CAMPAIGN SEAT BELT BUCKLE INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT

Subject: PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN 90C22 (c) SEAT BELT BUCKLES

Model and Year: 1984-90 CHEVROLET CAMARO

# Denotes Change

To: All Chevrolet Dealers

# THIS BULLETIN CANCELS AND SUPERSEDES CAMPAIGN BULLETIN 90C22 AND SUPPLEMENT 90C22(a) ISSUED JUNE, 1990 AS WELL AS SUPPLEMENT 90C22(b) ISSUED JULY, 1990. THE DEFECT INVOLVED, PARTS INFORMATION, SERVICE PROCEDURE AND CLAIM INFORMATION SECTIONS HAVE BEEN REVISED. ADDITIONALLY, A SPECIAL TOOLS SECTION HAS BEEN ADDED. ALL COPIES OF THE ORIGINAL BULLETIN AND ITS SUPPLEMENTS SHOULD BE DESTROYED. REVISED INFORMATION IS SHOWN IN BOLD TYPE AND DENOTED BY A # SIGN.

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle 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 owner 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 owner 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 solutions, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each owner and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. As you will see in reading the attached copy of the letter that is being sent to owners, the owners are being instructed to contact the Chevrolet 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 determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1984-90 Chevrolet Camaro model vehicles. Some seat belt buckle assemblies in affected vehicles may not latch, or may not release, due to fracture of the red push button which can occur during seat belt connection or disconnection. These buckle malfunctions would prevent a person from using his seat belt system, and the risk of injury to an unbelted person in an accident would be increased.

# To correct this condition, all involved vehicles will have the pushbutton assemblies replaced and have a protector shield added (except for certain 1989 and all 1990 vehicles which have revised lower cover ramps and as a result do not need protectors). Also, any buckle assemblies which are found not to function correctly, or which have fractured pushbuttons, will be replaced.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are 1984-90 Chevrolet Camaro model vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints:

PLANT YEAR MODEL PLANT CODE FROM THROUGH ---- ----- -------- ---- -------- -------- 1984 F-Car Van Nuys "L" EL100001 EL260862 1984 " Norwood "N" EN100001 EN200729 1985 " Van Nuys "L" FL100001 FL503767 1985 " Norwood "N" FN100001 FN176251 1986 " Van Nuys "L" GL100001 GL203446 1986 " Norwood "N" GN100001 GN188773 1987 " Van Nuys "L" HL100001 HL151936 1987 " Norwood "N" HN100001 HN185824 1988 " Van Nuys "L" JL100001 JL196275 1989 " Van Nuys "L" KL100001 KL210470 1990 " Van Nuys "L" LL100001 LL134987

Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification # Number Computer Listings. Computer listings contain the complete Vehicle Identification Number, owner name and address data, and will be furnished to involved dealers as owner notification (by model year) of this revised recall action begins. Owner name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow-up with owners involved in this campaign.

These listings may contain owner 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. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

OWNER NOTIFICATION

Owners will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by Chevrolet # Motor Division (see copy of example owner letter included with this bulletin). This second mailing to owners will be scheduled as parts become available.

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign is taken into your new or used vehicle inventory, or it is in your dealership for service in the future, you should take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before reselling or releasing the vehicle.

Owners of vehicles recently sold from your new vehicle inventory are to be contacted by the dealer, and arrangements made to make the required correction according to instructions contained in this bulletin.

# PARTS INFORMATION

Parts required to complete this campaign are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO) . To ensure these parts will be obtained as soon as possible, they should be ordered from GMSPO on a "C.I.O." order with no special instruction code, but on an advise code (2).

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY/VEHICLE ------------ --------------- ---------------- 14097930 Push Button Kit 1

Each Kit Includes: 4 -Push Buttons 4 -Button Springs 4 -Protector Shields

For those vehicles which experience pushbutton fractures, dealers will need to order individual buckle assemblies as listed on the following pages. Note that 1984 vehicles with fractured brown or charcoal buckle assemblies must have all four (4) seat belt buckle assemblies replaced with black seat belt buckle assemblies due to color availability.

DEALERS ARE TO RETURN ALL SERVICE INVENTORY OF PART NUMBERS 12507818 THROUGH 12507829 & 12507997. PLEASE IDENTIFY AS A SPECIAL RETURN ON YOUR PC659 DOCUMENT.

