CAMPAIGN: BRAKE S/LAMP SWITCH INSTALLATION & ADJUSTMENT
PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN 90-C-08 Subject: BRAKE STOPLAMP SWITCH
MODELS AFFECTED 1989-90 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
TO: ALL PONTIAC DEALERS
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle 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 owner has tendered it for repair. A failure to adequately 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 owner may be entitled 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 solutions, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each owner and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. As you will see in reading the attached copy of the letter that is being sent to owners, the owners are being instructed to contact the Pontiac 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 determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1989-90 Pontiac Grand Prix model vehicles. These vehicles may have a faulty brake stoplamp switch, which could result in the stoplamps not illuminating on application of the brakes. If this should occur in situations where a driver in a trailing vehicle is otherwise unable to recognize a braking action in sufficient time to respond appropriately, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning. In some cases, failure of the stoplamp switch can result in the stoplamps staying on at all times.
In addition, in vehicles equipped with cruise control, a faulty stoplamp switch can result in resumption of the cruise control function upon release of the brake pedal. If this occurs, the cruise control feature can be disengaged by moving the cruise control switch to the "OFF" position, or by reapplying the brake. Once the vehicle speed drops below 12-14 MPH, the cruise feature will be automatically disengaged.
DEALER ACTION
To prevent these conditions from occurring, an improved stoplamp switch will be installed on all involved vehicles.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Involved are certain 1989-90 Pontiac Grand Prix model vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints: Up To And Year Plant Beginning Including
1989 Fairfax KF259510 KF336823 1990 Fairfax LF200001 LF256087
Vehicles which Pontiac records indicate were previously repaired under warranty with stoplamp switch P/N 10180504 are not included in this campaign.
Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number Computer Listings. Computer listings contain the complete Vehicle Identifica- tion Number, owner name and address data, and are furnished to the involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. Owner name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with owners involved in this campaign.
These listings may contain owner 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. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Owners will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by Pontiac Division (see copy of Owner Letter included with this bulletin).
DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership from this time forward.
Whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign is taken into your new or used vehicle inventory, or it is in your dealership for service in the future, you should take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before reselling or releasing the vehicle.
Owners of vehicles recently sold from your new vehicle inventory are to be contacted by the dealer, and arrangements made to make the required correction according to instructions contained in this bulletin.
PARTS INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this campaign are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operation (GMSPO). To ensure that these parts are obtained as soon as possible, they should be ordered from GMSPO on a C.I.O. order with no special instruction code, but on advise code (2).
Part Quantity Description Number Per Vehicle ---------------------- -------- ------------ Stoplamp Switch Assembly 10180504 1
GMSPO will preship each dealer (except COD dealers) five (5) stoplamp switch assemblies. These parts will be billed on the dealer's monthly open account statement.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTICE: ALL DEALERS ARE BEING SENT AN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO TAPE ON THE STOPLAMP SWITCH SETTING PROCEDURE. PLEASE BE SURE TO VIEW THIS VIDEO TAPE BEFORE PERFORMING THE PROCEDURE BELOW. FLEET WARRANTY STATIONS INTENDING TO PERFORM THIS CAMPAIGN MAY OBTAIN THIS VIDEO TAPE BY CALLING HANK BOLSEN AT (313) 525-8200 BEFORE DECEMBER 14, 1990.
STOPLAMP SWITCH REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
1. Remove air cleaner assembly and disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Remove left side sound insulator panel and slide steering shaft protective sleeve towards the cowl.
3. Disconnect air distribution tube and pull down.
4. Remove retainer clip holding stoplamp switch to steering column bracket.
5. Disconnect switch arm from pedal by pushing arm over and off brake pedal pin. Release switch by pulling down and releasing top snap clip.
6. Disconnect connector position assurance (CPA) locking pins from four wire and two wire electrical connectors. (Two wire connector not present on vehicles without cruise control feature.)
7. Disconnect four wire and two wire connectors.
8. Remove brake switch assembly.
9. If vehicle is equipped with cruise control, connect two wire connector and CPA locking pin.
10. Install new switch assembly by pushing switch up until seated into top snap clip. DO NOT attach switch arm to pin on brake pedal at this time.
NOTICE: Make sure brake switch is NOT adjusted (metal clip on the actuator is not engaged with the serrations on the bottom of the carrier) as shown in Figure 2.
