Owner Letter
July, 1991
Dear Pontiac Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
REASON FOR THIS RECALL
General Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1992 Pontiac Bonneville SE with console shift (Option D55). The transaxle shift control cable may disengaqe from the shift control cable bracket resulting in loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation. The gear position indicated by the selector may differ from the actual gear position of the transaxle with the transaxle remaining in the position last selected prior to cable disengagement.
If this occurs, a number of possible conditions can exist. Unless the transaxle is actually in the park or neutral position, the engine cannot be started.
If the driver places the gear shift selector in the park position without setting the parking brake, the transaxle may not actually be in the park position and the vehicle may move if it is on an inclined surface. Also, if the driver places the gear shift selector in a drive or the reverse position without turning off the engine, the transaxle may not be in the position indicated and the vehicle may move in the opposite direction. In either case, unexpected vehicle movement could result in an accident without prior warning.
WHAT WE WILL DO
To correct this condition, your Pontiac dealer will verify correct parts usage and install a transaxle shift control cable retaining clip on your vehicle. This service will be performed for you at no charge.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Until you have had the opportunity to have your dealer correct this condition, we recommend that the parking brake always be firmly applied when the vehicle is parked. Also, when changing gear selection from drive to reverse or reverse to drive, always firmly apply the brake pedal until the actual gear position of the transaxle (direction) is confirmed.
Please contact your Pontiac dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date. Instructions for making this correction have been sent to your Pontiac Dealer and parts are available. The labor time to perform this service correction is approximately twenty (20) minutes. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much additional time will be needed to schedule and process your vehicle.
Your Pontiac dealer is best equipped to obtain parts and provide service to ensure your vehicle is corrected as promptly as possible. If, however, you take your vehicle to your dealer on the agreed service date, and he does not remedy this condition on that date, or within five (5) days, we recommend you contact the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center by calling: 1-800-762-2737.
After contacting your dealer and the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center, if you are still not satisfied that we have done our best to remedy this condition, without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S. W., Washington, DC 20590 or call 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, DC residents use 366-0123).
The enclosed Campaign Owner Reply Card identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this card to your dealer will assist in making the correction in the shortest possible time. If you have sold or traded your vehicle, please let us know by completing the postage-paid Owner Reply Card and returning it to us.
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.