| Subject: | Steering column fires |
| Components covered: |
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| Investigations Summary: |
This investigation was opened on Mar. 3, 2000.
It was closed on Feb. 7, 2001.
Note: this investigation has resulted in
a vehicle safety recall. Odi has expanded the scope of its investigation of steering column fires to include all models built on the n-platform. Gm hs indicated in its response that the subject vehicle are equipped with a rotary ignition switch that has been in use in a number of vehicle models since 1991 on both the n and j-platforms. However, the 1994-1995 platform is over represented accounting of r 83 (81%) of the combined total of 102 reports despite being only 4. 2% of the combined population. Of the 10 new reports received since opening pe99-063, 7 include allegations of a no start condition when attemption to engage the starter. A fire is claimed to have ensured in the steering column immediatedly thereafter. Gm issued a technical service bulletin (no. 433203) July 1994 which addressed owner complaints that the ignition switch may not return to the "run" position after the vehicle has started. The TSB advises that the ignition switch mounting screws may be excessively torqued resulting in distortion of the switch housing. An engineering analysis is warranted to determine the root cause(s) and to determine if a safety defect exists. |
| Vehicles Affected by this investigation: |
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Defect investigation of driver's master power window switch
Defect investigation of fuel level gauge system failure
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