Pontiac Sunfire 1997

• Recall 81128 [USA]: If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
  Dorman products is recalling 3,900 intermediate steering shafts dorman part nos. 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (sold under dorman's "oe solutions" brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (sold under the "napa" brand name), and platinum parts #'s 2425151, 2425152, and 2425153 manufactured during the month of september 2007. These replacement steering shafts can be used on the vehicles listed above. The weld connecting the inner tube to the outer tube may be defective.
  dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on october 16, 2008. Owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492.
  this recall only pertains to dorman's oe solutions brand name, balkamp's napa brand, and the platinum brand steering shafts and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by general motors corporation.Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.

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• Recall 33072 [USA]: A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. a fuel leak can result in a fire.
  Certain delphi aftermarket fuel pump modules / module reservoir assemblies (mra) that were sold for use on the above listed vehicles. During production the mras vent and fuel return tubes were reversed. This condition can result in the vehicle not running correctly (idle rough and/or stall) due to an overly rich fuel blend or the vehicle's evaporative emission carbon canister may leak fuel.
  delphi will notify owners and replace the defective mras free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 1-877-335-7443.
  this recall only pertains to aftermarket delphi fuel pump modules and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by general motors corporation.Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.

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• Recall 60909 [USA]: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
  Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
  pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
  this recall only pertains to pro-a motors aftermarket lamps and has no relation to any original equipment installed on the listed passenger vehicles.For more information on the lamp model numbers, click on document search and view document titled "lamp model numbers."customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.

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• Recall 610 [USA]: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. if the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. if the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. with the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. in any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
  Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
  dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began january 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
  gm recall no. 02049.Also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

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• Recall 2198 [USA]: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
  On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
  dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
  customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

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• Recall 10175 [USA]: If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
  dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
  owner notification began december 28, 1998. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

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• Recall 11503 [USA]: Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.
  dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.
  owner notification began during august 1998.Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1022 or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4326).

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• Recall 12293 [USA]: In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure would not perform as desired increasing the risk of personal injury.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 214, "side door strength."
  dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials.
  owner notification is expected to begin during march 1998.Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

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• Recall 12690 [USA]: A rapid loss of air can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The compact spare tire assemblies were assembled with incorrect rims. If the spare tire is underinflated, the bead can separate from the rim causing a rapid loss of air. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
  dealers will replace the rim on the compact spare tire assembly. Owners are requested not to use the spare tire until the rim has been replaced.
  owner notification:owner notification will begin during july 1997. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

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• Recall 2003162 [Canada]: Airbag
  Certain vehicles, after being exposed to substantial amounts of water, may experience deployment of either the driver or passenger front airbag without a crash. The owner’s manual for these vehicles does not provide specific information about this situation. Inadvertent deployment of the driver and / or passenger front airbag in a non-accident (non-impact) situation may cause damage to the surrounding vehicle environment (windshield / instrument panel), and create expensive vehicle repair, including replacement of the airbag module(s) and the sensing and diagnostic module (sdm). In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: gm will notify the owners of these 1996 and 1997 vehicles of the potential affect of water accumulating in the vehicle interior on the function of the airbag system (as included in the owner's manuals of 1998 and later model years vehicles).

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• Recall 2002041 [Canada]: Electrical
  On certain passenger vehicles if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. Correction: dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch.

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• Recall 2002199 [Canada]: Steering
  On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: dealers are to inspect the condition of the lower bearing, and replace the lower pinion bearing or the rack and pinion steering gear assembly, if necessary.

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• Recall 2000109 [Canada]: Engine
  Note: certain 1997-99 vehicles in ontario, quebec and the atlantic provinces and 1995-99 vehicles in all other provinces and territories. Moisture may enter the powertrain control module (pcm) as a result of corrosion after extended exposure to road salt. This can lead to symptoms including illumination of the "check engine" light or the engine running rough. If these symptoms are ignored the engine may stall and may not be able to be restarted. Correction: dealers will seal the powertrain control module (pcm) in a protective shield/cover assembly.

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• Recall 1998039 [Canada]: Structure
  These vehicles may not comply with c.M.V.S.S. 214 - side door strength. There may be mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure may not perform as designed. This could result in reduced levels of occupant protection. Correction: vehicles will be inspected for mis-located welds and, if necessary, up to five welds will be placed between the involved panels.

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• Recall 1998136 [Canada]: Seats and restraints
  Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's computer, there is an increased risk of an air bag deployment in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan. Correction: the sdm module will be recalibrated to reduce the sensitivity to short and mid-duration commanded deployments.

