Recall 00V372000: M/T Shift Inhibitor Defect

Certain passenger vehicles equipped with manual transaxles (RPO M86) fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection." When a driver attempts to shift from 5th gear to reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be mechanically in 4th gear even though the shift lever indicates reverse gear.

In this situation, the key can be removed from the ignition while the transmission is in a forward gear, which is not permitted by the standard.

Dealers will disable the 5th/reverse inhibitor by removing a retaining pin and replace the shifter assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).