All Investigations » Investigation PE04072

Defect Investigation of Loss Of Brake Lamp Illumination

Subject:	Loss of brake lamp illumination
Components covered:	Brake lights Hazard flashing warning lights
Investigations Summary:	This investigation was opened on Oct. 19, 2004. It was closed on Mar. 21, 2005. Note: this investigation has resulted in a vehicle safety recall. In its letter dated March 9, 2005, gm stated that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy a faulty multifunction switch in certain model year (my) 2001 and 2002 Chevrolet astro and GMC safari vehicles; specifically, all my 2001 vehicles and early my 2002 vehicles built between March and August 2001. See NHTSA recall no. 05v-099 for details. The multifunction switch may develop an open circuit in the brake lamp or hazard lamp circuit resulting in inoperative brake lamps and hazard lamps. This is due to the combined effects of the material and lubrication for the hazard switch contactor that result in increased resistance in the hazard switch and stuck hazard slider button in open (no contact) condition. Dealers are to replace the hazard switch and apply special grease to the hazard switch contactor. If a vehicle has a stuck hazard slider button, dealers are to replace the entire multifunction switch.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:	2001 Chevrolet Astro 2002 Chevrolet Astro 2001 GMC Safari 2002 GMC Safari