General Motors yesterday announced a recall of around 1.9 million cars to check for faulty ignition switches that could cause electrical fires.
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The affected vehicles are 1995-97 Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire and 1996-97 Buick Skylark, Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Achieva models.
High current flowing through the ignition switch could cause a fire in the steering column so the cars will be modified with a low-current bypass circuit that operates a relay.
In a statement, GM said there had been no reports of fires while vehicles were being driven.
“Most of the incidents occurred within minutes of an unsuccessful attempt to start the car, and there have been some claims of smoke inhalation. Some of the incidents occurred after the car had been unattended for a longer time,” GM said.
The statement added that the ignition switch may deteriorate if the engine fails to crank and the driver holds the key in the ‘start’ position for an extended period.
(related just-auto.com news story)
“High current flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts,” said GM small car vehicle line executive Lori Queen.
If the switch is damaged, the plastic internal components may heat up, melt, and eventually ignite. This could occur even with the engine off and the key removed.
“If the operator is experiencing a “click-no-crank” condition, he or she should refrain from holding the key in the start position for an extended period of time,” Queen said.
She added that vehicle owners should have their vehicles checked and serviced if they are experiencing starting problems.
GM is writing to owners about the recall with advice about precautions they should take until their vehicles are repaired.
As well as fitting the low current relay circuit, dealers will test the ignition switch and replace it if necessary.
All repairs will be performed free of charge but the GM statement did not say what the recall would cost the company.
