CAMPAIGN:PROTECTIVE COVERS - REAR LATCH MECHANISM. Chevrolet Venture 1997

NOTE: GM OF CANADA VERSION OF 98034 IS LOCATED BELOW THE US VERSION ______________________________________________________________________

PRODUCT CAMPAIGNS 98034 AUGUST, 1998

PRODUCT RECALL CAMPAIGN

PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN

SUBJECT: 98034 - PROTECTIVE COVERS - REAR LATCH MECHANISM - 60/40 SPLIT BENCH OR BUCKET SEATS IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) ROW AND/OR BUCKET SEATS IN THE THIRD (BACK) ROW

MODELS: 1997-98 CHEVROLET VENTURE AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE VEHICLES

THE HIGHWAY SAFETY ACT, AS AMENDED, PROVIDES THAT EACH VEHICLE WHICH IS SUBJECT TO A RECALL CAMPAIGN OF THIS TYPE MUST BE ADEQUATELY REPAIRED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AFTER THE CUSTOMER HAS TENDERED IT FOR REPAIR. A FAILURE TO REPAIR WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS AFTER TENDER OF A VEHICLE IS PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF FAILURE TO REPAIR WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME.

IF THE CONDITION IS NOT ADEQUATELY REPAIRED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, THE CUSTOMER MAY BE ENTITLED TO AN IDENTICAL OR REASONABLY EQUIVALENT VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE OR TO A REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE LESS A REASONABLE ALLOWANCE FOR DEPRECIATION.

TO AVOID HAVING TO PROVIDE THESE BURDENSOME REMEDIES, EVERY EFFORT MUST BE MADE TO PROMPTLY SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH EACH CUSTOMER AND TO REPAIR THEIR VEHICLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AS YOU WILL SEE IN READING THE ATTACHED COPY OF THE DIVISIONAL LETTER THAT IS BEING SENT TO CUSTOMERS, THE CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER IF THEIR DEALER DOES NOT REMEDY THE CONDITION WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF THE MUTUALLY AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE. IF THE CONDITION IS NOT REMEDIED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, THEY ARE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.

DEFECT INVOLVED

GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 1997 AND 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS OR A SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) OR THIRD (BACK) ROW. THE SEAT LATCH MECHANISMS ON THESE SEATS, WHICH ARE LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT, DO NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE COVERS. THE LATCH RELEASE MECHANISM CAN BE ACTIVATED EITHER BY THE NYLON STRAP AT THE BASE OF THE SEATBACK OR BY A PADDLE ATTACHED TO THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE SEAT. WHEN ACTIVATING THE RELEASE MECHANISM WITH THE PADDLE ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT, A CUSTOMER'S FINGER(S) MAY BE SEVERELY INJURED OR SEVERED IF THEY ARE NOT KEPT CLEAR OF THE LATCH MECHANISM.

TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS CONDITION OCCURRING, DEALERS ARE TO INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERS ON THE OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON ALL LEFT AND RIGHT HAND REAR BUCKET SEATS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW, AND TO BOTH INBOARD AND OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON THE CENTER REAR BUCKET SEAT AND THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

INVOLVED ARE CERTAIN 1997 AND 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS AND/OR SPLIT BENCH SEATS IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) ROW AND/OR BUCKET SEATS IN THE THIRD (BACK) ROW AND BUILT WITHIN THE FOLLOWING VIN BREAKPOINTS:

YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH

1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE DORAVILLE "D" VD100087 VD297318 1997 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE DORAVILLE "D" VD100041 VD297267 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE DORAVILLE "D" WD100011 WD262024 1998 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE DORAVILLE "D" WD100015 WD262101

NOTICE: DEALERS SHOULD CONFIRM VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY THROUGH VISS (VEHICLE INFORMATION SERVICE SYSTEM) PRIOR TO BEGINNING CAMPAIGN REPAIRS. NOT ALL VEHICLES WITHIN THE ABOVE BREAKPOINTS MAY BE INVOLVED.

INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. COMPUTER LISTINGS CONTAINING THE COMPLETE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, CUSTOMER NAME AND ADDRESS DATA HAVE BEEN PREPARED, AND ARE BEING FURNISHED TO INVOLVED DEALERS WITH THE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN. THE CUSTOMER NAME AND ADDRESS DATA FURNISHED WILL ENABLE DEALERS TO FOLLOW-UP WITH CUSTOMERS INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. ANY DEALER NOT RECEIVING A COMPUTER LISTING WITH THE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN HAS NO INVOLVED VEHICLES CURRENTLY ASSIGNED.

