Reatta V6-231 3.8L VIN C SFI (1990)
Shift Cable: Recalls
Owner Letter
Dear Buick 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 some 1990 Riviera and Reattas. The transaxle shift control
cable may disengage from the floor shift control resulting in loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation. The gear position indicated by
the selector may differ from the actual gear position of the transaxle with the transaxle remaining in the position last selected prior to cable
disengagement.
If this occurs, a number of possible conditions can exist. Unless the transaxle is actually in the park or neutral position, the engine cannot be started.
If the driver places the gear shift selector in the park position without setting the parking brake, the transaxle may not actually be in the park position and
the vehicle may move if it is on an inclined surface. Also, if the driver places the gear shift selector in a drive or the reverse position without turning off
the engine, the transaxle may not be in the position indicated and the vehicle may move in the opposite direction. In either case, unexpected vehicle
movement could result in an accident without prior warning.
WHAT WE WILL DO
To correct this condition, your dealer will install a transaxle shift control cable retaining clip on your vehicle. This service will be performed for you at
no charge.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Until you have had the opportunity to have your dealer correct this condition, we recommend that the parking brake always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked. Also, when changing gear selection from drive to reverse or reverse to drive, always firmly apply the brake pedal until the actual gear
position of the transaxle (direction) is confirmed.
Please contact your Buick dealer as soon 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 twenty (20) minutes. Please ask your dealer if you wish
to know how much additional time will be needed to schedule and process your vehicle.
Even if your Riviera or Reatta was previously repaired for this or a similar type condition, please contact your dealer to have the retaining clip installed
on your vehicle.
Your Buick dealer is best equipped to obtain parts and provide service to ensure that your vehicle is corrected as promptly as possible. If, however, you
take your vehicle to your dealer on the agreed service date, and they do not remedy this condition on that date or within five (5) days, we recommend you
contact the Buick Customer Assistance Center, Flint Home Office, by calling 1-800-521-7300.
After contacting your dealer and the 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 366-0123).
The enclosed 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 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.
