REPLACEMENT OF FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINERS. Saturn Saturn 1995

For 1990-2009 cars

# REPLACEMENT OF FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINERS

Subject: | REPLACEMENT OF FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINERS

Models: | 1994 and 1995 SATURN VEHICLES (ALL MODELS)

TO: ALL SATURN RETAILERS and AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS

The Highway Safety Act, as amended, provides that each vehicle which is subject to a recall campaign of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty (60) days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time.

If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation.

To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. As you will see in reading the attached copy of the divisional letter that is being sent to customers, the customers are being instructed to contact the appropriate Customer Assistance Center if their dealer does not remedy the condition within five (5) days of the mutually agreed upon service date. If the condition is not remedied within a reasonable time, they are instructed on how to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

### DEFECT INVOLVED

Saturn has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1994 and 1995 model year Saturn vehicles. Some front seat back recliners were made with a part that failed to meet Saturn's stringent quality standards. The recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and may cause the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied. If left unrepaired, the wear will continue and may result in the seat back fully reclining when force is applied. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control and a crash. To correct this condition, Saturn will replace both the driver and front passenger seat back recliner mechanisms.

### VEHICLES INVOLVED

ALL 1994 and 1995 Saturn vehicles within the following VIN range will require this campaign:

RZ244006 through SZ125162

You must verify campaign involvement through your AS400 system. It is important to note that campaign claims will only be paid on involved vehicles.

### OWNER NOTIFICATION

Owners of all involved vehicles will be notified of this campaign by Saturn. (Refer to the owner letters included in this bulletin.)

### FACILITY VIN LISTING

A list of vehicles assigned to you (Facility VIN Listing ), which our records indicate were sold by or shipped to you, (or are located in close proximity to your facility) is enclosed.

This listing contains:

• | Owner's name with address and telephone number;

• | Complete vehicle identification number (VIN); and

• | VINs of vehicles, which according to Saturn records are in retail stock.

The Facility VIN Listing (with owner information) is furnished to involved Retailers with the Product Campaign Bulletin. Although these vehicles are assigned to your facility, it is important to note that owners may elect to have their vehicle serviced at the Saturn Retail Facility of their choice.

Those retailers not involved initially in this campaign will receive a message at the top of the blank Facility VIN Listing that states: NO VEHICLES ASSIGNED AT THIS TIME FOR CAMPAIGN 99C01.

These listings may contain owner names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of the law in several states. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this campaign. Those records updated with California DMV registration information will have the following message printed adjacent to the appropriate VIN: "OWNER INFORMATION UPDATED BY CALIFORNIA DMV; PUBLICATION PROHIBITED."

### Retailer Responsibility

All unsold vehicles in Retailers' possession and subject to this campaign must be held at the retail facility and repaired per the service procedure of this campaign bulletin before owners take possession of these vehicles.

Retailers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.

Owners of vehicles recently sold from your vehicle inventory are to be contacted by the Retailer and arrangements made to make the required correction according to the procedure contained in this bulletin.

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

### Transfer of Campaign Responsibility

Saturn vehicles that have been sold by you, which may be closer in proximity to another Saturn Retailer, may still appear on your Facility VIN Listing . If either you or the vehicle owner determines that it is more desirable for a vehicle on your Facility VIN Listing to be serviced by another Saturn Retailer, or if the customer's address has recently changed, campaign responsibility may be transferred by completing the following:

• | Submit a Campaign Vehicle Action Report to your Customer Assistance Manager (CAM) at the Saturn Customer Assistance Center.

| OR

• | Submit an update in owner information to the Saturn Owner of Record system, via SERVICELINE XL, for Saturn Customer Assistance Center review and approval.

A copy of the Campaign Vehicle Action Report is included for your reference. Additional copies can be ordered from Saturn Publications (1-800-828-2112, prompt 3, Item # S0397050 ). All changes to campaign responsibility will be reflected in your next Unfixed VIN Report.

All other changes in vehicle status (e.g. scrapped, stolen, etc.) are to be made in accordance with section 4.4.3 of the Retail Service Reference Guide, "Notifying Saturn of Vehicle Status Change."

