NHTSA recall 04V036000
Electrical System · General Motors, LLC
Details
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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 or cause damage to adjoining structures.
The fix: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on March 1, 2004.
Affected vehicles on MotorDeets
- 1998 Buick Skylark
- 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
- 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva
- 1998 Pontiac Grand Am
- 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
- 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
- 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
- 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
- 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
- 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
- 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
All model years NHTSA lists
1998 Buick Skylark, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva, 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 2000 Pontiac Sunfire, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Recalls can cover only some VINs. Check yours on NHTSA's official recall page for 04V036000.
Source: NHTSA recall records. Summary shortened; the official notice has the full text.