Recall 91V002: A/T Selector Improperly Fit to Cable
91saab01
CATEGORY Recall
SECTION PAGE
9 2
ISSUE CODE
01/91-0082 472
Subject: Recall 280, Transmission Selector Cable Attachment
Application: Certain 1991 9000 Models with Automatic Transmission
Recall 280 - GEAR SELECTOR CABLE
ATTACHMENT
Safety-related
Certain 1991 9000 with A/T
NHTSA 91V-002
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 1991 Saab 9000 models with automatic transmission.
There is a possibility that, during vehicle assembly, the ball of the automatic transmission gear selector arm may not have been properly fixed to the socket on the end of the gear selector cable. If the gear selector arm should become separated from the gear selector cable at this ball socket joint, the gear position could not be selected or determined by using the gear selector lever inside the passenger compartment. This, in turn, could lead to the possibility of starting the car in a gear other than park or neutral.
These cars will be recalled by Saab to inspect and, if required, properly seat the ball in the cable end socket.
Vehicles Affected by This Recall
9000 models equipped with automatic transmission that have Vehicle Identification Numbers within following ranges:
^ M1004573-M1007401
^ M2003031-M2004955
Approximately 250 vehicles are affected by this recall.
Recall Schedule
Dealer Notification January 18, 1991
Owner Notification January 25, 1991
Parts Required:
No parts are required for this recall.
Status Lists:
Not all dealers will receive status lists. Only dealers who have received affected cars have status lists attached to this P.S.I.
Selector Cable Joint Inspection
Because of excess grease application to the socket during assembly, the ball of the transmission's gear selector arm may not be completely secured in the selector cable end socket.
1. With your foot on the brake, move the gear selector lever back and forth from the Park (P) position to "1" five times. Leave the selector in Neutral(N).
2. Raise the car on a lift.
3. Turn the steering wheel to the full right stop.
4. Reach your arm in between the stabilizer bar and the tie rod in the left-hand wheel housing and check the selector cable attachment at the gearbox selector arm. Make sure that the ball joint is securely locked into the socket on the end of the selector cable.
5. To ensure that the ball is properly seated in the socket and secured by the lock ring, press the ball and socket completely together using a pair of pliers. On cars found with a loose connection at the joint, excess grease may need to be removed from the socket.
Campaign Plate
After the car has been inspected, and if necessary, the cable secured, mark the campaign plate in box A3. Use a numeral "8" punch (Saab P/N 02 97 713).
Claim Procedure
Using the "Warranty Claim Entry" function, enter the claim data following the coding and labor operation number information listed below. No technical explanation is required.
Use Failure Coding 10280-78-0-05-05. Labor time allowance is Operation No. 10280 (0.4 hour) which includes 0.2 hour of administrative time. Use Recall Action Code (RAC) = 1 (unless the ball has come out of the socket, in which case use RAC = 3).
Use your "Dealer Administration" function to add:
^ Failed Part Code 10280, "Selector Cable Re- Use ".4" for 9000 time
call," to your Failed Part Table Use "91" for beginning and ending year"
^ Labor Operation Number 10280, "Selector Use "9" for engine type Cable Recall," to your Operation Number
Table Use "A" for transmission type
Transmit the claim within 15 days of the repair date.
January 25, 1991
IMPORTANT SAFETY-RELATED RECALL NOTICE - PLEASE READ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR LINKAGE Early 1991 Saab 9000 Modeis With Automatic Saab Recall No. 280, NH7SA No. 91V-W2
Dear Saab Owner
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Saab Automobile AB has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety may exist on certain 1991 model year Saab 9000 models with automatic transmission. Our records indicate you are the current owner of such a vehicle.
These vehicles will be recalled by Saab to inspect the connection of the gear selector cable to the transmission.
If necessary, the ball and socket joint at the end of the selector cable will be adjusted to prevent the possibility of the cable becoming detached from the transmission. If the cable did become detached, you would not be able to change gears or engage PARK by use of the gear selector lever in the passenger compartment and the possibility would exist for the engine to be started in a position other than PARK or NEUTRAL.
Saab Cars USA, Inc. has made arrangements with its authorized Saab dealers to remedy this defect without charge to you, commencing January 25, 1991. We urge you to make an appointment with your Saab dealer to have this work performed as soon thereafter as conveniently possible. You should bring this letter to your dealer on the day of your appointment.
In the interim before this recall work is done, we offer the following advice:
1. Avoid moving the gear selector lever back and forth with high force.
2. Always set the handbrake whenever the car is parked or being started. If the gear selector cable becomes detached, the vehicle might roll if left unattended without the handbrake set and/or the vehicle may be in gear and move when you start the engine.
3. Should it become evident while driving or while parked that it is not possible to change or select gears with the gear selector lever, then discontinue driving as soon as it is reasonably safe and possible to do so and contact your nearest Saab dealer.
If you should experience difficulty in making arrangements for this safety recall modification to be performed, our Consumer Relations Staff is available to assist you in resolving any such problem and may be contacted toll free at 800-955-9007. You may also submit a complaint to the Administrator, NHTSA. Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 800-424-9393 (Washington, D.C. area residents may call 366-0123), if you believe that Saab Cars USA, Inc. or any authorized Saab dealer has failed or is unable to perfom this recall work within a reasonable time, which is not longer than 60 days after you first bring your vehicle to your dealer for repair after January 25, 1991.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.