Beat Belt Buckle Assemblies:

Determine proper buckle color to order from the chart below:

INTERIOR COLOR IS: REPLACEMENT COLOR IS: ---------------------- -------------------------------- 1984 Vehicles: -------------- Charcoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black (Replace All Belts) Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dk. Royal Blue Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lt. Saddle Lt. Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lt. Sand Gray Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black (Replace All Belts)

1985-87 Vehicles:

Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lt. Saddle Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Med. Dark Gray Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dk. carmine Brown . . . . . . . . . . . Russet

1988-89 Vehicles:

Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beachwood Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Med. Dark Gray Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dk. Carmine

1990 Vehicles:

Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beachwood Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Med. Dark Gray Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flame Red

ORDERING SPECIFICATIONS

Model Quantity/ Part Number Description Years Vehicle ----------- ----------- ----- --------- **** BLACK ****

(For 1984 vehicles with brown or charcoal buckle assemblies in which a red pushbutton has fractured, all four (4) seat belt buckle assemblies must be replaced with black seat belt buckle assemblies.)

12504429 Left Front Buckle 1984-90 As Required Assm. 12504428 Right Front Buckle 1984-90 As Required Assm. 12504424 Rear Buckle Assm. 1984-88 As Required 12504436 Rear Buckle Assm. 1989-90 As Required

**** Med. Dark Gray ****

12504435 Left Front Buckle 1985-90 As Required Assm. 12504434 Right Front Buckle 1985-90 As Required Assm. 12504426 Rear Buckle Assm. 1985-88 As Required 12504439 Rear Buckle Assm. 1989-90 As Required

**** Lt. Saddle ****

12504417 Left Front Buckle 1984-87 As Required Assm. 12504416 Right Front Buckle 1984-87 As Required Assm. 12504421 Rear Buckle Assm. 1984-87 As Required

**** Dk. Carmine ****

12504415 Left Front Buckle 1985-89 As Required Assm. 12504414 Right Front Buckle 1985-89 As Required Assm. 12504425 Rear Buckle Assm. 1985-88 As Required 12504427 Rear Buckle Assm. 1989 As Required

**** Dk. Royal Blue ****

12504407 Left Front Buckle 1984 As Required Assm. 12504406 Right Front Buckle 1984 As Required Assm. 12507476 Rear Buckle Assm. 1984 As Required

**** Lt. Sand Gray

12504409 Left Front Buckle 1984 As Required Assm. 12504408 Right Front Buckle 1984 As Required Assm. 12507477 Rear Buckle Assm. 1984 As Required

**** Russet ****

12504419 Left Front Buckle 1985-86 As Required Assm. 12504418 Right Front Buckle 1985-86 As Required Assm. 12504422 Rear Buckle Assm. 1985-86 As Required

**** Beachwood ****

12504431 Left Front Buckle 1988-90 As Required Assm. 12504430 Right Front Buckle 1988-90 As Required Assm. 12504423 Rear Buckle Assm. 1988 As Required 12504437 Rear Buckle Assm. 1989-90 As Required

**** Flame Red ****

12504433 Left Front Buckle 1990 As Required Assm. 12504432 Right Front Buckle 1990 As Required Assm. 12504438 Rear Buckle Assm. 1990 As Required

# SPECIAL TOOL KIT AND INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO ------------------------------------------- Each dealer will be shipped a Pushbutton Removal Tool Kit (J-38886) and instructional video tape for this campaign. This package is being furnished at no charge to dealers and will be mailed out during the week of February 25, 1991. Each package will be identified with Chevrolet Campaign Number 90C22(c).

Each J-38886 Kit will contain:

Tool Number Quantity/vehicle Description ----------- ---------------- ----------------------- J-38886-1 1 Pushbutton Removal Tool

J-38886-2 1 spring Installation Tool

Additional tools, if desired, may be purchased by contacting the Kent-Moore Tool Company at 1-800-345-2233.

The instructional video tape included in this package demonstrates the service procedure described on the following pages. Mechanics should be certain to view this video tape before attempting to perform the service procedure.