11. Install retainer clip which holds switch to steering column bracket.
12. Push brake pedal down to floor pan and install switch arm over and onto brake pedal pin.
13. Pull brake pedal all the way rearward and listen for switch to ratchet to set position. At least three (3) clicks of the ratchet must be heard.
14. Connect four wire connector and CPA locking pin.
15. Position steering shaft protective sleeve.
16. Reconnect negative battery cable.
17. Inspect stoplamp switch operation. If stoplamps DO NOT operate properly, refer to the "STOPLAMP SWITCH ADJUSTMENT" section of this bulletin. If stoplamps DO operate properly, continue through Step 23.
18. For vehicles equipped with cruise control, check setting of cruise control vacuum dump switch. With brake pedal at rest, make sure the plunger is fully seated into the barrel. If it is not fully seated, push the dump switch forward until the plunger is inside the barrel and then pull rearward on brake pedal to properly set the switch. If the plunger is already fully seated into the barrel, the dump switch is already properly set and no further adjustment is required.
19. Reconnect air distribution tube.
20. Reinstall left side sound insulator panel.
21. Reinstall air cleaner assembly.
22. Vehicles equipped with 2.8L or 3.1L engines must have the following procedure performed to "relearn" the idle. This function was lost from the ECM's memory due to the loss of battery power.
a. Place air conditioning controls in "OFF" position. b. Firmly apply parking brake and block drive wheels. Start engine and shift transaxle into "DRIVE" for automatics or "NEUTRAL" for manuals. c. Allow engine to run a maximum of 10 minutes or until the engine cooling fan has cycled once, whichever occurs first. d. Shift transaxle to "PARK" for automatics or "NEUTRAL" for manuals, then turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position for at least 5 seconds. e. Repeat Step b. f. Allow engine to run for at least 5 minutes.
23. Install Campaign Identification Label.
STOPLAMP SWITCH ADJUSTMENT
(Figure 1 may be helpful in performing this procedure.)
1. Depress brake pedal as far as possible and hold.
2. Using a stiff wire with a hooked end (see Figure 4), gently pull switch set lever forward (toward front of vehicle), and listen for an audible click indicating release of automatic adjustor.
NOTICE: If no click is heard, release brake pedal and repeat above procedure.
3. After release of automatic adjuster, pull brake pedal all the way rear- ward. Listen for switch to ratchet into set position (setting the stoplamp switch). At least three (3) clicks of the ratchet must be heard.
4. Inspect operation of stoplamps. Stoplamps should operate at maximum brake pedal travel of 25mm (1 inch) and throughout the remainder of its travel. If stoplamps DO NOT operate properly, repeat switch adjustment procedure one more time. If switch still fails to operate properly, refer to the "STOPLAMP SWITCH ADJUSTMENT CHECK" (Figure 3).
If stoplamps DO operate properly, return to Step 18 of the "STOPLAMP SWITCH REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION" procedure.
CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Each vehicle modified 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, the five digit dealer code of the dealer performing the campaign service, and the date the vehicle was campaigned. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or ball- point pen. Install the label only on a clean, dry surface of the radiator baffle where it is readily visible. (Additional campaign labels are available on stationery order as Form 7901-709).
CLAIM INFORMATION
A separate repair order must be used for each vehicle. A completed warranty claim is to be kept as a permanent record of completion.
DEALERS SHOULD SUBMIT WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR CREDIT IN THEIR NORMAL MANNER WHEN THEY PERFORM THE SERVICE AS FOLLOWS:
*Other Failure Labor Labor Labor Operation Code Operation Hours Hours ------------ ------- --------- ----- ------ Install And Adjust Stoplamp 96 V6370 0.7 0.1 Switch, Vehicles With 2.3L Engine
Install And Adjust Stoplamp 96 V6371 0.8 0.1 Switch, Vehicles With 2.8L or 3.IL Engine
**Prior Repair - Review 96 V6372 0.2 0.1 Repair Order, 10180504 Switch Already Installed
**Prior Repair - Reimburse 96 T1690 0.0 0.0 Owner For Prior Switch Repair
* In addition dealerships will receive 0.1 hours credit for dealer administrative services associated with this campaign. The 0.1 hours allowance is to be entered in the "Other Labor Hours" field with each campaign repair listed for credit. This entry will not require authorization.
