Letters
September 1989TO SELECTED OLDSMOBILE DEALERS
Oldsmobile Division is releasing Campaign 89-C-08 involving certain 1989 Cutlass Calais models produced with 5-speed manual transaxles which may have gears with a high carbon content in the tooth surfaces. These gears could, as mileage accumulates, damage the softer gears to which they mate. The first effect noticeable to a driver would be gear noise resulting from spalling (pitting) of gear surfaces. If the transaxle is left unserviced, internal damage may occur, leading to vibration or the shifter "popping out of gear", and finally to a loss of drive in one or more gears.
Up to ten different gears in each of the involved transaxles may have excess carbide, hence dealers are to replace the transaxle with a new assembly in involved vehicles (as directed in Product Campaign Bulletin 89-C-08) to prevent the above condition from recurring as mileage accumulates.
Only dealers with involved vehicles will receive this letter and the Product Campaign Bulletin.
NOTE: The Product Campaign Bulletin lists the SPECIFIC VIN's of the ten Oldsmobile Firenzas involved.
Enclosed with this letter are:
Two Product Campaign Bulletins 89-C-08 Copy of Owner
Dealers with vehicles to correct will receive one Printout of Vehicle Identification Numbers, owner names and addresses in VIN sequence. This data will enable you to follow up with involved owners.
We urge you to limit the use of the printout to the follow-up needed for this campaign. Names and addresses from State Vehicle Registration files may be included; it is illegal in many states to use such data outside of campaigns.
Your cooperation in completing this campaign as soon as possible will be greatly appreciated.
September 1989
Dear Oldsmobile Owner
This notice is to inform you Oldsmobile Division is initiating a recall campaign that includes your vehicle.
REASON FOR RECALL
General Motors has determined that certain 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais models were produced with 5-speed manual transaxles which may have gears with a high carbon content in the tooth surfaces. These gears could, as mileage accumulates, damage the softer gears to which they mate. The first effect noticeable to a driver would be gear noise resulting from pitting of gear surfaces. If the transaxle is left unserviced, internal damage may occur, leading to vibration or the shifter "popping out of gear", and finally to a loss of drive in one or more gears.
WHAT WE WELL DO
To prevent this condition from occurring on your vehicle, your Oldsmobile dealer will replace the transaxle with a new assembly at no charge to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Contact your Oldsmobile Dealer to arrange a service date. Instructions have been sent to your Dealer. Your dealer will need to order the specific type transaxle which is designed for your vehicle; hence, you should expect to arrange a service date which will be several working days after your call. Please ask your dealer if you wish to know how much time will be needed to schedule and process your vehicle.
Even if you have already had a gear repair in the transaxle on your vehicle, you need to contact your dealer to have the transaxle replaced; the condition may recur with other gears in the transaxle.
Please give the enclosed owner reply card to your dealer so they can quickly identify your vehicle and the condition which needs correcting. If you no longer have this vehicle, please let us know by completing the card and mailing it back to us. The postage has been paid for you.
We are so sorry for this inconvenience; however, we took this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.