Product Safety 00037 - Clutch Pedal Position Switch

General Motors has decided that certain 2000 Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Alero model vehicles equipped with manual transaxle (RPO M86) may exhibit a condition in which the clutch pedal position switch plunger contacts the steering column boot and cannot extend when the clutch pedal is released. In this condition, the vehicle can be started with the transaxle in gear (not in Neutral) without the clutch pedal depressed. If the driver is not applying the brake, the vehicle may move unexpectedly and a crash could occur.

Dealers are to install a shield to prevent contact between the steering column boot and the clutch pedal position switch.

Involved are the following 2000 Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Alero model vehicles equipped with manual transaxle (RPO M86):

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GM Access Screen before beginning campaign repairs.

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 Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign.

Parts required to complete this campaign are being mailed to involved dealers on a no-charge basis. If additional parts are required, contact Oshawa, by fax at 905-644-7846.

1. Remove the left side sound insulator panel.
2. Look up under the dash and locate the clutch pedal position switch (it is attached to the left side of the steering column support bracket).
3. Remove the two screws holding the clutch pedal position switch to the steering column support bracket.
4. Position the new insulator to the two screws, and then the two screws to the switch and reattach to the steering column support bracket.

Tighten
Tighten the screw retainers to 10 N·m (13 lb ft).

5. Replace the sound insulator panel.
6. Install the GM Campaign Identification Label.

Place a Campaign Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Campaign Bulletin. 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.

Put the Campaign Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. Additional Campaign Identification Labels for Canadian dealers can be obtained from DGN by calling 1-800-668-5539 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). Ask for Item Number GMP 91 when ordering.

Submit a Product Campaign Claim with the information indicated below:

Refer to the General Motors WINS Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.

Customers will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

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 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.

Dear General Motors Customer:

General Motors has decided that certain 2000 Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Alero model vehicles equipped with manual transaxle may exhibit a condition in which the clutch pedal position switch plunger contacts the steering column boot and cannot extend when the clutch pedal is released. In this condition, the vehicle can be started with the transaxle in gear (not in Neutral) without the clutch depressed. If the driver is not applying the brake, the vehicle may move unexpectedly and a crash could occur.

Your GM Dealer will install a shield to prevent contact between the steering column boot and the clutch pedal position switch. This service will be performed for you at no charge.

You may be contacted by a dealer other than the dealer who sold or is currently servicing your vehicle. Please be advised that you may take your vehicle to the General Motors dealership of your choice to have the recall service work completed. Please contact your dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date.

If parts are required, ask your dealer for details regarding their availability. If parts are not in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date.

This letter identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this letter to your dealer will assist their Service personnel in completing the necessary correction to your vehicle in the shortest possible time.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience this causes you; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

Customer Support Department

General Motors of Canada Limited