THESE DEALER LISTINGS MAY CONTAIN CUSTOMER NAMES AND ADDRESSES OBTAINED FROM STATE MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION RECORDS. THE USE OF SUCH MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION DATA FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE IS A VIOLATION OF LAW IN SEVERAL STATES. ACCORDINGLY, YOU ARE URGED TO LIMIT THE USE OF THIS LISTING TO THE FOLLOW-UP NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THIS CAMPAIGN.

PARTS INFORMATION

NOTICE: AN INITIAL SUPPLY OF PARTS, EQUIVALENT TO 25% OF INVOLVED VEHICLES, REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE PRE-SHIPPED TO INVOLVED DEALERS OF RECORD. THIS PRE-SHIPMENT WILL OCCUR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 11, 1998. PRE-SHIPPED PARTS WILL BE CHARGED TO DEALER'S OPEN PARTS ACCOUNT.

ADDITIONAL PARTS, IF REQUIRED, ARE TO BE OBTAINED FROM GENERAL MOTORS SERVICE PARTS OPERATIONS (GMSPO). PLEASE REFER TO YOUR "INVOLVED VEHICLES LISTING" PRIOR TO ORDERING REQUIREMENTS. NORMAL ORDERS SHOULD BE PLACED ON A DRO = DAILY REPLENISHMENT ORDER. AN EMERGENCY REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE ORDERED ON A CSO = CUSTOMER SPECIAL ORDER.

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY/ VEHICLE

88880022 KIT, SEAT LATCH COVER 1, 2, OR 3

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

CUSTOMERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THIS CAMPAIGN ON THEIR VEHICLES BY GENERAL MOTORS (SEE COPY OF TYPICAL CUSTOMER LETTER INCLUDED WITH THIS BULLETIN - ACTUAL DIVISIONAL LETTER MAY VARY SLIGHTLY).

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

ALL UNSOLD NEW VEHICLES IN DEALERS' POSSESSION AND SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN MUST BE HELD AND INSPECTED/REPAIRED PER THE SERVICE PROCEDURE OF THIS CAMPAIGN BULLETIN BEFORE CUSTOMERS TAKE POSSESSION OF THESE VEHICLES.

DEALERS ARE TO SERVICE ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN AT NO CHARGE TO CUSTOMERS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE, AGE OF VEHICLE, OR OWNERSHIP, FROM THIS TIME FORWARD.

CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED VEHICLES SOLD FROM YOUR VEHICLE INVENTORY, AND FOR WHICH THERE IS NO CUSTOMER INFORMATION INDICATED ON THE DEALER LISTING, ARE TO BE CONTACTED BY THE DEALER. ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO BE MADE TO MAKE THE REQUIRED CORRECTION ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN. THIS COULD BE DONE BY MAILING TO SUCH CUSTOMERS A COPY OF THE APPROPRIATE DIVISIONAL CUSTOMER LETTER ACCOMPANYING THIS BULLETIN. CAMPAIGN FOLLOW-UP CARDS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE, SINCE THE CUSTOMER MAY NOT AS YET HAVE RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION LETTER.

IN SUMMARY, WHENEVER A VEHICLE SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN ENTERS YOUR VEHICLE INVENTORY, OR IS IN YOUR DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE TAKE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO BE SURE THE CAMPAIGN CORRECTION HAS BEEN MADE BEFORE SELLING OR RELEASING THE VEHICLE.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. DETERMINE THE LOCATIONS AND NUMBER OF COVER KITS TO BE INSTALLED BY REVIEWING THE TYPES AND COMBINATION OF SEATS IN THE VEHICLE.

2. MATCH THE TYPES OF SEATS IN THE VEHICLE WITH ONE OF THE SEATING TYPES SHOWN IN FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 1

3. USE THE INFORMATION SHOWN IN FIGURE 1 TO DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF COVER KITS REQUIRED AND THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE COVERS ARE TO BE INSTALLED.

