Eldorado V8-350 5.7L DSL (1984)
Cruise Control Servo: All Technical Service Bulletins
Nhtsa Press Release - Cruise Control
DCS NO. 89-08 GROUP NO. March 17, 1989
SUBJECT:
NHTSA Press Release - Cruise Control
TO:
All Buick Dealers
ATTN:
SERVICE MANAGERS BE SURE TO REVIEW THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
On Thursday, March 16, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced to the news media that they have asked General
Motors to conduct a safety recall of about 1.9 million 1984-1988 GM cars to correct cruise control bushing failures on vehicles with certain 5.0 liter
gasoline V-8 (Engine Codes Y and 9) and 5.7 liter diesel engines (Engine Code N).
GENERAL MOTORS DOES NOT BELIEVE A SAFETY RECALL IS WARRANTED. OUR CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE
THEIR CARS WITH CONFIDENCE.
The cars in question have traveled an estimated one hundred billion miles to date, and we are aware of only one non-injury accident --occurring a year
and a half ago -- in which we confirmed that the bushing was out of position.
Even though we do not believe this is a safety-related problem, we realize the NHTSA press release could cause concern to our customers.
The problem involves wear by the throttle rod of the plastic bushing in the cruise control servo bracket, allowing the bushing to dislodge. The dislodged
bushing then acts as a spacer between the clip on the rod and the bracket, and can increase idle speed.
Here are five (5) important points:
^
The higher idle does not significantly affect the car's braking system.
^
The steering system is unaffected.
^
The increased idle speed does not and cannot cause so-called "sudden acceleration."
^
The condition does not affect the operation of the cruise control system.
^
Contrary to the advice contained in the NHTSA news release, it should not be necessary for drivers experiencing increased idle speed to turn
off their ignition before safely stopping the vehicle.
Our engineering analysis is continuing, and we will keep you advised of developments. Meanwhile, should customers contact you, you can assure them
they can continue driving with confidence.
If a customer insists on an examination of his vehicle, you should inspect to be sure the bushing is secure in its proper place. If a loose or missing
bushing is found, a new servo assembly should be installed. If the vehicle is out of warranty, please contact the Zone or Branch Office for guidance.