The problem
Water intrusion into the kick panel areas in front of both the driver and passenger doors can cause a corrosion path between the battery feed and the electrical ground.
The risk
This condition can cause an electrical short leading to ignition and combusion of the plastics in the electrical components of the vehicle resulting in a vehicle fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the 25 amp circuit breakers with 25 amp fuses in the fuse block; remove a temporary paper fuse-block cover; install a plastic shield over the fuse block; replace and reorient the power door lock relay (if equipped); inspect the remote keyless entry module (if equipped) for signs of corrosion, replace if corroded, and reorient it; and apply additional body sealer in key areas.
Contacts
Owner notification: owner notification began during september 1996. Note: 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 gmc at 1-800-462-8782. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1800-424-9393.
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 Chevrolet, GMC dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 96V186000.
- 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.