CAUTION:

THE SAFEST METHOD FOR RELEASING THESE SEATS FROM THE FLOOR FOR REMOVAL FROM THE VEHICLE IS TO USE THE NYLON STRAP AT THE BASE OF THE SEATBACK. IF THE LEVER (PADDLE) ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT IS USED TO RELEASE THESE SEATS, DO NOT ALLOW THE ENDS (TIPS) OF YOUR FINGERS TO EXTEND BEYOND THE WIDTH OF THE LEVER. FINGERS EXTENDING INBOARD OF THE LEVER MAY GET CAUGHT IN THE SEAT LATCH MECHANISM WHEN TILTING THE SEAT FORWARD AFTER UNLOCKING. SEE FIGURE 2 FOR PROPER POSITIONING OF FINGERS ON THE LEVER.

1. SEAT RELEASE LEVER

FIGURE 2

4. REMOVE THE SEATS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED FOR INSTALLATION OF PROTECTIVE COVERS FROM THE VEHICLE, FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE OWNER MANUAL OR THE SEAT LABEL.

IMPORTANT: SOME LOCATIONS WHERE COVERS ARE TO BE INSTALLED WILL NOT HAVE THE LEVER ON THE SEAT TRACK SHAFT. FOR COVER INSTALLATION AT THESE LOCATIONS, PROCEED TO STEP 7, AND FOLLOW STEPS 7, 8, 13, AND 14. FOR LOCATIONS WHERE THERE IS A LEVER, CONTINUE TO STEP 5.

5. REMOVE THE SCREW THAT SECURES THE LEVER TO THE SHAFT ON THE SEAT ASSEMBLY. SEE FIGURE 3.

IMPORTANT: BEFORE REMOVING THE LEVER FROM THE SHAFT IN THE NEXT STEP, NOTE THE POSITIONING OF THE LEVER IN RELATION TO THE SEAT ASSEMBLY. THIS WILL BE HELPFUL WHEN RE-INSTALLING THE LEVER ONTO THE SHAFT LATER IN THE PROCEDURE. ALSO, WHEN REMOVING THE LEVER FROM THE SHAFT, YOU MAY HEAR/FEEL THE RETURN SPRING INSIDE THE LEVER UNWIND. THIS CONDITION IS NORMAL.

FIGURE 3

6. PULL THE LEVER OFF THE SHAFT.

7. POSITION THE COVER ON THE SEAT TRACK SO THAT THE TWO HOLES IN THE COVER ALIGN WITH THE TWO HOLES IN THE SEAT TRACK AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 3. RIGHT SIDE COVERS CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE LETTERS "RH" MOLDED ON THE INSIDE OF THE COVER. LEFT SIDE COVERS HAVE THE LETTERS "LH" MOLDED INSIDE THE COVER.

8. INSTALL THE TWO SCREWS SUPPLIED WITH THE COVER AND TIGHTEN TO 4 N.M. (3 LB.FT.).

9. TO ALIGN THE LEVER WITH THE SEAT TRACK SHAFT, POSITION AND LIGHTLY HOLD THE LEVER AGAINST THE END OF THE SHAFT. SEE FIGURE 4.

1. FINISH COVER

2. STARTING POSITION OF WRENCH ON BACKSIDE OF LEVER AFTER ROTATING

3. POSITION OF WRENCH ON BACKSIDE OF LEVER AFTER ROTATING

4. SEAT RELEASE COVER

5. SEAT CUSHION

FIGURE 4

10. ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE LEVER, PLACE A 12MM OPEN END WRENCH ON THE FLAT SURFACES ON THE SHORT SHAFT AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 4. ROTATE THE SHAFT APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TURN. WHEN THE LEVER ALIGNS WITH THE SHAFT, PUSH THE LEVER ONTO THE SHAFT.

11. AFTER THE LEVER IS ON THE SHAFT, SLOWLY ALLOW THE WRENCH AND LEVER TO ROTATE BACK UNTIL THE LEVER STOPS. IF PROPERLY INSTALLED, THE LEVER SHOULD BE IN THE SAME POSITION AS IT WAS PRIOR TO ITS REMOVAL.

12. INSTALL THE LEVER RETAINING SCREW AND TIGHTEN TO 4 N.M (3 LB.FT.).

13. ON SEATS THAT GET BOTH LH AND RH COVERS, INSTALL THE OTHER COVER ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. INSTALL TWO SCREWS AND TIGHTEN TO 4 N.M (3 LB.FT.).

14. REPEAT THE PROCEDURE ON ANY REMAINING SEATS THAT REQUIRE COVER INSTALLATIONS.

15. FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER MANUAL OR ON THE SEAT LABEL, RE-INSTALL THE SEAT(S) IN THE VEHICLE.

