-Exc V1J/V1K/W43) 1 as required 22648476 Applique-Buick (Limited V1K or Olympic W43) 1 as required

Additional edge protectors (P/N 22659572), if required, are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" prior to ordering requirements. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. An emergency requirement should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.

- Edge protector P/N 22659572 is not required when installing a new I/P pad.

- I/P pad P/Ns 22601506,7,8 and 22604341 are not required for all early production vehicles, and are not required for any later-production vehicles.

- Applique P/Ns 22648474,5,6 are only required when installing a new I/P pad on Buick vehicles.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Customers will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this campaign must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the generic customer letter accompanying this bulletin. Campaign follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the step necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

IMPORTANT

Follow service procedure 'A' for vehicles in the following VIN ranges:

Buick: TC400000 through TC402620 Oldsmobile: TM300000 through TM301590

Follow service procedure 'B' for vehicles in the following VIN ranges:

Buick: TC402621 through TC426252 Oldsmobile: TM301591 through TM325078

Procedure'A'

For Buick Skylark / Oldsmobile Achieva models with VINs in the following VIN range: Buick TC400000 through TC402620 / Olds TM300000 through TM301590

THIS PROCEDURE CALLS FOR COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE I/P PAD TO ALLOW VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE PSIR REINFORCEMENT DESIGN. SEE FIGURE 9.

IF THE REINFORCEMENT IS FOUND TO BE BUILT TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN (SEE FIGURE 9), A NEW I/P PAD MUST BE INSTALLED.

IF THE REINFORCEMENT IS FOUND TO BE BUILT TO THE NEW DESIGN, AN EDGE PROTECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED AND THE I/P PAD WILL BE RE- INSTALLED.

NOTICE: WHEN I/P PAD REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED, DEALERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION UNTIL REQUIRED PARTS ARE RECEIVED AN INSTALLED.

ORDERS FOR I/P PADS (AND APPLIQUES FOR BUICK VEHICLES) SHOULD BE PLACED ON A C.S.O.-3 = CUSTOMER SPECIAL ORDER OVERNIGHT DELIVERY.

1. Remove Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (S.I.R.) fuse from fuse block.

2. Turn two locking retainers to open LH sound insulator panel to gain access to the S.I.R. connector.

3. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) pin and separate the driver's side S.I.R. connector (yellow).

4. Turn two locking retainers to open RH sound insulator panel. Remove courtesy lamp from panel. Remove the RH sound insulator panel to gain access to the passenger's side S.I.R. (P.S.I.R.) connector.

5. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) pin and separate the P.S.I.R. connector (yellow).

6. Using a flat-bladed tool, carefully disengage five (5) retainer clips and remove the defroster grille. See figure 1.

7. Remove the I/P compartment assembly (glove box). See figure 2.

8. Remove twelve (12) screws (7 mm hex-head) from the lower I/P pad assembly. Carefully disengage three (3) retaining clips and remove lower I/P pad assembly). See figure 3.

9. Remove four (4) screws from I/P cluster trim plate. Disengage trim plate from I/P. Disconnect electrical connectors. Remove trim plate.

10. Remove four (4) screws from I/P cluster. Disengage cluster from I/P. Disconnect electrical connectors. Remove cluster.

11. On vehicles with tilt steering wheel, remove tilt lever by gripping firmly and turning counterclockwise.

If necessary, use locking pliers with a piece of rubber, such as a spark plug boot, between the jaws to aid in preventing damage to the lever during removal.

12. On vehicles equipped with column shift (Buick only), remove the column shift lever boot using the following procedure. See figure 6.

- Rotate ignition key to "RUN" position.

- Shift transaxle into 'NEUTRAL'.

- At 3 o'clock position of boot, gently slide the boot towards the shifter lever.

- Gently pull the boot assembly out of the covers and slide it upwards along the column shift lever. Shift transaxle to 'PARK' position.

- Turn ignition key to "LOCK" position.

