A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into GMC’s 2007-2008 Saturn Aura has been extended to include the 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 and the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The NHTSA said the protective jacket around cables connecting the floor shifter lever to the transmission can become damaged from regular use. The cables could corrode and eventually weaken giving drivers inaccurate transmission readings. There have been seven reports of crashes caused by the problem, with one involving injuries. According to GM the problem affects mainly models with four-speed transmissions, the Malibu and G6 have similar shift systems as the Saturn Aura, but the problem happens far less frequently on those cars.
Category Archives: Pontiac
Pontiac G8 Airbag Requires Reprogramming
General Motors is recalling certain 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 sedans because the airbags may not protect the front passenger during an accident. According reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with the front passenger seat positioned full forward, the seat position sensor will cause a delay between the first and second stages of the dual stage frontal passenger air bag. This delay could result in increased head injury to smaller sized front seat occupants. Owners receiving a recall notice can take their G8 vehicles to their local dealer where the sensing and diagnostic module will be re programed. For more information, contact Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Recent TSB’s Help Consumers Care For Their Vehicles
T.S.B’s (Technical Service Bulletins) are not recalls. They let automakers and consumers know about recurring problems experienced with various automobile models. Manufacturers do not offer payment assistance for these repairs beyond normal warranty coverage. Below is a list of some recent T.S.B’s
T.S.B. SB0151-09 issued on Oct. 14
2006-9 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 models may have a clicking noise from the rear, which requires the rear coil spring assembly to be replaced.
T.S.B. WVL-22 issued on Oct. 13
2005-8 Subaru Foresters and 2005-7 Imprezas may experience a momentary lack of fuel during cornering when the gas tank is below 1.5 gallons. The fuel pump could momentarily draw air, causing the engine to misfire resulting in damage to the catalytic converter. Removal of the one-way valve situated at the base of a small sub chamber in the tank should remedy the problem.
T.S.B. J06 issued on Oct. 12
2009 Dodge Ram 1500s’ a leaky windshield washer fluid reservoir sensor has the potential to leak fluid through to the wiring harness to the temperature sensor. This could damage the temperature sensor, preventing the fluid-level warning lamp from lighting. Replacing both sensors and the harness will stop the leak.
T.S.B. 09-19-15 issued on Oct. 5
2006-10 Focus and Escape models may have defective ignition locks that fail to turn to the start position. The problem is blamed on a bad steering column lock module which causes the keys to bind, but can be repaired by replacing the module.
T.S.B. 09-19-14 issued on Oct. 5
2010 Ford Transit Connects may have a brake knock in the rear. Ford dealers have been instructed to engage the parking brake three notches, and drive forward and then reverse for about 800 feet. If this “voodoo” doesn’t work, you can try swapping or replacing the left and right rear drums.
T.S.B. 09-18-2 issued on Sept. 21
2008-10 Ford Focus models may have problems with the front stabilizer bar, the upper front strut bearing or the lower control arm that may cause popping or clicking noises on turns or bumps. Replacing the affected parts, or tightening them to the factory-specified torque setting, should solve this problem.
T.S.B. SB0342-09 issued on Sept. 21
2006-9 Toyota 4Runners during stop and go driving or heavy acceleration, a smell of sulfur may be noticed. The replacement of the converter will eliminate the smell.
T.S.B. SB0338-09 issued on Sept. 16
2007-10 Toyota Tundras may emit a grinding noise from the front end when in 4 wheel drive. A new differential support should remedy the problem.
T.S.B. 09-023A issued on Sept. 10
2003-5 Q45s and 2004 M45s could have an electrical malfunction that deactivates one or both front side air bags and turn on the warning light. The system should be inspected, and if need be, repaired by adding a coating of epoxy to the wiring connectors and rerouting them slightly.
T.S.B. 0600309 issued on Sept. 4
2008-9 Mazda Tribute crossovers may have a popping or clunking sound from the steering column when turning. Replacing the steering shaft and the coupling joint will remedy the noise.
T.S.B. 0904509 issued on Aug. 17
2007-10 Mazda CX-7 may have a rattling sound from the bumper at highway speeds. Adding washers and new fasteners between the bumper cover and the body will quiet the noise.