### PARTS INFORMATION

1. A pre-shipment of coupe seat back recliner assemblies and Loctite 242® Threadlocker required to perform this campaign have been automatically sent to you from Saturn Service Parts Operations (SSPO). These initial shipments are to aid the Retailer in campaign preparation and ensure minimal customer inconvenience. Further shipments will automatically be sent at a later date to fulfill your forecasted needs.
2. Unfortunately, this situation presents a unique challenge for SSPO because our seat recliner assembly inventory is not sufficient to perform all replacements for the sedan/wagon at this time. Initially, SSPO will ship minimal part quantities to all Retailers. SSPO will send additional recliner assemblies as quickly as inventory is available. These additional quantities will be distributed on a fair-share basis.
3. Should you require any additional parts, please contact your parts support analyst (PSA) and we will expedite the shipment. With the exception of the Loctite 242® Threadlocker (P/N 21485277), please do not enter any orders for any part numbers listed without contacting your PSA.
4. Required Parts:

Part Number | Description | Quantity Required Per Vehicle
--- | --- | ---
21051313 | Recliner Asm - D/Seat (Outer - All Models) | 1
21051315 | Recliner Asm - D/Seat (Inner - All Models) | 1
21051312 | Recliner Asm - P/Seat (Outer - All Models) | 1
21051314 | Recliner Asm - P/Seat (Inner - Sedan/Wagon) | 1
21051310 | Recliner Asm - P/Seat (Inner - Coupe) | 1
21485277 | Threadlocker - Loctite 242® | 1

### DISPOSITION OF REPLACED PARTS

Retailers will scrap all replaced parts in a manner that ensures that they cannot be reused, remanufactured, or otherwise entered into the stream of commerce in the future.

### SUGGESTIONS FOR ENSURING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

As you know, Saturn's success hinges upon our ability to execute superior customer support throughout the ownership experience, especially when occasional corrective actions such as this are required.

It is imperative that every effort is made to accommodate the effected owners. Additionally, priority should be given to customer vehicles over retail inventory vehicles. If you have any questions, please coordinate with the Saturn Customer Assistance Center to help ensure customer satisfaction.

### SEAT RECLINER SERVICE PROCEDURE

• | Weldnut (typical 4 places) (1)

• | Locator Pin (2)

#### REMOVAL

Important: Removing the seat using the following sequence will aid in reassembly of the unit. On Coupe passenger seat, DO NOT activate the E-Z entry feature by pulling the recliner release lever on the side of the seat at any time during removal and installation procedures.

1. Remove the seat belt from seat belt guide on seat.
2. Move seat to full rearward position by activating the seat adjuster lever.
3. Remove the two front bolts from seat in the following order:

3.1. | Front inboard

3.2. | Front outboard

4. Move seat to full forward position by activating the seat adjuster lever.
5. Remove the two rear bolts from front seat in the following order:

5.1. | Rear outboard

5.2. | Rear inboard

6. For driver's seat, tilt seat backwards and disconnect seat side mount buckle unit wiring harness.
7. Remove seat and place on a clean, protected work surface.
8. On SL2, SC2, and SW2 driver's seat, rotate riser knob to full down position, and remove riser knob cover, fastener, and riser knob.
9. Remove recliner handle fastener and recliner handle.
10. Remove two outboard seat adjuster side cover fasteners and cover.
11. Remove two inboard seat adjuster side cover fasteners and cover.
12. Remove recliner lever fastener and recliner lever.
13. On Coupe, passenger seat, remove clip attaching E-Z entry cable to inboard recliner, and separate cable from recliner.
14. Disengage seat cushion cover rear J-strip at bottom of seat cushion frame.

• | Seat Cover (1)

• | Cushion Frame (2)

• | Foam Pad (3)

• | Cross Tube (4)

• | Seat Cover J-Strip (5)

15. Remove four recliner bolts (two bolts on each side of seat assembly) and remove seat back assembly with recliner mechanism and cross tube attached to seat back.
16. Disengage seat cushion J-strip at bottom of seat back cover and slide seat back cover up to expose recliner bolts.
17. Remove four recliner bolts (two bolts on each side of seat back assembly) and separate recliner assemblies and cross tube from seat back assembly.
18. Separate recliners from cross tube and remove recliner cover fastener and cover from recliners.