# SERVICE PROCEDURE - This procedure must be performed on all 4 buckle assemblies to complete the campaign.

1. Inspect all 4 buckle assemblies for the following:

Improper Function - Fasten seat belt by inserting latchplate into buckle. Pull on belt webbing to ensure proper latching. Release latch. Repeat five times for each buckle to insure proper operation.

Missing Or Fractured Red Pushbutton - figure #1 below illustrates a typical fracture.

* If the buckle does not function correctly, or if the red pushbutton is broken, replacement of that buckle is required - see Body Service Manual for procedure (seat belt section). NOTE THAT ON 1984 VEHICLES WITH BROWN OR CHARCOAL BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES, IF A PUSHBUTTON DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, OR IT IS BROKEN, ALL OF THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES MUST BE REPLACED WITH BLACK BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES DUE TO COLOR AVAILABILITY.

If the pushbutton is not broken, and the buckle functions properly, continue on to step 2. BE CERTAIN TO CHECK ALL BUCKLES.

2. Remove pushbutton by inserting pushbutton removal tool (J-38886-1) under the edge of the pushbutton in a horizontal position and then rotate tool to a vertical position. See Figure #3 on the next page.

NOTICE: Screw tip must be backed out towards top of tool to allow proper clearance for tool insertion.

Finger tighten screw until the screw head has bottomed out on the tool. Be certain to keep tool as vertical as possible.

NOTICE: Pushbutton may fracture at this time - this is acceptable.

Gently rock the tool in a side-to-side motion as shown in Figure #3 on the next page to dislodge the pushbutton cap. Do NOT PRY TOOL ON EDGE OF BUCKLE.

3. Inspect the just removed pushbutton for any fractures. Figure #2 below illustrates a typical pushbutton fracture.

If pushbutton is not fractured, continue to step 4.

If pushbutton is fractured, locate the fractured piece and insure that it is not in the buckle mechanism as it may interfere with buckle operation when reassembled. continue on to step 4 when this is completed.

4. Discard removed pushbutton (and any fractured pieces).

5. Inspect pushbutton spring inside buckle to determine if it is still secured under the pushbutton retainer (black). See Figure #4 on page 11.

* If pushbutton spring is secure, continue to step 6. (See Figure 3_ 1. Insert tool 2. Insure tool is vertical 3. Finger tighten until screw has bottomed on tool 4. Rock tool side to side (see illustration)

After screw has been fully tightened, rock tool side to side and remove pushbutton

If the spring is not secure, reposition the original spring (or install replacement spring if the original was lost or damaged in the removal of the pushbutton cap) using the spring installation tool (J-38886-2).

Install the pushbutton spring on the spring installation tool as illustrated below in Figure #5.

NOTE: The opposite end of the spring installation tool may be used as a hook, if necessary, to aid in positioning the pushbutton retainer (black) - see Figure #6 below.

Install the pushbutton spring on the detent lever. Note that there are two different detent lever designs using either one or two retaining nubs - Figure #7. The pushbutton spring must be positioned over the retaining nub(s) on the detent lever and secured under the pushbutton - Figure #8.

Locate pushbutton spring to detent lever over retaining nubs

Release spring from tool by squeezing the sides of the tool. Use finger of tool to maintain position of spring under retainer while extracting tool.

6. Install a new pushbutton from the service kit by inserting spring installation tool between buckle cover and pushbutton retainer to move the button away from the cover - see Figure #9. Locate new red pushbutton to the pushbutton retainer and push into position until an audible "CLICK" is heard. Remove the tool from the buckle assembly.

NOTICE: Pushbutton should now move up and down freely. If it does not, repeat steps 2-6 to remove and reinstall pushbutton.

7. Buckle protector installation.

NOTICE: Buckles in some 1989 vehicles and buckles in all 1990 model year vehicles will not require the installation of buckle protectors. To determine if protectors are needed on 1989 vehicle buckles, note the assembly date stamp on the lower cover - Figure #10 on next page. If the stamp on the buckle is after 120489 (April 12, 1989), it will not require a protector. These buckles have revised lower cover ramps and do not need an additional protector.

After determining if a vehicle requires protectors, position stainless steel protector onto buckle lower cover - Figure #11 on next page. Push steel protector onto cover until it snaps securely.

8. Perform final inspection of safety belt by inserting the latchplate into the buckle and pulling on the safety belt webbing to insure proper latching. Unlatch and repeat this step five times to assure proper operation.