13. Remove the upper half of the steering column cover by disengaging clips.

14. Remove three (3) screws and remove the lower half of the steering column cover.

15. Disengage electrical connectors from the hazard/multifunction switch. Remove two screws and remove the hazard/multifunction switch.

16. Unlock steering wheel and turn as necessary to gain access to air bag module attaching screws. Remove two screws (10 mm hex) from rear of steering wheel and disengage air bag module from steering wheel.

17. Return steering wheel to the centered, straight-ahead position and turn ignition switch to 'LOCK' position.

18. Carefully pull air bag module away from steering wheel and disconnect horn lead ground (black) and the horn lead wire (red). NOTICE: Only early-production vehicles will have a separate horn lead (black). In later production vehicles, the horn ground terminal is grounded in the S.I.R. module and the black horn lead was eliminated.

19. Remove CPA pin from S.I.R. connector (yellow) and disconnect S.I.R. lead.

20. If the vehicle is equipped with Redundant Radio Control (R.R.C.), disconnect R.R.C.lead.

21. Remove air bag module from steering wheel.

22. Remove steering wheel nut (21 mm).

23. Using steering wheel puller J 1859-03 or BT-61-9, remove steering wheel from steering shaft.

24. Remove nine (9) screws from the I/P pad. Carefully disengage I/P pad push in retainer on RH side and remove I/P pad. See figure 7

25. Place I/P pad on a clean bench or table to inspect the underside of the P.S.I.R. reinforcement.

26. Carefully inspect the notched area at the center of the rear of the P.S.I.R. reinforcement. See figure 9.

27. If the reinforcement design matches the original design in figure 9, a new I/P pad must be installed.

28. If the reinforcement design matches the new design in figure 9, install edge protector P/N 22659572 as shown in figure 9. Make sure that the edge protector is centered and fully seated onto the edge of the reinforcement.

IMPORTANT:

THE EDGE PROTECTOR MUST BE CENTERED (SIDE-TO-SIDE) ON THE REINFORCEMENT AND MUST BE FULLY SEATED ALONG ITS ENTIRE LENGTH.

29. For Buick Skylark models requiring installation of new I/P pads, refer to the following procedure for installation of the applique to the RH side of the I/P pad just above the I/P compartment (glove box).

a) Carefully inspect the location of the applique on the I/P pad being replaced. Pay close attention to the back side of the pad and note that there are two holes in the sheet metal reinforcement that line up with the posts on the applique.

b) On the new I/P pad, locate the corresponding holes in the sheet metal reinforcement on the back side of the new pad. Use these holes as guides for piercing two small locating holes in the I/P pad skin.

c) From the back side of the new I/P pad, use a scratch awl or other sharp instrument to carefully pierce two small (as small as possible) locating holes through the outer skin of the I/P pad.

d) Thoroughly clean the area around the two piercing in the I/P skin to assure proper adhesion of the new applique.

e) Position the applique to the I/P pad and push the pointed posts part way into the pad through the previously pierced locating holes.

f) Peel the backing from the applique adhesive, align the applique as required, and fully seat the applique to the pad. Apply pressure evenly to assure complete adhesion.

30. Place I/P pad in approximate position on I/P and position the center I/P hole over center locating pin on radio housing.

31. Position RH locating pin to locating hole on tie bar. Push in to secure.

32. Secure I/P pad with nine (9) screws. Tighten to 2.3 NM (1.7 Lbs.Ft). See figure 7.

33. Carefully position steering wheel assembly to the splined steering shaft and line-up the alignment mark on the steering wheel (12 o'clock position) to the alignment mark on the steering shaft.

34. Push steering wheel onto steering shaft to engage splines.

35. Finger start the steering wheel nut onto the steering shaft. Tighten nut to 41 NM (30 Lbs.Ft).

36. Unlock steering column and rotate Y2 turn (180' ) to facilitate installation of air bag module.

37. Position air bag module to steering wheel and connect leads as follows:

a) Connect S.I.R. up-lead to inflator module connector. Install CPA pin.

b) On vehicles equipped with Redundant Radio Control, connect R.R.C. up- ad to R.R.C. connector.

c) Connect the horn lead (red).