16. INSTALL THE GM CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL.

CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL

EACH VEHICLE CORRECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THIS PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN WILL REQUIRE A "CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL". EACH LABEL PROVIDES A SPACE TO INCLUDE THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER AND THE FIVE (5) DIGIT DEALER CODE OF THE DEALER PERFORMING THE CAMPAIGN SERVICE. THIS INFORMATION MAY BE INSERTED WITH A TYPEWRITER OR A BALL POINT PEN.

EACH "CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL" IS TO BE LOCATED ON THE RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT IN AN AREA WHICH WILL BE VISIBLE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BROUGHT IN BY THE CUSTOMER FOR PERIODIC SERVICING. WHEN INSTALLING THE CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL, BE SURE TO PULL THE TAB TO ALLOW ADHESION OF THE CLEAR PROTECTIVE COVERING. ADDITIONAL CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABELS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM VISPAC INCORPORATED BY CALLING 1-800-269-5100 (MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. EST). ASK FOR ITEM NUMBER S-1015 WHEN ORDERING.

APPLY THE "CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL" ONLY ON A CLEAN, DRY SURFACE.

CLAIM INFORMATION

SUBMIT A PRODUCT CAMPAIGN CLAIM WITH THE INFORMATION INDICATED BELOW:

PART FAILED PARTS LABOR LABOR NET REPAIR PERFORMED COUNT PART NO. ALLOW CC-FC OP * HOURS ITEM

INSTALL 1 SET OF SEAT LATCH MECHANISM PROTECTIVE COVERS 1 88880022 ** MA-96 V0234 0.2

INSTALL 2 SETS OF SEAT LATCH MECHANISM PROTECTIVE COVERS 2 88880022 ** MA-96 V0235 0.3

INSTALL 3 SETS OF SEAT LATCH MECHANISM PROTECTIVE COVERS 3 88880022 ** MA-96 V0236 0.4

* FOR CAMPAIGN ADMINISTRATIVE ALLOWANCE, ADD 0.1 HOURS TO THE "LABOR HOURS".

** THE "PARTS ALLOWANCE" SHOULD BE THE SUM TOTAL OF THE CURRENT GMSPO DEALER NET PRICE PLUS 40% SEAT LATCH COVER KITS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR.

REFER TO THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION CLAIMS PROCESSING MANUAL FOR DETAILS ON PRODUCT CAMPAIGN CLAIM SUBMISSION.

FIGURES: 4

Object Number: 484381 Size: FS

Object Number: 484383 Size: FS

Object Number: 484385 Size: LF

Object Number: 484387 Size: FS

GM BULLETINS ARE INTENDED FOR USE BY PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS, NOT A "DO-IT-YOURSELFER". THEY ARE WRITTEN TO INFORM THESE TECHNICIANS OF CONDITIONS THAT MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES, OR TO PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST IN THE PROPER SERVICE OF A VEHICLE. PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS HAVE THE TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, AND KNOW-HOW TO DO A JOB PROPERLY AND SAFELY. IF A CONDITION IS DESCRIBED, DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE BULLETIN APPLIES TO YOUR VEHICLE, OR THAT YOUR VEHICLE WILL HAVE THAT CONDITION. SEE YOUR DEALER/RETAILER FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER YOUR VEHICLE MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

98034

(SAMPLE OF NOTIFICATION USED)

<MONTH OF MAILING>, 1998

DEAR CHEVROLET/OLDSMOBILE CUSTOMER:

THIS NOTICE IS SENT TO YOU IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT.

REASON FOR THIS RECALL: GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 1997 AND 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS OR A SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) OR THIRD (BACK) ROW. THE SEAT LATCH MECHANISMS ON THESE SEATS, WHICH ARE LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT, DO NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE COVERS. THE LATCH RELEASE MECHANISM CAN BE ACTIVATED EITHER BY THE NYLON STRAP AT THE BASE OF THE SEATBACK OR BY A PADDLE ATTACHED TO THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE SEAT. WHEN ACTIVATING THE RELEASE MECHANISM WITH THE PADDLE ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT, A CUSTOMER'S FINGER(S) MAY BE SEVERELY INJURED OR SEVERED IF THEY ARE NOT KEPT CLEAR OF THE LATCH MECHANISM.