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• Recall 1998247 [Canada]: Suspension
  Certain vehicles may have a condition which could result in one of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts breaking. If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, vehicle control would be affected and a crash could occur without prior warning. Correction: dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.

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• Recall 1997125 [Canada]: Suspension
  These vehicles do not comply with c.M.V.S.S. 110 - tire selection and rims. The compact spare tire assemblies in these vehicles may have been assembled with rims that do not conform to dimensional and profile standards. If the tire is underinflated it can separate from the rim. Correction: rim on the compact spare tire assembly will be replaced.

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To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Unintended vehicle acceleration investigation # DP03007

  On september 23, 2003, the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) received a letter dated september 8, 2003 from mr. Donald friedman, petitioning the agency to "open a defect investigation into unintended acceleration involving [model year] 1996 and 1997 general motors j-cars."in support of his petition, mr. Friedman cited a report he "received for gm" showing it had received far more reports of alleged unintended acceleration for these models than for others.After assessing the data claimed by the petitioner to justify his request, odi found no indication that defect trend related to the petitioners allegations exists at this time.Therefore, there is no reasonable posibility that an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect would be issued as a result of granting mr. Friedmans petition.Consequently, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsas limited resources to best accomplish the agencys safety mission, the petition is denied.For additional information concerning this analysis, please refer to the attached federal register notice.
  

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• Fire in steering column area investigation # PE02001

  
  

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• Oversensitive air bag deployments investigation # EA98001

  There is no summary currently available
  

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Tl* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, smoke started to emit from the vents and a fire erupted under the dashboard. The contact and the front passenger were able to safely exit the vehicle without any injuries. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Tl * the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that smoke was emitting from the steering column. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was an electrical short causing the wires to melt together. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch malfunctioned. As a result, the steering column and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.

Fuel tank rusted and caused gas to leak out. *tr

Heard and felt a loud thud sound from steering area driving home. Power steering feels like it is gone when turning left, but turns easier when turning right at low speeds. Steering wheel becomes off centered at times. Almost feels as if i might loose control of front tires during turns or at higher speeds. *tr

Having trouble with fuel system on a 1997 pontiac sunfire. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that his vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number 02v286000 (steering:rack and pinion) and repaired at 135,000 miles. While driving 10 mph, he could no longer make a left hand turn and the vehicle would turn right automatically. The dealer stated that the lower bearing was destroyed and the cover for the bearing was missing. The contact stated that it was the exact same failure as stated in the recall. He also stated that he experienced no steering failure until the recall repair was performed. Gm stated that nothing could be done. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 176,193 and failure mileage was 165,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. While idling at a traffic light, the contact attempted to make a left turn, but the steering wheel would not turn. The steering wheel would turn to the right, but not to the left. The vehicle has not been repaired and is unable to be driven. Nhtsa campaign id number 02v286000 (steering: rack and pinion) does not apply to her vin. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 160,406 and failure mileage was 160,402. Updated 03/05/08. *lj

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire coupe. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle would not turn left at all. There was no difficulty making right turns. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic and it was discovered that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that her vin was not included in the recall for the rack and pinion. The nhtsa campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 138,000.

In less than 1 year i have taken my car to have it repaired 6 times for what i feel is the exact same problem! My engine stalls when i am coming to a stop or after being on the interstate and it idles rough. I have had my catalytic converter replaced twice in the past year, fuel sensor replaced, spark plugs, coil, wire to the ignition module replaced. My car still runs rough and stalls while driving on interstate, when idling in traffic, and when i come to a complete stop. This needs to be investigated. I have spent over $2,000 in repairs and tow fees. This is very unsafe. *tr

Common OBD-II Error Codes

• P0741 [1] Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off
• P0742 [1] Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stock On
• P0751 [1] Shift Solenoid A Performance or Stuck Off
• P0752 [1] Shift Solenoid A Stuck On
• P0756 [1] Shift Solenoid B Performance or Stock Off
• P0757 [1] Shift Solenoid B Stuck On
• P1811 [1] Transmission 4-Wheel Drive High Indicator Short Circuit To Battery
• P1810 [2] Transmission 4-Wheel Drive High Indicator Open Circuit
• P1815 [2] TFP Valve Position Switch Circuit/ Transmission 4-Wheel Drive Low Indicator Short Circuit To Battery
• P0300 [1] Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
• P0301 [1] Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
• P0302 [1] Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
• P0303 [1] Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
• P0304 [1] Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected