CAMPAIGN: HEADLIGHT SWITCH PANEL REPLACEMENT
Models: 1985 Somerset, 1986 Somerset and Skylark
TO: ALL GENERAL MOTORS DEALERS
CONDITION:
--------- General Motors of Canada has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1985 Somersets and 1986 Somersets and Skylarks. The circuitry in the headlamp switch panel, under extended headlamp usage, might experience an increased resistance and excessive heat buildup that could cause the circuit breaker to cycle on and off. Continuing to operate the vehicle with headlamps on will cause the off time to gradually increase. Sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility, which might result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
In addition, to maintain styling uniformity with the new headlamp switch panel and to address customer concerns with some of the operation characteristics of the push button windshield wiper, the windshield wiper switch panel will be replaced.
DEALER ACTION:
To prevent this condition, Dealers are required to inspect and/or replace the headlight switch and/or windshield wiper switch panels on suspected vehicles, per the Vehicles Involved and Technical Procedure sections of this bulletin. The replacement switch panels are the 1988 design, therefore, the wiper switch panel is being changed to maintain appearance uniformity in the instrument panel cluster.
VEHICLES INVOLVED:
- All 1985 Somersets - 1986 Somerset and Skylarks within the following VIN breakpoints:
Model Year Plant Beginning Through ---- ----- --------- ------- 1986 Lansing GM100001 GM205813
All affected vehicles have been identified by the VIN listing provided to involved Dealers with this bulletin. Any Dealer not receiving a listing was not shipped any of the affected vehicles.
DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY:
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 it 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 modification according to instructions contained in this bulletin.
CAMPAIGN PROCEDURE:
Refer to Section 4 of the Service Policies and Procedures Manual for the detailed procedure on handling Product Campaigns. Dealers are requested to complete the campaign on all transfers as soon as possible.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:
All owners of record at the time of campaign release are shown on the attached computer listing and have been notified by first class mail from General Motors. The listings provided are for campaign activity only and should not be used for any other purpose.
PARTS INFORMATION:
Parts required should be ordered through regular channels as follows:
Part Number Description Quantity/Vehicle ----------- ----------- ---------------- 22539950 Headlamp Switch Panel 1 as required 25535291 Windshield Wiper Switch 1 as required
In order to reduce the part numbers required for service, both wiper switch panels used include the delay feature and when installed will add delay to previous non-delay wipers.
PARTS AND LABOUR CLAIM INFORMATION:
Credit for the campaign work performed will be paid upon receipt of a properly completed campaign claim card, RAPID terminal or DCS transmission in accordance with the following:
Repair Code Description Time Allowance ----------- ----------- -------------- 1A Inspection Only .3
2A Inspect and Replace Headlight .3 Switch Panel
3A Inspect and Replace Wiper/Rear .3 Defog Switch Panel
4A Inspect and Replace Headlight and .4 Windshield Wiper/Rear Defog Switch Panel
TECHNICAL PROCEDURE:
1. Inspect the headlight switch and wiper/rear defog switch panels to determine if new style switch panels have been installed. New style 1988 slider switche panels are currently used to service 1985 to 1987 vehicles which were originally equipped with push button switche panels. See Illustration for example. Change only old style switch panels as required. If no switch panels require replacement, proceed to Step 8.
2. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
3. Remove centre cluster trim plate.
4. Remove screws securing right and left switch pod trim plates, as required.
5. Remove screws securing headlight switch and windshield wiper/rear defog switch panels, and remove switch panels from wiring connectors, as required.
6. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to install new switch(es).
7. Check functional operation of all switch(es) installed.
8. Install a Campaign Identification Label.
INSTALLATION OF CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Clean surface of radiator upper mounting panel and apply a Campaign Identification Label. Make sure the correct campaign number is inserted on the label. This will indicate that the campaign has been completed.
Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
General Motors of Canada has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1985 Somersets and 1986 Somersets and Skylarks. The circultry in the headlamp switch panel, under extended headlamp usage, might experience an increased resistance and excessive heat buildup that could cause the circuit breaker to cycle on and off. Continuing to operate the vehicle with headlamps on will cause the off time to gradually increase. Sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility, which might result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Until you have had an opportunity to have your Buick inspected and/or corrected, you should be alert for signs of an intermittent headlight circuit. For example, you might experience flickering headlights with the headlight switch "ON" and on high beams. Using low beams only will usually prevent further occurrence.
In addition, to maintain styling uniformity with the new headlamp switch panels and to address customer concerns with some of the operation characteristics of the push button windshield wiper, the windshield wiper switch panel will be replaced.
If the windshield wipers do not stay on or turn off when you first push the button, depressing the button again or selecting a different speed will usually achieve the desired result. In any case, the wipers will continue to operate as long as the button is pushed at the desired wiper speed.
We will inspect and replace the headlight and/or windshield wiper switch panels, if required. This service will be completed at no charge to you.
Contact your GM Dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date after the parts availability date shown below. Instructions have been sent to your Dealer. The labour time to inspect and replace the switch panels, if required, is about 20 minutes. Please ask your Dealer if you wish to know how much additional time will be needed to process your vehicle.
This letter identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this letter to your Dealer will assist their Service personnel in completing the necessary correction to your vehicle in the shortest possible time.
We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.
Service Department General Motors of Canada Limited
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
