Special Policy - Replacement of Front Seatback Recliners. Saturn Saturn 1995

For 1990-2009 cars

# Special Policy - Replacement of Front Seatback Recliners

Subject: | REPLACEMENT OF FRONT SEATBACK RECLINERS

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

Attention: | ALL SATURN RETAILERS AND AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS

### Condition

The seatback recliner teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and may cause the seatback to slip partially rearward when force is applied.

### Special Policy Adjustment

This Special Policy provides seatback recliner replacement coverage for a period of two years from the date this Special Policy was implemented, or until December 31, 2004.

### Vehicles Involved

1994 and 1995 Saturn vehicles within the following VIN range:

Sedans/Wagons RZ100001 - RZ244005

Sedans/Wagons SZ125163 - SZ403344

Coupes SZ321119 - SZ403344

### Customer Notification

Saturn Corporation will notify customers of this special policy on their vehicles via first class mail.

### Seatback Recliner Service Procedure

#### REMOVAL

(1) | Weldnut (typical 4 places)
(2) | Locator Pin

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

a. Front inboard

b. Front outboard

4. Move seat to full forward position by activating the seat adjuster lever.

Notice: If front seat floor pan attachment bolts/nuts are stripped or broken, refer to bulletin 99-T-21 for repair and replacement procedure.

5. Remove two rear bolts from front seat in the following order:

a. Rear outboard

b. 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.

(1) | Only on SC2, SL2, and SW2.

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.

(1) | Seat Cover
(2) | Cushion Frame
(3) | Foam Pad
(4) | Cross Tube
(5) | Seat Cover J-Strip

14. Disengage seat cushion cover rear J-strip at bottom of seat cushion frame.
15. On passenger seat and SC1, SL1 and SW1 driver seat, loosen seat adjuster bolts to assist in removal of seatbacks.
16. Remove four recliner bolts (two bolts on each side of the seat assembly) and remove seatback assembly with recliner mechanism and cross tube attached to seatback.
17. Disengage seat cushion cover J-strip at bottom of seatback cover and slide seatback cover up to expose recliner bolts.
18. Remove four recliner bolts (two bolts on each side of seatback assembly) and separate recliner assemblies and cross tube from seatback assembly.
19. Separate recliners from cross tube and remove recliner cover fastener and cover from recliners.

#### INSTALLATION

1. Install recliner cover and fastener to new recliners. (Refer to page 10 of this bulletin for part number information.)
2. Assemble recliner assemblies to cross tube.
3. Install recliners and cross tube assembly to seatback with four attaching bolts (two bolts on each side of seatback assembly).

Tighten
Tighten attaching bolts to 27 N·m (20 ft-lbs)

4. Pull seatback 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 seatback assembly to seat cushion assembly with four attaching bolts (two bolts on each side of seat assembly).

Tighten
Tighten attaching bolts to 27 N·m (20 ft-lbs)

Notice: If front seat floor pan attachment bolts/nuts are stripped or broken, refer to bulletin 99-T-21 for repair and replacement procedure.

6. If loosened in removal, tighten seat adjuster bolts.

Tighten
Tighten seat adjuster bolts to 27 N·m (20 ft-lbs)

(1) | Seat Cover
(2) | Cushion Frame
(3) | Foam Pad
(4) | Cross Tube
(5) | Seat Cover J-Strip

7. Wrap seat cushion cover rear flap to cover up recliner cross tube and engage seat cushion cover rear J-strip to seat cushion frame.
8. On coupe passenger seat, attach E-Z entry cable to inboard recliner and install cable retaining clip.
9. Install recliner lever and fastener to seat adjuster.
10. Install inboard seat adjuster side cover and two fasteners using longer fastener in forward location.
11. Install outboard seat adjuster side cover and two fasteners using longer fastener in forward location.
12. On SC2, SL2, and SW2 driver's seat install seat cushion riser knob, fastener, and riser knob cover.

(1) Only on SC2, SL2 and SW2.

13. Install recliner handle and fastener.
14. Set seat in vehicle.
15. 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.

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

Tighten
Tighten rear inboard seat bolt to 30 N·m (22 ft-lbs)

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

Tighten
Tighten rear outboard seat bolt to 30 N·m (22 ft-lbs)

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

Tighten
Tighten front outboard seat bolt to 30 N·m (22 ft-lbs)

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

Tighten
Tighten front inboard seat bolt to 30 N·m (22 ft-lbs)

22. Insert seat belt into seat belt guide on side of seat.
23. Repeat the complete set of procedures for the other seat.
24. Perform Seat Functional Check procedure on the following page.