CLAIM INFORMATION
See "Reimbursement" section for repair order review details required to complete this campaign.
Parts required are to be listed in your warranty claim in the normal manner. Parts will be credited at dealer net plus 30% dealer handling allowance. Dealers will be credited via Warranty Document or Terminal Transmission, whichever is their normal method of submission for payment. Claim must contain all information required and should list the labor operation as outlined.
RECORDING COMPLETION
Repairs submitted for vehicles not involved in the campaign will not be paid. Campaign completion will be recorded from "PROPERLY COMPLETED AND PAID WARRANTY CLAIMS." Owners are being asked to present the owner reply card for identification to their dealer at the time they bring in their vehicle to have the campaign performed.
REIMBURSEMENT
CUSTOMERS WITH REIMBURSEMENT CLAIMS SHOULD HAVE THEIR REPAIR ORDERS REVIEWED TO DETERMINE IF AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH (P/N 10180504) WAS INSTALLED AT THE TIME OF REPAIR.
- IF THE PART NUMBER ON THE REPAIR ORDER IS P/N 10180504, NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUIRED. CLAIM V6372 AND REIMBURSE CUSTOMER UNDER T1690.
- IF THE PART NUMBER ON THE REPAIR ORDER IS NOT P/N 10180504, AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH (P/N 10180504) MUST STILL BE INSTALLED. PERFORM THE CAMPAIGN PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN, CLAIM V6370 OR V6371 FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND REIMBURSE THE CUSTOMER FOR THE PRIOR REPAIR UNDER T1690.
Customer claims for reimbursement on previously paid repairs to correct a stoplamp switch condition are to be submitted in the following manner: Use the special "Owner Reimbursement" labor operation listed under the Claim Information Section of this bulletin. Reimbursement amounts of $150.00 or less can be processed by the dealer. If the amount exceeds $150.00 an Owner Reimbursement Form 7201-039 (Rev. 6/88) must be forwarded to and processed by the Zone Office. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Pontiac 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 determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1989-90 Pontiac Grand Prix model vehicles. These vehicles may have a faulty brake stoplamp switch, which could result in the stoplamps not illuminating on application of the brakes. If this should occur in situations where a driver in a trailing vehicle is otherwise unable to recognize a braking action in sufficient time to respond appropriately, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning. In some cases, failure of the stoplamp switch can result in the stoplamps staying on at all times.
In addition, in vehicles equipped with cruise control, a faulty stoplamp switch can result in resumption of the cruise control function upon release of the brake pedal. If this occurs, the cruise control feature can be disengaged by moving the cruise control switch to the "OFF" position, or by reapplying the brake. Once the vehicle speed drops below 12-14 MPH, the cruise feature will be automatically disengaged.
WHAT WE WILL DO
To prevent these conditions from occurring, an improved design stoplamp switch will be installed on your vehicle. This service will be performed for you at no charge.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please contact your Pontiac dealer assoon as possible to arrange a service date. Instructions for making this correction have been sent to your dealer and parts are available. The labor time necessary to perform this service correction is approximately 3/4 of an hour. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much additional time will be needed to process your vehicle.
If you have already experienced this condition and paid for all or part of the repair, you may request reimbursement through your Pontiac dealer. When doing so, you should present the dealer with documentation which reasonably confirms the amount of unreimbursed repair expense, the date of repair and the person or entity performing the repair.
When you make your reimbursement request, your repair order will be reviewed to assure that an improved design stoplamp switch was installed. If another switch was used for the repair, it will need to be replaced and a service date to perform this campaign should be scheduled. If the improved design part was installed, your vehicle already has the required part and no further action is necessary. In either case, a claim for reimbursement of the prior repair may be filed.
Your Pontiac dealer is best equipped to obtain parts and provide service to ensure your vehicle is corrected as promptly as possible. If, however, you take your vehicle to your dealer on the agreed service date, and he does not remedy this condition on that date, or within five (5) days, we recommend you contact the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center by calling: 1-800-762-2737. After contacting your dealer and the Pontiac 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, DC 20590 or call 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, DC residents use 366-0123).
The enclosed Campaign Owner Reply Card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you have sold or traded your vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage paid Owner Reply Card and returning it to US.
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.
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.
