Air Bags - Update Regarding On-Off Switches: Overview
98-GI-05DATE: 2-06-98
Subject:
Retailer Information Update Regarding Air Bag On-Off Switches
In August of 1997, Saturn issued Retail Support Team Bulletins # 97-SC-05 and/or # 97-SC-05A to all Saturn Retailers which provided information to aid in responding to customer requests for the disabling of air bags. Today, Saturn is updating Retailers with the latest information from General Motors and Saturn Corporation in response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) final ruling on the installation of air bag on-off switches under certain circumstances by dealers and repair businesses. This bulletin supersedes the previous Retail Support Team Bulletins # 97-SC-OS and/or # 97-SC-O5A, which should be discarded.
A Saturn Technical Bulletin providing information regarding parts and service procedures necessary for installation of an air bag on-off switch in Saturn vehicles equipped with air bags will be furnished as soon as it becomes available. In addition, an SSPO instruction sheet and an owner's manual insert will be included in each air bag on-off switch kit.
Please carefully review all information included in the following documents (copies included). A GM version of these documents has been sent to all General Motors dealerships in conjunction with this Saturn communication.
^ "Executive Summary - Air Bag On-Off Switches" This document is a one page summary of highlights of the document entitled "Retailer Service Information Regarding Air Bag On-Off Switches."
^ "Retailer Service Information Regarding Air Bag On-Off Switches" This document describes the new government regulation about air bag on-off switches, what these switches can and can't do, and General Motors' point of view about a customer's need for such a switch. Saturn agrees with and has adopted GM's position on this topic.
^ "Notice to GM/Saturn Owners About Air Bag On-Off Switches" This document should be duplicated locally and provided to all Saturn customers who have received an approval letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and are requesting installation of an air bag on-off switch prior to installing a switch in the vehicle.
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^ A list of General Motors and Saturn "Vehicles with "Energy Management" or Forced-Limiting Safety Belt Features.
^ Sample NHTSA letter authorizing the Retailer (or other repair business) to install an air bag on-off switch. Attached to the bottom of the letter is the NHTSA form entitled "Installation of Air Bag On-Off Switches." This NHTSA form must be completed by the Retailer and returned to NHTSA within seven working days after the completion of the installation of an air bag on-off switch under NHTSAs new regulation.
By updating Saturn Retailers with the above referenced documents, Saturn wants Retailers to fully comprehend the many factors surrounding this issue. Retailers should take the necessary time to review this information with their legal counsel and share the retail facility's position regarding this issue with all involved retail team members.