Investigation EA04028: 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Sep 14, 2004

Closed

Nov 22, 2004

Model years

2003

Subject

Turn signal malfunction

Component: Exterior lighting › Turn signal

Summary

On may 14, 2004 the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-043) based on consumer complaints alleging that the brake/tail turn signal lamps would not operate properly when either the tail lights were turned on, the brake pedal was depressed, or when the turn signal switch was activated.on september 14, 2004 odi upgraded pe 04-043 to an engineering analysis (ea04-028).gm states that some brake/tail/turn signal lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to excessive heat buildup within the bulb sockets.the cause of the excessive heat build up was determined to be a lack of thermal grease placed in between the bulb and the socket. By letter dated october 27, 2004 gm notified nhtsa that it will conduct a safety recall (nhtsa # 04v524) covering all my 2003 vehicles.gm dealers will inspect the rear lamp bulb socket assemblies and apply thermal grease to them or replace them with new assemblies with thermal grease already attached.model year 2004 and newer vehicles have the thermal grease installed from the factory. The action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier678 complaints