Recall - Cargo Area Light Defect
91honda04
Bulletin No.
91-033
Issue Date
NOV 8, 1991
File Under
BODY
Model
1991
ACCORD
WAGON
Applicable To
FROM VIN
1HGCB9...MA000087
THRU
1HGCB9...MA019774
RECALL: Washers in the Cargo Area Light
PROBLEM
A washer may not have been adequately attached to the cargo area light. If this washer was dislodged during assembly, it may have fallen inside the light. If this condition exists and if the light's three-position switch is in the middle position with the tailgate open, the washer could cause a short circuit within the light. As a result, the light switch may overheat and cause a fire.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail of this recall. Owners will be asked to contact their nearest Honda dealer for repairs. The customer letter is reproduced on the back of this service bulletin.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
NOTE: Use only one labor operation on the warranty claim.
Operation number: 715525 - Inspect only
715125 - Inspect and replace
assembly
Flat rate time: 0.3 hour
Failed part: P/N 34260-SM5-003ZB
H/C 3630696
Defect code: 249
Contention code: J51
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Remove the washers from the cargo area light assembly.
1. Carefully remove the lens from the rear cargo light by:
(A) Inserting a thin flat blade screwdriver in the recess in the edge of the lens. Twist the screwdriver to move the lens away from the housing. Use as little force as possible so you not gouge the housing.
(B) Insert a second flat blade screwdriver between the lens and the housing at the lock tab. Gently twist this screwdriver to release the tab from the housing.
(C) Repeat (B) on the other side of the lens.
2. Remove the cargo light mounting screws. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the light assembly. Look for washers on the assembly's mounting bosses. If you cannot find both washers, remove the upper section of tailgate trim and look on top of the headliner.
NOTE: Inspect the light assembly for internal damage. If it is damaged, replace it with a new assembly and go to step 4. (Refer to the parts catalog for the appropriate part numbers.) If not, continue to step 3.
3. The washers are glued to their bosses. Try to remove them with your fingers. If they will not come off, use a pair of pliers to twist them off as shown.
NOTE: Do not try to pry the washers off with a screwdriver or similar tool. You could damage the bosses.
4. Reinstall the cargo light assembly. Make sure the tabs on the lens are lined up before pushing it back in place. Test the light to make sure it works.
NOTE: The lens is available separately. Replace it if it is damaged. (Refer to parts catalog.)
5. Center punch a completion mark above the first "1" in the VIN on the engine bulkhead.
Text of the Customer Letter
November, 1991
RECALL: 1991 Accord Wagon Cargo Area Light
Dear Accord Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the cargo area light assembly of certain 1991 Accord wagons. Our records indicate you may own one of the affected cars.
A washer may not have been adequately attached to the cargo area light. If the washer was dislodged during assembly, it may have fallen inside the light. If this condition exists and if the light's three-position switch is in the middle position with the tailgate open, the washer could cause a short circuit within the light. As a result, the light switch may overheat and cause a fire.
Please contact your Honda dealer to arrange for inspection and repair of the cargo area light. This work will be performed without charge. Although the repair will take about an hour, please plan to leave your car at the dealership for half a day to allow the dealer some flexibility.
NOTE: As a precaution until you take your car to the dealer for repair, please set the switch in the cargo area light to the OFF position.
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Honda dealer, you may write to:
American Honda Motor Go., Inc.
Consumer Affairs
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your car, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for the repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to:
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh St.,
S.W. Washington, D.C. 20590
Or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at (800) 424-9393 (residents of Washington D.C. should call 366-0123).
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.