NOTICE: Only early-production vehicles will have a separate horn lead (black). In later-production vehicles, the horn ground terminal is grounded in the S.I.R. module and the black horn lead was eliminated.

38. Unlock steering column and rotate as required to install two S.I.R. module attaching screws (10 mm hex) from back of steering wheel.

39. Tighten screws to 9 NM (6.6 Lbs.Ft).

40. Position hazard/multifunction switch to the steering column and secure with top screw first, then bottom screw. Tighten to 4 NM (2.9 Lbs.Ft). Re-connect electrical connectors.

41. Reinstall the lower half of the steering column cover. Secure with three screws. Tighten to 4 NM (2.9 Lbs.Ft).

42. Re-install the upper half of the steering column cover (snap-in).

43. On column shift vehicles (Buick only), re-install shift lever boot using the following procedure. See figure 6.

a) Rotate ignition key to "RUN" position.

b) Shift transaxle into 'NEUTRAL' position.

c) Slide column shift lever boot down on shaft of column shift lever until the boot contacts the steering column cover.

d) At the 3 o'clock position, move the boot inward and then forward.

e) At the 6 o'clock position, move the boot downward.

f) At the 9 o'clock position, push the boot inward to fully engage the two attachment fingers.

g) At the 12 o'clock position, push the boot inward to fully engage one attachment finger.

h) Shift transaxle to 'PARK' position.

i) Rotate ignition key to 'LOCK' position.

44. On vehicles equipped with tilt steering wheel, re-install tilt steering wheel lever by gripping firmly and turning clockwise.

45. Carefully position I/P cluster near I/P and connect electrical connectors. Place I/P cluster in position and secure with four (4) screws. Tighten to 2.3 NM (1.7 Lbs.Ft).

46. Carefully position I/P cluster trim plate near I/P and connect electrical connectors. Place trim plate in position and secure with four (4) screws. Tighten to 2.3 NM (1.7 Lbs.Ft).

47. Carefully position lower I/P pad assembly to lower I/P. Align and partially secure with three (3) push-in retainers.

48. Secure lower I/P pad with twelve screws. Tighten to 2.3 NM (1.7 Lbs.Ft). See figure 3.

49. Re-install I/P compartment assembly (glove box). See figure 2.

50. Position defroster grille and secure by seating five (5) retainer clips. See figure 1.

51. Connect passenger's S.I.R. electrical connector (yellow) and install CPA pin.

52. Install courtesy lamp housing into RH sound insulator panel. Position tabs on panel into PCM bracket and secure panel in position with locking retainers.

53. Connect driver's S.I.R. electrical connector (yellow) and install CPA pin.

54. Close and secure panel in position with locking retainers.

55. Install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

Procedure 'B'

For Buick Skylark / Oldsmobile Achieva models with VINs in the following VIN range: Buick TC402621 through TC426252 / Olds TM301591 through TM 325078

THIS PROCEDURE CALLS FOR PARTIAL DIS-ASSEMBLY OF THE I/P TO ALLOW INSPECTION OF THE PSIR REINFORCEMENT FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE EDGE PROTECTOR, AND INSTALLATION OF THE EDGE PROTECTOR IF NECESSARY.

1 . Remove Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (S.I.R.) fuse from fuse block.

2. Turn two locking retainers to open LH sound insulator panel to gain access to the S.I.R. connector.

3. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) pin and separate the driver's side S.I.R. connector (yellow).

5. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) pin and separate the P.S.I.R connector (yellow).

6. Using a flat-bladed tool, carefully disengage five (5) retainer clips and remove the defroster grille. See figure 1.

7. Remove the I/P compartment assembly (glove box). See figure 2.

8. Remove twelve (12) screws (7 mm hex-head) from the lower I/P pad assembly. Carefully disengage three (3) retaining clips and remove lower I/P pad assembly). See figure 3.

