All Investigations » Investigation PE08014

  Defect Investigation of Passenger Door Fire

Investigation of Passenger Door Fire

Subject: Passenger door fire
Components covered:
  • Electrical system
  • Electrical system wiring
  • Interior/under dash wiring
  • Visibility
  • Side/rear glass
  • Power window devices and controls
Investigations Summary: This investigation was opened on Mar. 4, 2008. It was closed on Jul. 1, 2008. Complaints allege that a fire erupted in the front passenger door. In Mitsubishi's response to odi's March 12, 2008 information request, Mitsubishi asserts that the alleged defect may occur when "large amounts of liquids, more than 100cc (3. 4 oz), like a soft drink were spilled directly over the power window switch area, all at once and at one time. "Mitsubishi found that "as the liquid dries off, electrolytes and carbonized particles accumulate between the terminals" in the power window switch and "become a conductive material. "as a result, "the switch may start to heat up and melt or ignite the plastic components. "however, Mitsubishi also asserts that the alleged defect is "very rare" and that "burning damage will not occur unless liquids enter into the" power window switch. Odi upgraded this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis, ea08-011, to further evaluate this issue.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:
  • 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  • 2003 Mitsubishi Galant

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