#### INSTALLATION

1. Install the recliner cover and fastener to recliners.
2. Assemble recliner assemblies to cross tube.
3. Install recliners and cross tube assembly to seat back with four attaching bolts (two bolts on each side of seat back assembly).

Tighten
27 N·m (20 lb ft)

4. Pull seat back cover down and engage lower J-strips.

Notice: On Coupes, make sure E-Z entry cable mounting arm on recliner does not get caught in seat track.

5. Install seat back assembly to seat cushion assembly with four attaching bolts (two bolts on each side of seat assembly).

Tighten
27 N·m (20 lb ft)

6. Wrap seat cushion cover rear flap to cover up recliner cross tube and engage seat cushion cover rear J-strip to seat cushion frame.

• | Seat Cover (1)

• | Cushion Frame (2)

• | Foam Pad (3)

• | Cross Tube (4)

• | Seat Cover J-Strip (5)

7. On Coupe passenger seat, attach E-Z entry cable to inboard recliner and install cable retaining clip.
8. Install recliner lever and fastener to seat adjuster.
9. Install inboard seat adjuster side cover and two fasteners using longer fastener in forward location.
10. Install outboard seat adjuster side cover and two fasteners using longer fastener in forward location.
11. On SC2, SL2, and SW2 driver's seat, install seat cushion riser knob, fastener, and riser knob cover.
12. Install recliner handle and fastener.

(1) Only on SC2, SL2, and SW2 seats

13. Set seat in vehicle.
14. For driver's seat, tilt seat backwards and reconnect seat side mount buckle unit wiring harness.

Notice: Seat bolts must be installed and torqued in the proper sequence to prevent seat adjuster damage.

15. Apply Loctite 242® Threadlocker (P/N 21485277) or equivalent to the four seat bolts.
16. Install and torque rear inboard seat bolt (1).

Torque
30 N·m (22 lb ft)

17. Install and torque rear outboard seat bolt (2).

Torque
30 N·m (22 lb ft)

18. Install and torque front outboard seat bolt (3).

Torque
30 N·m (22 lb ft)

19. Move seat assembly to full rearward position by activating the seat adjuster lever.
20. Install and torque front inboard seat bolt (4).

Torque
30 N·m (22 lb ft)

21. Insert seat belt into seat belt guide on side of seat.
22. Repeat the complete set of procedures for the other seat.
23. Once both seats have the seat recliners replaced, open hood and affix Campaign Completion Label on a clean, dry surface of the radiator core support, in an area clearly visible when the hood is raised. (Refer to "Campaign Completion Label" information in this bulletin.)
24. Perform Seat Function Check procedure on the following page.

#### SEAT FUNCTIONAL CHECK

Sit in each seat one at a time and perform the following checks.

1. Buckle and unbuckle the seat belt.
2. Activate adjuster lever and move seat to various positions along seat tracks to ensure proper operation. The seat should lock at each desired position.
3. On Coupe passenger seat, from the outside of the vehicle, check the operation of the E-Z entry feature.

3.1. | Pull up the recliner release lever. The seat back should tilt forward and the seat assembly should move to the full-forward position.

3.2. | Move the seat back to its upright position and slide the seat assembly rearward until it locks into place.

4. Lift recliner lever and move the seat back to the fully reclined position, checking the ease of lever operation and seat back movement. Release the lever, checking the ease of lever operation and that the seat back remains in the fully reclined position. The recliner lever should move easily and feel spring loaded.
5. Lift the recliner lever and position the seat back in a partially reclined position. Release the recliner lever and ensure that lever returns to down position. Check that the recliner mechanism engages and holds the seat back in the chosen position. Apply force to the seat back checking how well the mechanism engages and locks in place. The mechanism should not slip out of place when force is applied.
6. Lift the recliner lever and position the seat in the normal operating position. Release the recliner lever, checking that the recliner mechanism engages and holds the seat back in the normal operating position. Apply force to the seat back checking how well the mechanism engages and locks in place.

