Recall 04V-036: 1998 Buick Skylark, 1998–2001 Chevrolet Cavalier and 3 more
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recall for electrical system, reported to NHTSA on Jan 27, 2004, covering about 1,415,231 vehicles.
The problem
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.
The risk
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. 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 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
Notes
Gm recall no. 04002.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
|---|---|
| Component | Electrical System › Ignition › Switch |
| Recall started by | the manufacturer |
| NHTSA campaign number | 04V036000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| Buick Skylark | 1998 | All years |
| Chevrolet Cavalier | 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 | All years |
| Oldsmobile Achieva | 1998 | All years |
| Pontiac Grand AM | 1998 | All years |
| Pontiac Sunfire | 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 04V-036?
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.
How is recall 04V-036 fixed?
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. 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 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.