REDUNDANT STEERING WHEEL CONTROL CONCERNS

Models Affected: 1989 GRAND PRIX

Some customers may comment that the redundant steering wheel control system for the radio or A/C is not functioning properly. Vehicles produced before VIN KF261340 are affected.

Some of the symptoms that have been reported include:

- Lights in steering wheel pad buttons flicker or go out for short periods of time.

- Radio will intermittently shut off or change stations.

- Radio is heard only through left front speaker when ignition is turned on requiring owner to reset fade. and balance controls whenever ignition is cycled.

Unless otherwise noted, each of the following changes should be made to repair affected vehicles:

STEP 1. SLIP RING BRUSH AND SPRING REPLACEMENT

* Replace 4 slip ring brushes and springs in steering column using kit, P/N 10456442. (See Figure 1) .

* Parts are expected to be available on February 1, 1989. Until then normal part orders will not be accepted by GMSPO. Only verifiable emergency VIP orders will be accepted. SPO will make everv effort to obtain parts. All parts will be placed on 400 control to waive VIP surcharges. However, the part will be shipped premium transportation at dealer's expense. All other order types will be canceled as incorrectly ordered while the 400 control is in place.

STEP 2. DELAY RELAY INSTALLATION

Install a new delay relay, P/N 16135280 between steering column wiring harness and translator module. Module is located on lower right hand side of the steering column. (See Figure 2)

SERVICE PROCEDURE

SLIP RING BRUSH AND SPRING REPLACEMENT

1. Disconnect negative battery cable.

2. Remove steering wheel radio control pad.

3. Disconnect plug at cancelling cam, then disconnect horn contact connector.

4. Remove safety retaining ring and wheel nut. Remove steering wheel.

NOTICE: WHEN REMOVING A STEERING WHEEL WITH REDUNDANT ELECTRONIC ACCESSORY CONTROLS IN THE HUB, CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID DAMAGE TO ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS. WHEEL PULLER BOLTS, USED WITH SPECIAL TOOL J1859-03, SHOULD BE TURNED INTO STEERING HUB NO MORE THAN FIVE COMPLETE TURNS. THIS WILL PREVENT BOLT CONTACT WITH SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS.

5. Remove cancelling cam from turn signal switch.

6. Using pliers, remove four brushes and springs by rocking each brush back and forth while pulling it up and out of position. (See Figure 1) Discard springs and brushes.

IMPORTANT: Make sure loose parts don't fall into column.

7. Insert one new spring into end of each new brush.

8. Position each new spring and brush assembly on turn signal switch as shown. Press down and lock each assembly in position. When all four spring and brush assemblies are locked in position, press down and release each brush to check for proper movement.

9. Install cancelling cam.

10. Install steering wheel, wheel nut, and safety snap ring.

11. Connect horn contact wire and cancelling cam wiring.

13. Install steering wheel control pad.

DELAY RELAY INSTALLATION

14. Remove lower sound insulator panel and steering column trim panel.

15. Disconnect translator module from steering column wiring harness. Module is a clear plastic box located on right side of steering column. (See Figure 2)

16. Connect delay relay, P/N 16135280 in series with translator module.

17. Tape relay and translator module together and tuck them up next to steering column.

18. Reinstall steering column trim panel and lower sound insulator.

19. Reconnect negative battcry cable.

Labor Operation Number: T1413

Labor Time : 0.5 Hours

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.