1995-1997 Buick Skylark, Chevrolet Cavalier and others recall: switch

General Motors Corp. reported this safety recall on March 6, 2002. It covers about 1,589,948 vehicles.

vehicles affected: 1,589,948
reported: Mar 6, 2002
owners notified: Mar 27, 2002
related complaints: 660

Electrical system: ignition: switch

What is wrong: On certain passenger 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.
Risk: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.

Recall number 02V070000

Affected vehicles

Buick Skylark 1996-1997 1996 1997
Chevrolet Cavalier 1995-1997 1995 1996 1997
Oldsmobile Achieva 1996-1997 1996 1997
Pontiac Grand Am 1996-1997 1996 1997
Pontiac Sunfire 1995-1997 1995 1996 1997

Owner complaints about the same problem

Owners of these vehicles have filed 660 complaints about electrical problems.

1996 Buick Skylark 1997 Buick Skylark 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva 1996 Pontiac Grand Am 1997 Pontiac Grand Am 1995 Pontiac Sunfire 1996 Pontiac Sunfire 1997 Pontiac Sunfire

Questions about recall 02V070000

Is there a recall on the 1995-1997 Buick Skylark, Chevrolet Cavalier and others switch?

Yes. Recall 02V070000, reported on March 6, 2002, covers about 1,589,948 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 02V070000?

Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.

Is the recall repair free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. A dealer can confirm with the VIN whether a specific vehicle is included and whether the repair has already been done.

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