9. Install 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 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 for periodic servicing by the owner.

Apply "Campaign Identification Label" only on a clean, dry surface.

CLAIM INFORMATION

# Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:

FAILED PARTS CC-FC LABOR LAB OTH REPAIR PERFORMED PC PART NO. ALLOW OP HRS HRS ------------------ -- -------- ----- ------ ----- ---- ---- Install Push Button 1 14097930 ** SK-00 V6051 0.3 0.1 Kit On 4 Buckles

Install Push Button Kit On 3 Buckles/ 2 12504428 ** SK-00 V6052 0.4 0.1 Replace 1 Buckle

Install Push Button Kit On 2 Buckles/ 3 12504428 ** SK-00 V6053 0.4 0.1 Replace 2 Buckles

Install Push Button Kit On 1 Buckle/ 4 12504428 ** SK-00 V6054 0.4 0.1 Replace 3 Buckles

Replace all 4 4 12507818 ** SK-00 V6050 0.4 0.1 Buckles

Reimburse For Prev. - -- ** 02-95 T1605 -- -- Buckle Replacement

* Campaign Administrative Allowance.

** The "Parts Allowance" should be the sum total of the current GMSPO Dealer Net price plus 30% of all parts required for the repair.

Dealers will automatically receive the correct labor and material allowance based on the labor operation performed.

Refer to the Chevrolet Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.

REIMBURSEMENT

Customer requests for reimbursement of prior repair to correct a previous seat belt buckle condition are to be submitted according to the instructions in this bulletin using the attached "Request For Reimbursement" form. Additional copies of the form are to be reproduced by the dealer.

Owners must submit original repair invoices along with proof of payment (charge card receipt, copy of cancelled check, or a receipt marked "PAID" if paid-in-cash). The customer repair invoice should provide the description of the repair made and the person or facility performing the repair. These documents are to be retained by the dealer with the dealer repair order and supporting warranty records.

REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT INSTRUCTIONS PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN 90C22(c) (SEAT BELT BUCKLES - 1984-90 CHEVROLET CAMARO)

1 R.O. # & DATE The dealership should enter the repair order number and date of the owner's or dealer's paid receipt or invoice.

2 REQUEST DATE Date owner or dealer requested reimbursement. (MONTH, DAY)

3 VEHICLE VIN involved. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

4 MILEAGE Enter mileage at time of transaction. (If not available, enter "0".)

5 CC/FC Code is preprinted on form.

6 LABOR OPERATION Labor Operation as referenced in bulletin.

7&8 SUBLET DMN & Enter total amount of reimbursement. (Do not LINE TOTAL enter parts or labor hours on claim.)

9 AUTH CODE If the amount of reimbursement approved is $200 or less, no authorization is needed. If the amount exceeds $200, advise customer to contact Chevrolet Customer Assistance at 1-800-222-1020.

10 REQUESTED Dealer Service Manager enter amounts determined REIMBURSEMENT from owner supplied invoices or paid receipts, which are covered. (Maximum amount is $200.)

11 APPROVED AMOUNT Dealer Service Manager to determine based on reimbursement policy of this bulletin. (Maximum amount is $200.)

12 740 STAMP Dealer Service Manager is to stamp reimbursement form including date and signature. (No Authorization Code is required.)

13 DEALER REFERENCE INFORMATION A Enter Document Number & Line Number on which claim was submitted.

B Enter Claim Memo Number and Date when claim is credited.

C Enter number of dealer check to owner, if applicable. Date check was written, if applicable. Date copy of check was attached to OWNER REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT file.

14 OWNER INFORMATION Must include telephone number.

15 DEALER INFORMATION Includes Dealer Code, Dealer Name, Service Manager's signature and social security number. To be completed by Service Manager.

16 EXPLAIN Should the dealer Service Manager determine, after review of owner's invoices/receipts, that the reimbursement case is not eligible; Service Manager should write reason on worksheet, explain to owner, and place a copy of the worksheet in the file.

17 The dealer is then to issue the owner a check for the reimbursement in the approved amount. A copy of the check issued to the owner is to be attached to the dealer's file copy of the request and retained for 24 months from date of credit.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those 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 equipment, tools, 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 a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.