9. Using a flat-bladed tool, carefully disengage three (3) retainer clips and remove the I/P trim plate (HVAC outlet) assembly. See figure 4.

10. Remove one (1) screw from the HVAC distributor duct. See figure 5.

11. Remove five (5) screws marked with a 'B' on figure 7 from the I/P pad to reinforcement and I/P to upper shroud. See figure 7.

12. Carefully lift up on the RH side of the I/P pad while pushing down on the HVAC duct.

Insert one hand into the opening far enough to reach the edge of the I/P pad PSIR reinforcement and check for the presence of the edge protector. See figure 8.

If the edge protector is present, proceed to step 14 of this service procedure.

If the edge protector is not present, proceed to step 13 of this service procedure.

13. Carefully lift up on the RH side of the I/P pad while pushing down on the HVAC duct to allow enough separation for both hands to position the edge protector onto the forward edge of the PSIR opening reinforcement. See figure 8.

Make sure that the edge protector is centered and pushed onto the edge of the reinforcement as far as possible.

IMPORTANT:

THE EDGE PROTECTOR MUST BE CENTERED (SIDE-TO-SIDE) ON THE REINFORCEMENT AND MUST BE FULLY SEATED ALONG ITS ENTIRE LENGTH.

14. Reposition the I/P pad and HVAC duct and reinstall five (5) screws. Tighten screws to 2.3 NM (1.7 Lb. Ft or 20.4 Lb. In). See figure 7.

15. Install one (1) screw to secure the HVAC duct. Tighten to 2.3 NM (1.7 lb. Ft). See figure 5.

16. Install the I/P trim plate (HVAC outlet) assembly. Secure by firmly seating three (3) push-in retainers. See figure 4.

17. Position lower I/P pad to I/P retainers using alignment pins. Secure lower I/P pad to reinforcement and tie bar using twelve (12) screws. Tighten screws to 2.3 NM (1.7 Lb. Ft or 20.4 Lb. In). See figure 3.

18. Install I/P compartment (glove box). See figure 2.

19. Carefully position defroster grille and secure with five (5) push-in retainers. See figure 1.

20. Position RH sound insulator panel and secure with locking retainers.

21. Connect passenger's side and driver's side S.I.R. connectors and install connector position assurance (CPA) pins to both connectors.

22. Position LH sound insulator panel and secure with locking retainers.

23. Install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL

Each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin will require a "Campaign Identification Label". Each label provides a space to include the campaign number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.

Each "Campaign Identification Label" is to be located on the radiator core support in an area which will be visible when the vehicle is brought in by the customer for periodic servicing. When Installing the Campaign Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Campaign Identification Labels can be obtained from VISPAC Incorporated by calling 1-800-269-5100 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST). Ask for Item Number S-1015 when ordering.

Apply the "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface

CLAIM INFORMATION

Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:

REPAIR PERFORMED PART FAILED PARTS LABOR *LABOR NET COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC OP HOURS ITEM ---------------- ------ -------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---- REMOVE I/P PAD, 1 or 2 **** ** MA-96 V9977 1.1 *** INSPECT FOR TYPE OF P.S.I.R. REINFORCEMENT. INSTALL EDGE PROTECTOR OR INSTALL NEW I/P PAD

PARTIAL 0 or 1 22659572 ** MA-96 V9978 0.5 DISASSEMBLY. INSPECT FOR PRESENCE OF EDGE PROTECTOR AND INSTALL PROTECTOR TO PSIR REINFORCEMENT IF NOT PRESENT.

* For Campaign Administrative Allowance, add 0.1 hours to the 'Labor Hours'.

** The "Parts Allowance" should be the sum total of the current GMSPO Dealer Net price plus 40% for all parts needed to complete the repair.

*** Enter any additional shipping charges for parts ordered on a C.S.O.-3 = Customer Special Order-Overnight Delivery. Amount should reflect actual C.S.O.-3 charges from GMSPO.

