Recall - Vehicle In Reverse While Displays Neutral: Overview

9217buick09

Model Year: 1992

Bulletin No.: 92-C-8

File in Group: 74T60

Number: 1

Date: Nov. '91


SUBJECT:
NO REVERSE, REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE, OR VEHICLE MOVEMENT IN REVERSE WHILE IN NEUTRAL

MODELS AFFECTED:
CERTAIN 1992 CENTURYS WITH 3300 ENGINE (VIN CODE N) AND 4T60 TRANSAXLE (SALES CODE MXO)
CERTAIN 1992 REGALS


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 facia 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 reasonable 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 Buick 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.

CONDITION:

General Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exist in certain 1992 Century and Regal model vehicles equipped with four-speed automatic transaxles. The reverse servo apply pin may bind in the case which could cause reverse band distress, (loss or slipping of reverse), reverse band drag in drive range (poor performance/low power), or the vehicle to remain in reverse while the shift indicator shows neutral gear position. If the vehicle remains in reverse while the shift indicator shows neutral, and the driver does not apply the brake, the vehicle may unexpectedly move rearward and cause an accident without prior warning.


DEALER ACTION

To prevent this condition from occurring, dealers are to inspect involved vehicles; then if necessary, test involved vehicles; and finally replace transaxles as required. DCS message 92-06, dated November 11, 1991 was sent to all Buick dealers with instructions to hold all unsold suspect vehicles until further notice was received. All unsold suspect vehicles MUST be held at dealers and inspected/repaired per the campaign Service Procedure BEFORE owners take possession of these vehicles. Completion of this campaign lifts hold on unsold vehicles in the DCS message.

OWNER NOTIFICATION

Owners will be notified of this campaign on their vehicles by Buick Motor Division (see copy of owner letter included with this bulletin).