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Safety Recall: Ignition Switch (02-014)

Publication date: 2002-06-04
Reference number: 02-014

SAFETY RECALL: IGNITION SWITCH

SAFETY RECALL: IGNITION SWITCH

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 02-014, Date of Issue:  June 4, 2002
ACURA: 1997-99 3.0CL; 1998-99 2.3CL; 1999 3.2TL
CATEGORY: Body
APPLIES TO: 1997 3.0CL - from VIN 19UYA2...VL000001 thru 19UYA2...VL020419; 1998 3.0CL - from VIN 19UYA2...WL000001 thru 19UYA2...WL014481; 1999 3.0CL - from VIN 19UYA2...XL000001 thru 19UYA2...XL014944; 1998 2.3CL - from VIN 19UYA3...WL000001 thru 19UYA3...WL011003; 1999 2.3CL - from VIN 19UYA3...XL000001 thru 19UYA3...XL010025; 1999 3.2TL - from VIN 19UUA5...XA000002 thru 19UUA5...XA055785

BACKGROUND

Electrical contacts in the ignition switch can wear prematurely due to high electrical current passing through the switch. Worn out ignition contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning. Although the engine will restart in most cases, a vehicle that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.

VEHICLES AFFECTED

  1. 1997 3.0CL- from VIN 19UYA2...VL000001 thru 19UYA2...VL020419
  2. 1998 3.0CL- from VIN 19UYA2...WL000001 thru 19UYA2...WL014481
  3. 1999 3.0CL- from VIN 19UYA2...XL000001 thru 19UYA2...XL014944
  4. 1998 2.3CL- from VIN 19UYA3...WL000001 thru 19UYA3...WL011003
  5. 1999 2.3CL- from VIN 19UYA3...XL000001 thru 19UYA3...XL010025
  6. 1999 3.2TL - from VIN 19UUA5...XA000002 thru 19UUA5...XA055785

Not all vehicles in the VIN ranges are affected. Before beginning work, verify that the vehicle is eligible by checking at least one of the following.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

All owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign. An example of the customer notification is at the end of this service bulletin.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the electrical (ignition) switch.

NOTE: Reinstalling aftermarket parts (security systems, alarms, audio systems, etc.) connected to the ignition wiring is not covered under this campaign. If a customer wants a non-Acura part reinstalled, the shop that installed the part (or the customer) must do the work and assume liability. In addition, the customer is responsible for all costs associated with the non-Acura part and its installation. If you have any questions about this, please contact your District Parts and Service Manager.

PARTS INFORMATION

Ignition Switch:

  1. 1997-99 CL - P/N 35130-SY8-305
  2. 1999 3.2TL - P/N 35130-S84-305

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Description FRT Template ID
Replace Ignition Switch --- ---
1997-99 CL 0.5 02-014A
1999 3.2TL 0.4 02-014B

Operation Number: 725108

Failed Part: P/N 35130-S84-A01

Defect code: 5B0 (the "0" is a zero)

Contention code: L56

Skill Level: Repair Technician

REPAIR PROCEDURE

PROCEDURE A

1997-99 3.0CLs and 1998-99 2.3CLs

  1. Remove the dashboard lower cover and the knee bolster (see page 20-46 of the 1997-99 2.3CL Service Manual).
  2. Remove the steering column covers (see page 17-19 of the service manual).
  3. Disconnect the 5P connector and the two 7P connectors from the ignition switch body. See Fig 1 .
    Fig 1: Ignition Switch Body Removal
    G00184052
  4. Remove the steering column holder mounting bolts and nuts. Lower the steering column. See Fig 2 .
    Fig 2: Steering Column Mounting Bolts & Nuts
    G00184053
  5. Center-punch both shear bolts on the ignition switch body, and drill off each bolt head with a 5 mm (3/16 in.) drill bit. Be careful not to damage the switch body. See Fig 3 .
    Fig 3: Center - Punch Shear Bolts
    G00184054
  6. Remove the shear bolts from the ignition switch body and discard them. Then separate the switch body from the steering column. See Fig 4 .
  7. Remove the screws from the electrical switch, then remove the electrical switch from the ignition switch body. Discard the electrical switch. See Fig 4 .
    Fig 4: Electrical Switch Removal
    G00184055
  8. Install the new electrical switch with the original screws.
  9. Hold the ignition switch body up to the steering column, and loosely install the new shear bolts.
  10. Insert the key in the ignition switch. Make sure the key turns freely, and the steering column lock works correctly.
  11. Tighten the shear bolts until their hex heads twist off. See Fig 5 .
    Fig 5: Shear Bolt
    G00184056
  12. Raise the steering column, and install it with its mounting bolts and nuts. Torque the bolts to 38 N.m (28 lb-ft) and the nuts to 16 N.m (12 lb-ft).
  13. Connect the 5P connector and the two 7P connectors.
  14. Install the steering column covers, the knee bolster, and the dashboard lower cover.
  15. Center-punch a completion mark above the fourth character of the engine compartment VIN. See Fig 6 .
Fig 6: Engine Compartment VIN Completion Mark
G00184057

PROCEDURE B

1999 3.2TLs

  1. Remove the dashboard lower cover (see page 20-65 of the 1999-03 3.2TL Service Manual).
  2. Disconnect the ignition switch harness 6P connector from the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box. See Fig 7 .
    Fig 7: 6P Connector (1999 3.2TLs)
    G00184058
  3. Remove the steering column covers (see page 17-30 of the service manual).
  4. Note how the ignition (electrical) switch harness routes to the fuse box; you'll need to route the new switch harness the same way.
  5. Make sure the ignition switch is turned to LOCK (0).
  6. Remove the screw from the side of the electrical switch cover. See Fig 8 .
    Fig 8: Electrical Switch (1999 3.2TLs)
    G00225231
  7. Remove the screws from the electrical switch, then remove and discard the switch and its harness.
  8. Install the new electrical switch with the original screws and cover. Route its harness to the fuse box the same way the discarded harness was routed.
  9. Connect the 6P connector.
  10. Install the steering column covers and the dashboard lower cover.
  11. Center-punch a completion mark above the fourth character of the engine compartment VIN. See Fig 9 .
Fig 9: Engine Compartment VIN Completion Mark (1999 3.2TLs)
G00225232

EXAMPLE OF CUSTOMER LETTER

Summer 2002

Important Safety Recall: Ignition Switch 

Dear 3.0CL, 2.3CL, or 3.2TL Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

What is the reason for this notice? 

Honda Motor Co., Ltd., has determined that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in the ignition switch on certain 1997-1999 3.0CL, 1998-99 2.3CL, and 1999 3.2TL vehicles. Electrical contacts in the ignition switch can wear prematurely due to high electrical current passing through the switch. Worn out ignition contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning. Although the engine will restart in most cases, if your engine stalls while driving in traffic or at highway speeds, you are at risk of being involved in a crash. Difficulties starting the engine (for example, hard-to-start, stalls immediately after starting, etc.) may indicate that the ignition switch is failing.

What should you do? 

Call any authorized Acura dealer, and make an appointment to have your car repaired. The dealer will install an improved ignition switch, free of charge. Please plan to leave your vehicle at the dealership for half a day to allow the dealer flexibility in scheduling.

Who to contact if you experience problems. 

If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Honda dealer, you may write to

  1. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
  2. Acura Client Services Department
  3. Mail Stop 500-2N-7D
  4. 1919 Torrance Blvd.
  5. Torrance, CA 90501-2746

If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to

  1. Administrator
  2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  3. 400 Seventh Street, SW
  4. Washington, DC 20590

Or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

What to do if you feel this notice is in error. 

Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 3.0CL, 2.3CL, or 3.2TL involved in this recall. If this is not the case, or if the name/address information is incorrect, please fill out and return the included, postage-paid Information Change Card. We will then update our records.

If you paid to have a defective ignition switch replaced sometime in the past, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Refer to the attached Instructions for Reimbursement for eligibility requirements and the reimbursement procedure.

If you have questions. 

If you have questions about this notice, or need assistance with contacting an Acura dealer, please call Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Sincerely

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 

Acura Automobile Division