**** Enter P/N(s) for edge protector or I/P pad, and/or applique as required.

Refer to the General Motors Corporation Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.

November, 1996

Dear [Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Achieva] Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

REASON FOR THIS RECALL: General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1996 Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Achieva vehicles. During deployment of the passenger air bag, the air bag fabric may snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel, causing the expanding bag to lift the instrument panel pad and then deploy under the instrument panel pad instead of through the door in the instrument panel. The reinforcement may also fracture. In a crash, the front seat passenger could receive more severe injuries if he or she contacts a broken reinforcement of if the snagging affects the deployment of the bag.

WHAT WILL BE DONE: To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, dealers are to install a plastic edge protector to the instrument panel pad reinforcement. On certain early-production vehicles, the instrument panel pad will be replaced. This service will be performed for you at no charge.

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE: The length of time required to perform this inspection (and repair, if necessary) is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Additional time may be required to schedule and process your vehicle. If your dealer has a large number of vehicles awaiting service, this additional time may be significant. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much additional time will be needed.

CONTACTING YOUR DEALER: Please contact your dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date and to assure parts availability. Instructions for making this inspection have been sent to your dealer. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much time will be needed to schedule, process, and repair your vehicle. Your [Buick, Oldsmobile] dealer is best equipped to obtain parts and provide services to correct your vehicle as promptly as possible. Should your dealer be unable to schedule a service date within a reasonable time, you should contact the appropriate Customer Assistance/Relations Center at one of the following numbers:

Deaf, Hearing impaired Division Number or Speech Impaired* -------- -------------- ---------------------- Buick 1-800-521-7300 1-800-832-8425 Oldsmobile 1-800-442-6537 1-800-833-6537

* Utilizes Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf/Text Telephones (TDD/TTY)

If, after contacting the appropriate customer assistance center, if you are still not satisfied that we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call 1-800-424-9393 (Washington D.C. residents use 202-366-0123).

CUSTOMER REPLY CARD: The enclosed owner reply card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in processing your vehicle in the shortest possible time. If you have sold or traded your vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage paid reply card and returning it to us.

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION: Your dealer will provide you with courtesy transportation, if required, while your vehicle is at the dealership for repair. Please be aware that the courtesy transportation provided by your dealership may consist of several different services, including shuttle service. Please refer to your Owner's Manual and your dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation.

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

[Buick, Oldsmobile] Division GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

** CANADIAN VERSION **

PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN

SUBJECT: CAMPAIGN 96066 - PASSENGER SIDE INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) MAY --------------------------------------------------------------- SNAG ON INSTRUMENT PANEL REINFORCEMENT --------------------------------------

MODELS: CERTAIN 1996'N'VEHICLES -----------------------

DEFECT INVOLVED

General Motors of Canada Limited has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1996 Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Achieva vehicles. During deployment of the passenger air bag, the of bag fabric may snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel, causing the expanding bag to lift the instrument panel pad and then deploy under the instrument panel pad instead of through the door in the instrument panel. The reinforcement may also fracture. In a crash, the front seat passenger could receive more severe injuries if he or she contacts a broken reinforcement or if the snagging affects the deployment of the bag.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are certain 1996 Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Achieva ('N' body) vehicles and built within the following VIN breakpoints:

YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH ---- ------- ------- ------- ---- -------- -------- 1996 Buick Skylark Lansing "C" TC400000 TC402620 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Lansing "M" TM300000 TM301590 1996 Buick Skylark Lansing "C" TC402621 TC426252 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Lansing "M" TM301591 TM325078

NOTE: PLEASE CHECK DCS SCREEN 445 OR YOUR V.I.N. LISTING BEFORE PERFORMING CAMPAIGN TO ENSURE THAT THE VEIHCLE IS AFFECTED. ONLY AFFECTED VIN'S WILL BE PAID).

Please note that there are two groups of vehicles in the above table.

- The first group (early production) requires complete removal of the I/P pad for inspection and service.

- The second group requires partial disassembly of the I/P pad for inspection and service.

