Investigation PE04043: 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

Status

CLOSED

Opened

May 14, 2004

Closed

Sep 14, 2004

Model years

2003

Subject

Turn signal malfunction

Component: Exterior lighting › Turn signal

Summary

Complainants allege that the rear turn signals fail to illuminate and do not provide a signal to drivers in following vehicles.odi has received one report of a crash where the complainant braked and attempted to make a left turn and the following vehicle impacted the complainant's vehicle in the driver-side door.in may 2002, gm's supplier made changes to the bulb socket that included stopping the use of thermal-mastic grease in the bulb socket.gm reports that the grease reduces arcing at the contacts and dissipates heat thus preventing melting of the socket material or burning of the contacts.most of the subject vehicles were produced without grease applied to the bulb socket.in june 2003, gm directed the supplier to resume the use of grease in the socket.gm issued technical service bulletin (tsb) 04-08-42-004a on july 15, 2004 advising technicians to make sure that adequate amounts of grease were added to the bulb sockets on all service parts.odi will upgrade this investigation to ea 04-028 to further examine the issue.

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