### CAMPAIGN COMPLETION LABEL

Upon completion of the campaign, a Campaign Completion Label and a Clear Protective Cover should be affixed on a clean, dry surface of the radiator core support in an area clearly visible when the hood is raised. Each label provides a space to print in ink (or type) the campaign number (99C01) and the five (5) digit facility code of the Retailer performing the campaign service.

As a reminder, additional labels may be ordered from Saturn publications (1-800-828-2112, prompt 3, Item # S03 00013A for the Campaign Completion Label , and Item # S03 00013B for the Clear Protective Cover ).

### Credit

1. To receive credit for replacing the seat back recliner assemblies, submit a claim with the information below:

Repairs Performed | Failed Part No.* | Case Type | Labor Op | Labor Hours | Admin. Hrs**
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Coupe - Replace driver and passenger seat back recliners | 21051313 | VC | V0291 | 1.6 | 0.1
21051315
2105312
2105310
Sedan/Wagon - Replace driver and passenger seat back recliners | 21051313 | VC | V0291 | 1.5 | 0.1
21051315
21051312
21051314
* The parts allowance should be the sum total of the current SSPO Retailer net price plus 30% of all parts required for the repair.
** Campaign Administrative Allowance

2. To receive credit for loaner/rental car costs or other goodwill expenses, submit a claim with the information below:

Repair Performed | Case Type | Labor Op | Net Item Amount | Net Item Code | # Days Rental
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Loan Reimbursement | VC | Z4020 | *** | C | ****
Other/Goodwill | VC | Z4021 | *** | R | N/A
Customer Reimbursement | VC | Z4022 | ***** | R | N/A
*** Net Item amounts must be submitted as a miscellaneous sale. . .Loaner reimbursement not to exceed $30/day.
**** Enter number of days vehicle was rented. . .Not to exceed 1 day.
***** Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to replace one or more front seat back recliners.

Retailers are empowered to use good judgement regarding loaner/rental cars or any other goodwill expenses deemed necessary. The Goodwill Worksheet (printed toward the back of this bulletin) must be used to document goodwill expenses. The completed Goodwill Worksheet must be attached to the hard copy of the CSO. Retailers are to make sufficient copies of the blank Goodwill Worksheet to document goodwill expenses.

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs, performed at a non-Saturn facility, to replace the seat back recliners must be accompanied by the original paid receipts/invoices verifying the repair, proof of payment, and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair.

Check your Saturn SERVICELINE XL Claim Memorandum daily. Remember to code the claim as a WC sale type, and VC case type. Contact your field representative if you need assistance.

Refer to the Customer Service Order Preparation Manual for details on Product Campaign Claim Submission.

### 99-C-01 GOODWILL WORKSHEET

As stated in the "Credit" section of this bulletin, Retailers are empowered to use good judgement regarding loaner/rental cars or other goodwill expenses that might become necessary for customer satisfaction.

Complete this worksheet and attach it to the hard copy of the Customer Service Order (CSO) to document all campaign goodwill claims submitted to Saturn...You will not need to contact the Saturn Assistance Center for Authorization of goodwill expenditures associated with this campaign.

VIN #

A. Vehicle Loaner/Rental Allowance Explanation: | $
Repair Performed | Sale Type | Case Type | Labor OP | Net Item Code | # Days Rental
Loaner Reimbursement | WC | VC | Z4020 | C | *
* Not to exceed $30/day for 2 days
B. Other/Goodwill Allowance Explanation (Specify what was done and why): | $
Repair Performed | Sale Type | Case Type | Labor OP | Net Item Code | # Days Rental
Other Goodwill | WC | VC | Z4020 | R | N/A
Authorized Retailer Signature
(Please copy this form as necessary)

March 13, 1999

Dear Saturn Owner:

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

Saturn has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1994 and 1995 model year Saturn vehicles. Some front seat recliners were made with a part that failed to meet Saturn's stringent quality standards. The recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and may cause the seatback to slip partially rearward when force is applied. If left unrepaired, the wear will continue and may result in the seatback fully reclining when force is applied. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control and a crash. To correct this condition, Saturn will replace both the driver and front passenger seatback recliner mechanisms.

