CMVSS Noncompliance-Front Turn Signal Bulbs Incorrect

General Motors has decided that certain 2004 model year Oldsmobile Alero vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, "Lighting System and Retroflective Devices." These vehicles were built with a clear bulb in the front turn signal light rather than an amber coloured bulb.

Dealers are to replace the clear bulb with an amber coloured bulb.

Involved are certain 2004 model year Oldsmobile Alero vehicles built within these VIN breakpoints:

Important: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) or GM Access Screen before beginning recall repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]

Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the recall bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this recall. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the recall bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.

These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.

Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.

The following service procedure provides instructions for replacing both the left and right front turn signal clear bulbs with amber coloured bulbs. For additional information on headlamp removal or bulb replacement, refer to the Lighting sub-section in the Body section of the Service Manual or SI.

1. Open the hood.
2. Apply light pressure to the headlamp lens to hold the headlamp in place while releasing the retainers.



3. Lift/pull up the two headlamp retainers to release the headlamp assembly from the body.



4. Remove the turn signal lamp socket from the headlamp by pressing the locking feature and then rotating the socket counterclockwise.
5. Remove the clear bulb from the socket.
6. Install a new amber bulb in the socket.
7. Install the lamp socket in the headlamp assembly and rotate clockwise until fully seated.
8. Install the headlamp assembly to the body and apply light pressure to the headlamp lens while pushing each retainer downward until fully seated.
9. Repeat the procedure on the other headlamp assembly.
10. Verify bulb operation.
11. Install the GM Recall Identification Label.

Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Recall Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the recall number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the recall service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen. Put the Recall Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. Additional Recall Identification Labels for Canadian dealers can be obtained from DGN by calling 1-800-668-5539 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST). Ask for Item Number GMP 91 when ordering.

The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product recall is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.

Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information indicated below:

Refer to the General Motors WINS Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.

Customers will be notified of this recall on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).

All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall MUST be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin BEFORE customers take possession of these vehicles.

Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers a copy of the customer letter accompanying this bulletin. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.

In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, please take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Dear General Motors Customer:

General Motors has decided that certain 2004 model year Oldsmobile Alero vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, "Lighting System and Retroflective Devices." These vehicles were built with a clear bulb in the front turn signal light rather than an amber coloured bulb.

Your GM Dealer will replace the clear bulb in the front turn signals with an amber coloured bulb. This service will be performed for you at no charge .

You may be contacted by a dealer other than the dealer who sold or is currently servicing your vehicle. Please be advised that you may take your vehicle to the General Motors dealership of your choice to have the recall service work completed. Please contact your dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date.

If parts are required, ask your dealer for details regarding their availability. If parts are not in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date.

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 safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

Customer Support Department

General Motors of Canada Limited

03051