Recall - Overheating of Backup Light Switch: Overview

CATEGORY
Recall

SECTION
9

ISSUE
O2/97-0733

PAGE
22

Code
364

Subject:
Recall 278
Overheating of Back-Up Light Switch

Application:
1986-1990 9000 with
Automatic Transmission

Supersedes 05/94-0466

Recall
278

ELECTRICAL OVERHEATING IN CENTER CONSOLE
Safely-related
1986-1990 9000 with A/T
NHTSA No. 90V-001

- The Campaign-

Saab Cars USA, Inc. has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety may exist in certain 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and early 1990 9000 models with automatic transmissions. Approximately 24,000 vehicles were originally affected.

The defect consists of the possibility that the combination neutral safety/back-up light switch may overheat from the current flow through the back-up lamp circuit when the ignition is switched on and the automatic transmission selector lever is in the Reverse (R) position for long periods of time. If overheating of the switch assembly does occur, smoke, or possibly, fire could develop in the center console area of the passenger compartment even if the engine has been switched off.

These cars were recalled to modify the back-up light wiring circuit to reduce the maximum electrical current flow through the neutral safety/back-up light switch, and to replace the switch.

This bulletin was re-issued in February 1997 to include information on a special follow-up notice to owners of affected vehicles not yet modified according to Saab's records as of 12/1/96. Any owner who received a follow up letter needs to have the complete Recall 278 modification performed, including replacement of the neutral safety switch regardless of any prior partial work performed.