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GM recalls 254,000 Saturn L's

Old Jun 24, 2003 | 08:55 AM
  #1  
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Default GM recalls 254,000 Saturn L's

Carmaker says no serious injuries reported from seven fires related to ignition problem.
June 24, 2003: 9:11 AM EDT

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - About 254,000 Saturn L-Series are being recalled because of ignition module and spark plug problems that could result in an under-car fire, General Motors said Tuesday.

The company said there have been seven reports of fires related to the condition but no crashes, serious injuries or fatalities.

GM said the recall affects 240,000 of the 2000-2003 models of the cars sold in the United States. Another 14,000 were sold in Canada.

The company added that there are warning signs to alert owners that their Saturns may have the module and spark plug condition.

A driver would notice that the vehicle may be hard to start, that the overall power of the engine is reduced, and that there is a change in the idle quality. The "Service Engine Soon" light would be flashing, and there could be noticeable exhaust noise.

GM said it plans to notify owners of affected vehicles beginning in late July, instructing them to bring them to their Saturn dealers. The replacements and reprogramming will be performed at no cost to the customers.
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 09:32 AM
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Just as a guess it sounds like improper ignition, little bit of excess fuel, a dumbass pounds on the gas and their cat. converter lights on fire.


Sounds like fun.
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 09:40 AM
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Mother F@#$&!* $%^ !@# *$!!!! I'm going to have to expect another full day oil change coming up for my wife's car.
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 02:03 PM
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Make: SATURN
Model: L-SERIES
Recall Number: 03V231000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE “SERVICE ENGINE SOON” LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR.
Consequence:
FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO AN UNDERCAR FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3.

On second thought, this might not be all that bad. I'm going to get a free 'tune up' out of this.
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 06:24 PM
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You know, this could work out very well for the mafia....... instead of having to rig TNT to the ignition on Carmine's Caddy, just give him a new Saturn as a present!
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 09:42 AM
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More quality issues from another well built and well designed American car?

We need to learn a little quality control over here. At least Chrysler is finally building good, quality cars...but it took a German to finally fix it. Ford and GM need to learn from their mistakes and from the progress of their rivals...or their products will forever suck.
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 03:40 PM
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The overwhelming majority of their current products already do suck, IMO.
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Old Jun 28, 2003 | 07:52 AM
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GM needs to learn to stop basing their American cars off Opel platforms. It seems every Opel based product we've ever had has sucked more than usual in the relaibility field.

Catera
L-Series
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Old Jun 28, 2003 | 12:33 PM
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I don't agree. The Astra 1.6 I drove in France was superb, inside and out. The damping rates were much firmer, and the steering had actual road feel. The interior, while a bit plain looking, was certainly built with better quality control ergonomics and design, compared to the US market.

Motors will still rough though...:down: but the chassis work for Opel platform is solid.

I think the bigger problem lies in the "Americanization" of these platforms for the home market, who is pitching the cars at people who don't appreciate the precise handling and good body control that drivers like us live for. Add to this recipe shitty interiors that are fabricated by Fisher-Price, and a lack of any palpable design talent....

Sigh.....:sad:
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Old Jun 28, 2003 | 12:43 PM
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Oh and I forgot, isn't GM still using the 3800 series PUSHROD sixes in the Buick line....?

:eh:Oy...
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