Owner's Letter
December, 1987Dear Pontiac Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
REASON FOR THE RECALL
General Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1984 Pontiac Fieros.
An interaction of the engine compartment environment in 1984 Fieros and maintenance or service related factors results in an unreasonable risk of engine compartment fires. Connecting rod failure and a subsequent engine compartment fire can result from running the engine with low oil levels. Tests have shown that rod failure can occur under certain vehicle maneuvers if the oil level is a half quart below the add mark. A knocking or tapping noise may be heard in the engine prior to this rod failure. If you hear such a noise, have your Fiero inspected and repaired immediately.
Improper service procedures may also result in coolant or other flammable materials coming in contact with hot exhaust components. Have your Fiero serviced again if you notice fluid leaks in the engine compartment.
Additionally, in order to assure you that your vehicle may not have fluid leaks which result from improper installation of components at the time of original assembly, we will also inspect and, if necessary, correct those components.
Engine compartment fires can spread to the passenger compartment and cause injury to occupants. General Motors is urging all owners of 1984 Fieros to return their vehicles to Pontiac dealers for the inspection and repairs specified in this letter.
WHAT WE WILL DO
To prevent severe engine damage and to correct fluid leaks which may lead to fires, Pontiac dealers will do the following at no charge to you:
1. Diagnose and correct engine connecting rod knock.
2. Check for and correct significant engine oil, transmission fluid and engine coolant leaks.
3. Check for and correct improperly routed hoses and wiring, or combustible material on or near the exhaust system/manifold.
4. Check and correct as required, the thermostatic air cleaner system and install a new air filter element.
5. Change the oil and oil filter. An AC type PF-51 oil filter and 4.0 quarts of oil will be used (and is to be used for all future scheduled maintenance service). This will reduce the possibility of engine damage due to low oil level.
6. Install a newly calibrated engine oil dipstick.
7. Install a "Check Engine Oil At Every Fuel Fill" label.
8. Update pages 5-8 and 6-4 of the Owners Manual.
9. Replace original Maintenance Schedule booklet with revised booklet included with this letter.
10. Provide oil, oil filter and air filter changes at a special reduced rate for six (6) years or 60,000 miles from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, whichever occurs first.
For purposes of customer satisfaction and to assure proper operation of the cooling system, the following will also be performed at no charge to you:
1. Check the operation of the electrical cooling fan system, and correct as required.
2. Install a new radiator cap to prevent overheating.
3. Check for and install as required, "Coolant Fill Procedure" labels.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Please contact your Pontiac dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date. Instructions for this service have been sent to your dealer. The labor time necessary to perform this service varies depending on the amount of service your vehicle requires. A minimum of approximately one and one/half (1/2) hours is required to perform the necessary service, but please allow some additional time for your dealer to process your vehicle.
Proper vehicle maintenance is necessary to avoid future engine damage, fluid leaks, and possible engine compartment fires. A Maintenance Schedule booklet was included with your owners manual. We are including a revised Maintenance Schedule booklet with this letter. Please familiarize yourself with and follow this revised Maintenance Schedule so that maintenance will be performed at more frequent intervals than displayed in the old booklet.
Engine oil and engine coolant fluid levels should be checked at each fuel fill. Proper oil levels, use of proper engine oil, and oil filter changes at the recommended intervals can prolong engine life (see pages 5-6 through 5-8 of your owners manual as updated by your dealer). Ignoring these maintenance items can cause serious engine damage.
To encourage and promote proper engine maintenance, Pontiac dealers will provide future scheduled oil/oil filter and air filter changes for a total cost of $10.00 for each scheduled service. In addition, each time this service is performed, the dealer will inspect for significant fluid leaks in the engine compartment or for the presence of an audible rod knock. If either of these conditions are observed, you will be advised so that you can arrange for necessary repairs. Based on the nature of the necessary repairs indicated by these later inspections, charges will be determined on an individual basis. This service will be available to 1984 Fiero owners for a period of six (6) years or 60,000 miles from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, whichever occurs first.
Your Pontiac dealer is best equipped to obtain parts and provide service to ensure that your vehicle is corrected as promptly as possible. If however, you take your vehicle to your dealer on the agreed service date and they do not remedy this condition on that date or within five (5) days, we recommend you contact the Customer Assistance Center by calling 800-762-2737.
After calling the Customer Assistance Center, if you are still not satisfied that we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge, within a reasonable time, you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, or call 800-424-9393 (Washington, D.C. residents use 366-0123).
The enclosed owner reply card identifies your Pontiac vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making the necessary correction in the shortest possible time. If you have sold or traded your vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage paid reply card and returning it to us.
If you have previously paid for all or part of internal engine damage repairs related to conditions mentioned in this letter, Pontiac will consider claims for reimbursement on an individual basis. If you have a claim, you should present to your dealer documentation which reasonably confirms the amount of unreimbursed repair expenses, a description of the repair, the date of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair. Documented unreimbursed towing expenses up to $25 will also be considered. Your dealer will assist you in requesting reimbursement from Pontiac. Requests for reimbursements must be received by December 31, 1988.
We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.