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

PARTS INFORMATION

NOTICE: 40% of requirements of PN 22659572 (edge protector) required to complete this campaign will be pre-shipped to involved dealers of record. This pre-shipment will occur the week of November 11, 1996. Parts received for a recently transferred vehicle should be forwarded by the original dealer (with a phone call) to the dealer that received the transferred vehicle. Pre-shipped parts will be charged to dealer's open parts account.

NOTICE: Due to limited initial parts availability of I/P pads (P/Ns 22601506,7,8, and 22604341) and Buick appliques (P/Ns 22648474,5,6), dealers are encouraged not to order I/P pads or appliques for use as shelf stock.

I/P pads and appliques should only be ordered when inspection determines that it is necessary to replace the I/P pad and applique.

Orders for I/P pads and appliques should be placed on a "Next Day" Delivery. Apply for reimbursement for any additional charges associated with "Next Day" delivery orders in the 'NET ITEM' column of the warranty claim table.

Part Number Description Quantity/Vehicle ----------- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------- 22659572 Protector - Edge 1 as required 22601506 Pad - Instrument Panel - Graphite (121) 1 as required 22601507 Pad - Instrument Panel - Dark Teal (371) 1 as required 22601508 Pad - Instrument Panel - Med Dark Neutral (521) 1 as required 22604341 Pad - Instrument Panel - Gamet Red (781) 1 as required 22648474 Applique - Buick (Custom-with V1J) 1 as required 22648475 Applique - Buick (Gransport-Except V1J/V1K/W43) 1 as required 22648476 Applique - Buick (Limited V1K or Olympic W43) 1 as required

Additional edge protectors (PN 22659572), if required, are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" prior to ordering requirements.

- Edge protector P/N 22659572 is not required when installing a new I/P pad.

- I/P pad PNs 22601506,7,8 and 22604341 are not required for all early production vehicles, and are not required for any later-production vehicles.

- Applique PNs 22648474,5,6 are only required when installing a new I/P pad on Buick vehicles.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

All customers of record at the time of campaign release are shown on the attached computer listing and have been notified by first class mail from General Motors (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin). The provided are for campaign activity only and should not be used for any other purpose.

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION

The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are involved in this campaign is of the utmost importance in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to take the steps necessary to ensure that these customers clearly understand that courtesy transportation is available and will be provided upon request at no charge. Dealers should submit such claims in the normal manner and appropriate credit will be issued.

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

All unsold new vehicles in dealer's possession and subject to this campaign must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. Tbis could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the appropriate customer letter accompanying this bulletin.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT

Follow service procedure 'A' for vehicles in the following VIN breakpoints:

Buick: TC400000 through TC402620 Oldsmobile: TM300000 through TM301590

Follow service procedure 'B' for vehicles in the following VIN breakpoints:

Buick: TC402621 through TC426252 Oldsmobile: TM301591 through TM325078

Procedure'A'

For [Buick Skylark] / [Oldsmobile Achieva] models with VIN's in the following VIN breakpoints: [Buick TC400000 through TC402620] / [Oldsmobile TM300000 through TM301590]

THIS PROCEDURE CALLS FOR COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE I/P PAD TO ALLOW VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE PSIR REINFORCEMENT DESIGN. SEE FIGURE 9.

IF THE REINFORCEMENT IS FOUND TO BE BUILT TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN (SEE FIGURE 9), A NEW I/P PAD MUST BE INSTALLED.

IF THE REINFORCEMENT IS FOUND TO BE BUILT TO THE NEW DESIGN, AN EDGE PROTECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED AND THE I/P PAD WILL BE REINSTALLED.

NOTICE: WHEN I/P PAD REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED, DEALERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION UNTIL REQUIRED PARTS ARE RECEIVED AND INSTALLED.

ORDERS FOR I/P PADS (AND APPLIQUES FOR BUICK VEHICLES) SHOULD BE PLACED ON A "NEXT DAY" DELIVERY.