T.S.B. 09-02-35-005 issued on Aug. 10
In some 2008-9 Cadillac CTS; 2005-9 Chevrolet Cobalt; 2006-9 Chevrolet HHR,2006-9 Pontiac Solstice; 2007-9 Chevy Equinox and 2007-9 Pontiac G5’s the key is difficult to remove from the ignition. Replacing the ignition lock cylinder will fix the problem.
General Motors to Drop G.M. Logo
General Motors has decided to remove the “G.M. Mark of Excellence” logos from its Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models. The logo has been on the vehicles since 2005. The reason given is that G. M. wants to emphasize these remaining brands. Research has shown that their customers think more of the individual brands than they do of General Motors in light of all their financial problems.
Are you are you having problems with your vehicle whether it be a Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Hummer, Saturn or Saab? Call our offices for a Free California Lemon Law consultation. The toll free number is 888-Ex-Lemon.
Pontiac Recalls
2009 Pontiac Vibe- Vehicles equipped with 1.8L Engine and originally sold in or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakora, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Under certain conditions in extremely low temperatures cetain parts may become locked due to freezing of condensation from positive crankcase ventilation. This could lead to increase in vehicle stopping distance and could result in a crash. Please call your dealer immediately to schedule an appointment.
Think your Pontiac may be a lemon? Call the California Lemon Law Firm of Delsack and Associates for a Free CA Lemon Law consultation. Call 888-Ex-Lemon (888-395-3666).
Bryan Nesbitt to Head Cadillac
Mr. Bryan Nesbitt has been named as the general manager of Cadillac. Mr. Nesbitt has been the vice president of G.M. North America Design. He was hired by Chrysler in 1994 and helped in designing the PT Cruiser. He arrived at G.M. in 2001 and was in charge of Chevrolet design. He was then put in charge of G.M. design in Europe, supervising the Saab 9-X concept and the Opel Insignia. Mr. Nesbitt was later made executive director in design for G.M. North American brands. In 2007 he was instrumental in the introduction of the Pontiac Solstice and the Chevy Malibu.
If you are having problems with your vehicle, in California, and think that you are driving a lemon call the California Lemon Law Firm of Delsack and Associates at 888-395-3666 (888-Ex-Lemon).
Pontiacs Last Coupe
The targa-top Pontiac Solstice will be the last of the Pontiacs and after only a few months of production. Pontiac is scheduled to close production in 2010 and the Solstice coupe will be the last of Pontiac’s new models. With total production of only approximately 1,100 units when operations will end at the Wilmington plant in the end of July, the Solstice may become a collectors item. The coupes will be numbered sequentially so that it will be easy to determine which exactly of the 1,100 cars a collector may own. The GXP version has a sticker price of $31,000 and comes with a 4-cylinder 260 hp engine. One reviewer extolled the beautiful exterior but was disappointed by its relatively plain interior and by the relatively small size cockpit. He was further disappointed by the lack of convenient storage spaces in the passenger compartment and small luggage area. The reviewer also complained about the layout of the dashboard instruments and the wind and road noise. Despite its many faults, that particular reviewer found it to be a sexy little car designed by one of General Motors’ top designers who has subsequently left and is now employed by Tesla. The Solstice GXP seems to be a lot of sizzle but very little steak.
If your vehicle is always in the shop and the dealer is unable to fix it you may be driving a lemon. Call the California Lemon Law Firm of Delsack & Associates at 888-395-3666 (888-ExLemon) for a free consultation.
The Pontiac Pickup That Won’t Be
At the New York 2008 Auto Show Pontiac had announced the G8 Sport Truck which was a sort of evolution of the Chevrolet El Camino. The El Camino had been built on and off by Chevrolet from 1959 through the late 80s. Like the El Camino the G8 was half car, half pick-up with a 6-liter 361-horsepower version of Corvette’s V8. It was to have a 3,500 pound towing capacity with a 74 inch cargo bed designed for a small, select audience with projected sales of approximately 5,000 units per year.
John Harris, director of the National El Camino Owners Association, was quoted as saying that “You could not fit a sheet of plywood in the bed,” which is “sort of a litmus test for what was always supposed to be a working man’s vehicle.” Now with the end of the Pontiac line so too is the end of the plans for the production of the G8 Sport Truck.
Having problems with your vehicle or you think your vehicle may be a lemon. Call the Law Offices of Delsack and Associates in California with your California Lemon Law Questions at 888-Ex-Lemon (888-395-3666).
