Sunfire L4-144 2.4L DOHC VIN T SFI (2001)
Technical Service Bulletin # 04002
Date: 040218
Recall - Ignition Circuit Defect
Product Safety - Ignition Circuit Thermal Events # 04002 - (02/18/2004)
04002 -- Ignition Circuit Thermal Events
1998 Buck Skylark
1998-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
1998 Oldsmobile Achieva
1998 Pontiac Grand Am
1998-2001 Pontiac Sunfire
Due to part availability, this recall is being conducted in three phases. Phase 1 will consist of 1998-1999 vehicles, phase 2 will consist of 2000 vehicles;
and phase 3 will consist of 2001 vehicles. When sufficient parts are available to notify customers of 2000 and 2001 vehicles, you will be notified and
will receive a new initiation report.
Condition
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1998 model year Buick Skylark; 1998-2001 model year
Chevrolet Cavalier; 1998 model year Oldsmobile Achieva; 1998 model year Pontiac Grand Am; and 1998-2001 model year Pontiac Sunfire 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. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine
off and the key removed. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants of the car or cause damage to adjoining structures.
Correction
Dealers are to install a relay kit and verify that the vehicle will start with a properly charged battery in good operating condition (adequate reserve
capacity, or cold cranking amps).
Vehicles Involved
