The problem
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with all wheel drive and a 3.6L v6 engine, the torque monitoring functions of the electronic throttle control (etc) are not enabled. These functions can limit engine speed and torque if unusual engine control module (ecm) hardware or software failures occur.
The risk
Without these functions enabled, a persistent ecm failure could result in a throttle opening greater than commanded by the driver and a crash could occur.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the ecm on these vehicles free of charge. The recall began on january 24, 2006. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Contacts
Gm recall no. 06502. Customers may also 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.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Cadillac dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 06V007000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.