Recall - Unexpected Hood Opening: Overview

SUBJECT UNEXPECTED HOOD OPENING NUMBER: 86-C-06

DATE: Sept.. 8, 1986

MODELS/YEARS 1985-1986 CALAIS SECTION: 2C
CONDITION

General Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in all 1985 and some 1986 Oldsmobile Calais models. The secondary hood latch may be incorrectly aligned and/or may exhibit a binding condition of the latch pivot. Either of these conditions could prevent adequate engagement of the secondary hood latch to the front end support when the hood is in the closed position. In addition, the primary hood latch "pop-up" lever may be mispositioned. This could cause the hood to appear closed without being completely latched.

If the secondary hood latch is incorrectly aligned and/or is binding at the latch pivot, and the primary hood latch is not completely engaged to the hood, the hood could unexpectedly open while the vehicle is in motion. Should this occur, the hood may contact the vehicle windshield reducing the forward vision area of the driver, and a vehicle crash without prior warning could occur.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

All 1985 and certain 1986 Oldsmobile Calais models within the following Vehicle Identification Numbers:
Assembly Up To
Model Year Plant Beginning And Including

1985 Lansing (C) Start of Production End of Production
Lansing (M) Start of Production End of Production
1986 Lansing (C) Start of Production End of Production
Lansing (M) Start of Production GM387687

DEALER ACTION

To prevent the possibility of this condition occurring on vehicles involved, dealers are to replace the secondary hood latch and inspect the primary hood latch pop-up lever for correct alignment and function and, if necessary, align the pop-up lever or replace the primary hood latch as described in the Service Procedure of this Bulletin.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign is taken into your new or used vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you should take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before reselling or releasing the vehicle.

Owners of vehicles recently sold from your new vehicle inventory are to be contacted by the dealer and arrangements made to make the required inspection/modification according to instructions contained in this bulletin.