#### What Saturn will do:

We will replace your vehicle's front seatback recliner mechanisms at no charge to you. It will take about 2 hours to make the repairs, although some additional time may be required for paperwork and processing.

#### What you should do:

Contact your Saturn Retailer to arrange to have this service performed.

Your Retailer is prepared to perform this service promptly and with minimal inconvenience to you. However, if your car is provided to the Retailer on the agreed service date, and the condition is not remedied on that date, or within five days, please contact the Saturn Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-553-6000, prompt 3; or for the hearing impaired, 1-800-833-6000. We will assist you and the retailer in getting your car serviced.

If, after contacting your Saturn Retailer and Customer Assistance Center, you are still not satisfied we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington, DC 20590, or call 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, DC residents use 202-366-0123).

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have your seatback recliner mechanisms replaced for this condition, you will be eligible for reimbursement. If the repair was performed by a Saturn retail facility, please contact your nearest Saturn Retailer to discuss reimbursement. The facility will have all the necessary documentation to process your reimbursement. If the repair was performed by a non-Saturn facility, your Retailer will need your original paid receipts or invoices verifying the repair, proof of payment, and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair. It is still necessary to have this campaign repair performed on your vehicle, even if you have had previous repairs to the seat recliners.

Again we sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern this situation may cause you. We want you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your Saturn provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

Sincerely,

Saturn Corporation

99C01

March 13, 1999

Dear Saturn Owner:

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

Saturn has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1994 and 1995 model year Saturn vehicles. Some front seat recliners were made with a part that failed to meet Saturn's stringent quality standards. The recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and may cause the seatback to slip partially rearward when force is applied. If left unrepaired, the wear will continue and may result in the seatback fully reclining when force is applied. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control and a crash. To correct this condition, Saturn will replace both the driver and front passenger seatback recliner mechanisms.

#### What Saturn will do:

Saturn will replace your vehicle's front seat recliner mechanisms at no charge to you. It will take about 2 hours to make the repairs, although, some additional time may be required for paperwork and processing.

Unfortunately, this situation presents a unique challenge for Saturn because our parts inventory is not sufficient to perform all replacements at this time. We are currently working with our parts supplier to produce quality parts in a timely manner.

#### What you should do:

If the recliner mechanisms in your Saturn are exhibiting a slipping condition, please contact your Saturn Retailer to have the service performed immediately.

If your seats are not exhibiting the slipping condition, your Retailer or Saturn will re-contact you and ask you to make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired as additional parts become available. However, if you have any questions, please contact your Retailer or the Saturn Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-553-6000, prompt 3; or for the hearing impaired, 1-800-833-6000.

Your Retailer is best equipped to obtain parts and provide service to ensure your vehicle is corrected as promptly as possible. If your car is provided to the Retailer on the agreed service date and the condition is not remedied on that date, or within five days, please contact the Saturn Customer Assistance Center. We will assist you and the Retailer in getting your car serviced.

If, after contacting your Saturn Retailer and Customer Assistance Center, you are still not satisfied we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington, DC 20590, or call 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, DC residents use 202-366-0123).

If you have already paid for some or all of the cost to have your seatback recliner mechanisms replaced for this condition, you wild be eligible for reimbursement. If the repair was performed by a Saturn retail facility, please contact your nearest Saturn Retailer to discuss reimbursement. The facility will have all the necessary documentation to process your reimbursement. If the repair was performed by a non-Saturn facility, your Retailer will need your original paid receipts or invoices verifying the repair, proof of payment, and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair. It is still necessary to have this campaign repair performed on your vehicle, even if you have had previous repairs to the seat recliners.

Again we sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern this situation may cause you. We want you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your Saturn provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.

Sincerely,

Saturn Corporation

99C01