Special Policy Adjustment - Front Bucket Seat Recliner Bolt Loose/Broken

Some owners of certain 1990-1991 Chevrolet Lumina APV, Pontiac Trans Sport, and Oldsmobile Silhouette model vehicles equipped with front bucket seats and recliner mechanisms may experience a condition in which the front seat recliner mechanism lower bolts may loosen. A loose bolt could fatigue and break, resulting in the seat back falling rearward.

This special policy adjustment covers the condition described above until June 30, 2002, regardless of vehicle mileage or ownership.

To correct this condition, dealers are to remove the cloth or vinyl from between the recliner mechanism and the seat frame. The recliner mechanism lower bolts will be replaced, and the seat back bolts will be tightened, if necessary.

This special policy applies ONLY to replacement of the recliner mechanism lower bolts and tightening of the seat back bolts. Any additional necessary repairs are not covered by this special policy. The customer should be informed that any further service will not be covered by this policy.

Involved are certain 1990-1991 Chevrolet Lumina APV, Pontiac Trans Sport, and Oldsmobile Silhouette model vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Customers will be notified of this special policy on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

1. Remove seat adjuster knob cover.
2. Remove adjuster knob from seat by rotating knob locking plate in a counterclockwise direction.



3. Remove recliner trim cover from seat by inserting a screwdriver behind cover (from below) at the areas indicated (1) and pushing out on retainer clips (2).
4. Remove two (2) seat back recliner lower retaining bolts from recliner hinge assembly to gain access to cloth/vinyl.
5. Cut cloth/vinyl material back using marks left by the recliner hinge as guides. Be careful when cutting cloth/vinyl to ensure that it is cut back from bolt area.

Important: When installing NEW bolts, ALL cloth/vinyl must be clear of bolt mating surface area.

6. Install two (2) NEW seat back recliner retaining bolts attaching recliner hinge assembly to seat frame.

Tighten
Tighten the seat back recliner retaining bolts to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).

7. Reinstall trim cover.
8. Reinstall adjuster knob and rotate knob locking plate clockwise to secure.
9. Reinstall adjuster knob cover.
10. Inspect seat back frame for looseness by grasping the recliner knob with one hand and moving the seat back fore and aft with the other hand. If seat back movement occurs, proceed to Step #11, and tighten the attachment bolts. If no movement is apparent, proceed to Step #16.
11. Remove armrest.
12. Recline seat to access zipper on bottom of seat back. Unzip cover.
13. Work cover up front and back until attaching bolts are accessible.

Tighten
Tighten attaching bolts to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).

14. Work cover down and zip-up along bottom.
15. Return seat back to the upright position.
16. Repeat procedure for opposite seat recliner hinge assembly.
17. Install Campaign Identification Label.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, submit a claim with the information indicated below:

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct loose or broken seat recliner bolts are to be submitted prior to or by June 30, 2000 (this time limitation may be longer depending upon the law in your state). The only repair that will be considered for reimbursement is tightening or replacement of the front bucket seat recliner mechanism lower bolts.

When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:

Customers from the States of California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin must submit requests for reimbursement directly to (Divisions) per instructions in the owner letter.

If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.

Dear <Division(s)> Customer:

As the owner of a 1990-91 U Van, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us. Your vehicle was provided with a new vehicle warranty which covers certain parts of your vehicle for a specified period. These warranties are of considerable value to you if you should experience problems with your vehicle.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some 1990-91 U Vans equipped with front bucket seats and recliner mechanisms may experience a condition in which the front bucket seat recliner mechanism lower bolts may loosen. A loose bolt could fatigue and break, resulting in the seat back falling rearward.

To address the above mentioned condition, General Motors is providing owners with special warranty coverage. If you have experienced loose or broken bolts as described above, and you bring your vehicle to your <Division> dealer before June 30, 2002, your dealer will tighten or replace the bolts at no charge to you. No other conditions are covered by this special policy coverage. Any additional necessary repairs would be your responsibility, if you elect to have your dealer provide the service.

This is not a recall campaign. Do not take your vehicle to your <Division> dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has loose lower bolts in either front bucket seat recliner mechanism.

(Statement for all states except California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin)

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the front bucket seat recliner bolts tightened or replaced, you should contact your dealer to seek reimbursement. The only repair that will be considered for reimbursement is tightening or replacement of the front bucket seat recliner mechanism lower bolts. Please provide your dealer with your original paid receipts or invoices verifying the repair, the amount charged, proof of payment, the date of payment of those charges, and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair. Your request for reimbursement, including the information and documents mentioned above, must be received by your dealer by June 30, 2000.

(Statement for California, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wisconsin)

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have the front bucket seat lower recliner bolts tightened or replaced, you should write to <Divisional specific address> to seek reimbursement. The only repair that will be considered for reimbursement is tightening or replacement of the front bucket seat recliner mechanism lower bolts. Please provide your original paid receipts or invoices verifying the repair, the amount charged, proof of payment, the date of payment of those charges and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair. This information must be provided within two (2) years after the date on which you paid for the repair.

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a <Division> dealer. You may want to call the service department at the dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glovebox literature for future reference.

Should your dealer be unable to schedule a service date within a reasonable amount of time, you should contact the appropriate Customer Assistance/Relations Center at the number listed below:

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

<Division(s)>

General Motors Corporation