HOW TO AVOID THE RISK OF INJURY: KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE SEAT LATCH MECHANISM UNDER THE SEAT AT ALL TIMES. UNTIL YOUR VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED, USE THE NYLON STRAP BEHIND THE SEAT, NOT THE PADDLE LOCATED ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE SEAT, TO ACTIVATE THE RELEASE MECHANISM TO FOLD FORWARD SECOND OR THIRD ROW BUCKET SEATS AND THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT. YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL EXPLAINS HOW TO DO THIS IN THE "SEATS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS" SECTION AT THE FRONT OF THE MANUAL.

WHAT WILL BE DONE: TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS CONDITION OCCURRING, DEALERS ARE TO INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERS ON THE OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON ALL LEFT AND RIGHT HAND REAR BUCKET SEATS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW, AND TO BOTH INBOARD AND OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON THE CENTER REAR BUCKET SEAT AND THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FOR YOU AT NO CHARGE.

HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE? THE LENGTH OF TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS SERVICE CORRECTION IS APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. ADDITIONAL TIME MAY BE REQUIRED TO SCHEDULE AND PROCESS YOUR VEHICLE. IF YOUR DEALER HAS A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES AWAITING SERVICE, THIS ADDITIONAL TIME MAY BE SIGNIFICANT. PLEASE ASK YOUR DEALER IF YOU WISH TO KNOW HOW MUCH ADDITIONAL TIME WILL BE NEEDED.

CONTACTING YOUR DEALER: PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE A SERVICE DATE. PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING THIS CORRECTION HAVE BEEN SENT TO YOUR DEALER. PLEASE ASK YOUR DEALER IF YOU WISH TO KNOW HOW MUCH TIME WILL BE NEEDED TO SCHEDULE, PROCESS AND REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE. YOUR CHEVROLET/OLDSMOBILE DEALER IS BEST EQUIPPED TO OBTAIN PARTS AND PROVIDE SERVICES TO CORRECT YOUR VEHICLE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. SHOULD YOUR DEALER BE UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE DATE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE/RELATIONS CENTER AT THE LISTED NUMBER BELOW:

DIVISION

NUMBER DEAF, HEARING IMPAIRED OR SPEECH IMPAIRED *

CHEVROLET 1-800-222-1020 1-800-833-2438

OLDSMOBILE 1-800-442-6537 1-800-833-6537

* UTILIZES TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR THE DEAF/TEXT TELEPHONES (TDD/TTY)

IF, AFTER CONTACTING THE APPROPRIATE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER, YOU ARE STILL NOT SATISFIED THAT WE HAVE DONE OUR BEST TO REMEDY THIS CONDITION WITHOUT CHARGE AND WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, YOU MAY WISH TO WRITE THE ADMINISTRATOR, NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, 400 SEVENTH STREET SW, WASHINGTON, DC 20590 OR CALL 1-800-424-9393 (WASHINGTON, DC RESIDENTS USE 202-366-0123).

CUSTOMER REPLY CARD: THE ENCLOSED CUSTOMER REPLY CARD IDENTIFIES YOUR VEHICLE. PRESENTATION OF THIS CARD TO YOUR DEALER WILL ASSIST IN MAKING THE NECESSARY CORRECTION IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME. IF YOU NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE, PLEASE LET US KNOW BY COMPLETING THE POSTAGE PAID REPLY CARD AND RETURNING IT TO US.

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION: YOUR DEALER MAY PROVIDE YOU WITH SHUTTLE SERVICE OR SOME OTHER FORM OF COURTESY TRANSPORTATION WHILE YOUR VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS REPAIR. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL AND YOUR DEALER FOR DETAILS ON COURTESY TRANSPORTATION.

WE ARE SORRY TO CAUSE YOU THIS INCONVENIENCE; HOWEVER, WE HAVE TAKEN THIS ACTION IN THE INTEREST OF YOUR SAFETY AND CONTINUED SATISFACTION WITH OUR PRODUCTS.

CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION/OLDSMOBILE DIVISION GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

ENCLOSURE

********************************************************************** GM OF CANADA VERSION ********************************************************************** PRODUCT CAMPAIGNS 98034 AUGUST 1998

PRODUCT RECALL CAMPAIGN

PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN

SUBJECT: CAMPAIGN 98034 PROTECTIVE COVERS REAR LATCH MECHANISM 60/40 SPLIT BENCH OR BUCKET SEATS IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) ROW AND/OR BUCKET SEATS IN THE THIRD (BACK) ROW

MODELS: 1997-98 CHEVROLET VENTURE AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE VEHICLES

DEFECT INVOLVED

GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA LIMITED HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 1997 AND 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS OR A SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) OR THIRD (BACK) ROW. THE SEAT LATCH MECHANISMS ON THESE SEATS, WHICH ARE LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT, DO NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE COVERS. THE LATCH RELEASE MECHANISM CAN BE ACTIVATED EITHER BY THE NYLON STRAP AT THE BASE OF THE SEATBACK OR BY A PADDLE ATTACHED TO THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE SEAT. WHEN ACTIVATING THE RELEASE MECHANISM WITH THE PADDLE ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT, A CUSTOMER'S FINGER(S) MAY BE SEVERELY INJURED OR SEVERED IF THEY ARE NOT KEPT CLEAR OF THE LATCH MECHANISM.

TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS CONDITION OCCURRING, DEALERS ARE TO INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERS ON THE OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON ALL LEFT AND RIGHT HAND REAR BUCKET SEATS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW, AND TO BOTH INBOARD AND OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON THE CENTRE REAR BUCKET SEAT AND THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

YEAR DIVISION MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE DORAVILLE "D" VD100087 VD297318 1997 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE DORAVILLE "D" VD100041 VD297267 1998 CHEVROLET VENTURE DORAVILLE "D" WD100011 WD262024 1998 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE DORAVILLE "D" WD100015 WD262101

NOTE: PLEASE CHECK DCS SCREEN 445 OR YOUR V.I.N. LISTING BEFORE PERFORMING CAMPAIGN TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE IS AFFECTED. ONLY AFFECTED VIN'S WILL BE PAID.

THESE DEALER LISTINGS MAY CONTAIN CUSTOMER NAMES AND ADDRESSES OBTAINED FROM THE INTER-PROVINCIAL RECORDS. THE USE OF SUCH MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION DATA FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE IS A VIOLATION OF PROVINCIAL LAWS. ACCORDINGLY, YOU ARE URGED TO LIMIT THE USE OF THIS LISTING TO THE FOLLOW-UP NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THIS CAMPAIGN.

PARTS INFORMATION

NOTICE: AN INITIAL SUPPLY OF PARTS, WILL BE PRE-SHIPPED TO INVOLVED DEALERS OF RECORD. THIS PRE-SHIPMENT WILL OCCUR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 11, 1998. PRE-SHIPPED PARTS WILL BE CHARGED TO DEALER'S OPEN PARTS ACCOUNT.

ADDITIONAL PARTS, IF REQUIRED, ARE TO BE OBTAINED FROM GENERAL MOTORS SERVICE PARTS OPERATIONS (GMSPO). PLEASE REFER TO YOUR "INVOLVED VEHICLES LISTING" PRIOR TO ORDERING REQUIREMENTS.

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY/VEHICLE

88880022 SEAT LATCH COVER KIT 1, 2, OR 3

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

ALL CUSTOMERS OF RECORD AT THE TIME OF CAMPAIGN RELEASE ARE SHOWN ON THE ATTACHED COMPUTER LISTING AND HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY FIRST CLASS MAIL FROM GENERAL MOTORS (SEE COPY OF CUSTOMER LETTER INCLUDED WITH THIS BULLETIN).

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

ALL UNSOLD NEW VEHICLES IN DEALER'S POSSESSION AND SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN MUST BE HELD AND INSPECTED/REPAIRED PER THE SERVICE PROCEDURE OF THIS CAMPAIGN BULLETIN BEFORE CUSTOMERS TAKE POSSESSION OF THESE VEHICLES.

DEALERS ARE TO SERVICE ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN AT NO CHARGE TO CUSTOMERS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE, AGE OF VEHICLE, OR OWNERSHIP, FROM THIS TIME FORWARD.

IN SUMMARY, WHENEVER A VEHICLE SUBJECT TO THIS CAMPAIGN ENTERS YOUR VEHICLE INVENTORY, OR IS IN YOUR DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE IN THE FUTURE, YOU MUST TAKE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO BE SURE THE CAMPAIGN CORRECTION HAS BEEN MADE BEFORE SELLING OR RELEASING THE VEHICLE.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. DETERMINE THE LOCATIONS AND NUMBER OF COVER KITS TO BE INSTALLED BY REVIEWING THE TYPES AND COMBINATION OF SEATS IN THE VEHICLE.

