Recall - Faulty Brake Stoplamp Switch: Overview

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Number: 90-C-05

Date: November 1990

Section: 5, 9B


Subject:
BRAKE STOPLAMP SWITCH

Models/Years:
CERTAIN 1989 AND 1990
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME MODEL VEHICLES


CONDITION

General Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1989 and 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme model vehicles. These vehicles may have a faulty brake stoplamp switch, which could result in the stoplamps not illuminating on application of the brakes. If this should occur in situations where a driver in a trailing vehicle is otherwise unable to recognize a braking action in sufficient time to respond appropriately, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning. In some cases, failure of the stoplamp switch can result in the stoplamps staying on at all times.

In addition, in vehicles equipped with cruise control, a faulty stoplamp switch can result in resumption of the cruise control function upon release of the brake pedal. If this occurs, the cruise control feature can be disengaged by moving the cruise control switch to the "OFF" position, or by reapplying the brake. Once the vehicle speed drops below 12 - 14 MPH, the cruise feature will be automatically disengaged. On vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, depressing and releasing the clutch pedal will also disengage the cruise control feature.


VEHICLES INVOLVED

Involved are certain 1989 and 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme model vehicles built at Doraville within the breakpoints listed below:

Beginning Through &
Year VIN Including

1989 KD348608 KD400028

End-of Production (E.O.P.)

1990 LD300001 LD364433
Start-of-Production (S.O.P.)


Vehicles which Oldsmobile records indicate were previously repaired under warranty with Stoplamp Switch P/N 10180504 are not included in this campaign.

All vehicles listed on the dealer printout will require correction. Other suspect vehicles should be checked for campaign involvement by utilizing the Vehicle Information Service System (V.I.S.S.).


DEALER ACTION

To prevent these conditions from occurring, dealers are to install an improved stoplamp switch on all involved vehicles.

Dealers are to perform this campaign on all involved vehicles 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 car inventory, or it is in your dealership for service, you are to ensure the campaign correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dealers are to contact owners of vehicles recently sold from your new or used vehicle inventory and arrange for the campaign correction to be performed.