Recall - Brake Stoplamp Switch: Overview

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Number: 90C30

Section: 5

Date: NOV.,1990


Subject:
PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN 90C30 BRAKE STOPLAMP SWITCH


Model and Year:
1990 CHEVROLET LUMINA


To: All Chevrolet Dealers

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as amended, provides that each vehicle which is subject to a recall campaign of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the owner has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty (60) days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time.

If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the owner may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation.

To avoid having to provide these burdensome solutions, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each owner and to repair their vehicle an soon as possible. As you will see in reading the copy of the letter that is being sent to owners, the owners are being instructed to contact the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center if their dealer does not remedy the condition within five (5) days of the mutually agreed upon service date. If the condition is not remedied within a reasonable time, they are instructed on how to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DEFECT INVOLVED

General Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1990 Chevrolet Lumina 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.

To prevent these conditions from occurring, an improved stoplamp switch will be installed on all involved vehicles.