2. MATCH THE TYPES OF SEATS IN THE VEHICLE WITH ONE OF THE SEATING TYPES SHOWN IN FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 1

3. USE THE INFORMATION SHOWN IN FIGURE 1 TO DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF COVER KITS REQUIRED AND THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE COVERS ARE TO BE INSTALLED.

CAUTION:

1. SEAT RELEASE LEVER

FIGURE 2

4. REMOVE THE SEATS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED FOR INSTALLATION OF PROTECTIVE COVERS FROM THE VEHICLE, FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE OWNER MANUAL OR THE SEAT LABEL.

IMPORTANT: SOME LOCATIONS WHERE COVERS ARE TO BE INSTALLED WILL NOT HAVE THE LEVER ON THE SEAT TRACK SHAFT. FOR COVER INSTALLATION AT THESE LOCATIONS, PROCEED TO STEP 7, AND FOLLOW STEPS 7, 8, 13, AND 14. FOR LOCATIONS WHERE THERE IS A LEVER, CONTINUE TO STEP 5.

5. REMOVE THE SCREW THAT SECURES THE LEVER TO THE SHAFT ON THE SEAT ASSEMBLY. SEE FIGURE 3.

IMPORTANT: BEFORE REMOVING THE LEVER FROM THE SHAFT IN THE NEXT STEP, NOTE THE POSITIONING OF THE LEVER IN RELATION TO THE SEAT ASSEMBLY. THIS WILL BE HELPFUL WHEN REINSTALLING THE LEVER ONTO THE SHAFT LATER IN THE PROCEDURE. ALSO, WHEN REMOVING THE LEVER FROM THE SHAFT, YOU MAY HEAR/FEEL THE RETURN SPRING INSIDE

6. PULL THE LEVER OFF THE SHAFT.

7. POSITION THE COVER ON THE SEAT TRACK SO THAT THE TWO HOLES IN THE COVER ALIGN WITH THE TWO HOLES IN THE SEAT TRACK AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 3. RIGHT SIDE COVERS CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE LETTERS "RH" MOULDED ON THE INSIDE OF THE COVER. LEFT SIDE COVERS HAVE THE LETTERS "LH" MOULDED INSIDE THE COVER.

8. INSTALL THE TWO SCREWS SUPPLIED WITH THE COVER AND TIGHTEN TO 4 N M (3 LB. FT.).

FIGURE 3

9. TO ALIGN THE LEVER WITH THE SEAT TRACK SHAFT, POSITION AND LIGHTLY HOLD THE LEVER AGAINST THE END OF THE SHAFT. SEE FIGURE 4.

1. FINISH COVER

2. STARTING POSITION OF WRENCH ON BACKSIDE OF LEVER AFTER ROTATING

3. POSITION OF WRENCH ON BACKSIDE OF LEVER AFTER ROTATING

4. SEAT RELEASE COVER

5. SEAT CUSHION

FIGURE 4

12. INSTALL THE LEVER RETAINING SCREW AND TIGHTEN TO 4 N M (3 LB. FT.).

13. ON SEATS THAT GET BOTH LH AND RH COVERS, INSTALL THE OTHER COVER ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. INSTALL TWO SCREWS AND TIGHTEN TO 4 N M (3 LB. FT.).

14. REPEAT THE PROCEDURE ON ANY REMAINING SEATS THAT REQUIRE COVER INSTALLATIONS.

15. FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER MANUAL OR ON THE SEAT LABEL, REINSTALL THE SEAT(S) IN THE VEHICLE.

16. INSTALL THE CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL.

CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL

EACH VEHICLE CORRECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THIS PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN WILL REQUIRE A "CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL." EACH LABEL PROVIDES A SPACE TO INCLUDE THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER AND THE FIVE (5) DIGIT DEALER CODE OF THE DEALER PERFORMING THE CAMPAIGN SERVICE. THIS INFORMATION MAY BE INSERTED WITH A TYPEWRITER OR A BALL POINT PEN.

INSERT CAMPAIGN NUMBER

INSERT DEALER CODE

EACH "CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL" IS TO BE LOCATED ON THE RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT IN AN AREA WHICH WILL BE VISIBLE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BROUGHT IN BY THE CUSTOMER FOR PERIODIC SERVICING. ADDITIONAL CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABELS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DGN BY CALLING 1-800-668-5539 (MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. EST). ASK FOR ITEM NUMBER GMP 91 WHEN ORDERING.