Recall - Motorized Shoulder Belt Guide Track: Overview

P0NTIAC
93-C-57

Issued: 02-14-95

SUBJECT:
PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN 93-C-57 FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE TRACK

MODELS AFFECTED:
1990-93 PONTIAC LeMANS

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 facie 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 Pontiac Owner Assistance Center if their dealer does not remedy the condition within (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.

DEFECT INVOLVED

General Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1990-93 Pontiac LeMans model vehicles. Some of these vehicles lack sufficient lubrication in the guide track rail in which the shoulder belt carrier moves. Lack of lubrication may cause the carrier to exhibit a chattering noise, momentary binding while traveling, cycling back and forth, or stopping completely prior to reaching full travel position at either the windshield or the door lock pillar. These guide track malfunctions could prevent a person from using their motorized passive restraint system. However, a temporary latch plate (previously supplied with vehicle) may be installed in the track to allow for manual attachment of the shoulder plate as shown in the vehicle's owners manual. In the event of a vehicle crash, an improperly belted occupant would have an increased risk of injury.

To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring, dealers are to lubricate the shoulder belt guide track and ensure proper shoulder belt system operation. Customers will be advised of the periodic maintenance to lubricate the system and will be given a free tube of grease following the inspection/correction.