### Seat Functional Check

Sit in each seat 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 on the recliner release lever. The seatback should tilt forward and the seat assembly should move to the full-forward position.

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

4. Lift recliner lever and move the seatback to the fully reclined position, checking the ease of lever operation and seatback movement. Release the lever, checking the ease of lever operation and that the seatback remains in the fully reclined position. The recliner lever should move easily and feel spring loaded.
5. Lift the recliner lever and position the seatback 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 seatback in the chosen position. Apply force to the seatback, 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 seatback in the normal operating position. Apply force to the seatback, checking how well the mechanism engages and locks in place.

### Parts Information

Parts required to perform the replacement of front seatback recliners are to be obtained through Saturn Service Parts Operations (SSPO). All Saturn Retailers should be currently stocking the following parts:

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

If you do not have a stocking policy and would prefer to stock these parts, please initiate a stocking policy.

### 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. It is imperative that every effort is made to accommodate the affected owners. If you have any questions, please coordinate with the Saturn Customer Assistance Center to help ensure customer satisfaction.

### Claim Information

1. Submit a Special Policy Claim with the information indicated below:

Repair Performed | Failed Part No.* | Case Type | Labor Op | Labor Hours
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Sedan/Wagon -- Replace driver and passenger seatback recliners | 21051313 21051315 21051312 21051314 | SP | T5572 | 1.5
ADD: Coupe -- Replace driver and passenger seatback recliners | 21051313 21051315 21051312 21051310 | SP |  | 0.1

2. To receive credit for customer reimbursement or loaner/rental expenses, submit a Special Policy claim with the information below:

Service Performed | Case Type | Labor Op. | Net Item Amount | Net Item Code | # Days Rental | Admin. Hrs.
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Loaner Reimbursement | SP | T5574 | ** | C | *** | N/A
Customer Reimbursement | SP | T5575 | **** | R |  | 0.2

3. Retailers are empowered to use good judgement regarding loaner/rental cars. The Goodwill Worksheet (printed toward the back of this bulletin) must be used to document loaner and customer reimbursement 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.

4. Check your Saturn SERVICELINE.XL Claim Memorandum daily. Remember to code the claim as an SP case type. Contact your field representative if you need assistance.

5. All labor operations claimed in this bulletin must be submitted on individual (unrelated) CSO lines. Refer to the Customer Service Order Preparation Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.

6. CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT: Customers with claims for previously paid repairs to replace the seatback recliner mechanisms for this condition are instructed to contact their Saturn Retailer to arrange for reimbursement. If the repair was performed at a non-Saturn facility, customers will need to provide the original paid receipt or invoice verifying the repair, proof of payment, and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of repair. If you have any questions regarding claim processing, please contact the Saturn Customer Assistance Center. Customers requesting reimbursement must submit claims by December 31, 2004

Customer Reimbursement Claims - Special Attention Required.

A. Customer reimbursement claims must have the date of the front seatback recliner prior replacement entered into the "repair date" field of the CSO in the "Labor Detail/Comments" screen."

B. Customer reimbursement claims must have the mileage of the prior repair of the front seatback replacement entered on the "Service Order Hub" screen in the "miles in" field.

C. Customer reimbursement claims must have entered into the "technician comments" field the CSO # (if repair was completed at a Saturn Retail Facility) date, mileage, customer name, and any deductibles and taxes paid by the customer.

D. Customer reimbursement claims must be submitted on a different CSO than the special policy repair. This is because the repair date and mileage differ between the two repairs.

7. Claiming Loctite 242® Threadlocker: Replacement of front seatback recliners requires the use of part number 21485277 - Loctite 242® Threadlocker. It will be necessary to sell Loctite 242® Threadlocker to the CSO as "material" using net item code "M." Claims received in the amount of $1.25 ($.89 dealer cost plus 40% parts allowance) for this part will be accepted. Claims exceeding the amount of $1.25 will be returned with Return Reason 143 - material/reimbursement > maximum allowed.

* The parts allowance should be the sum total of the current SSPO retailer net price plus 40% of all parts required for the repair.

** Net amount 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 seatback recliners.

January, 2003

Dear Saturn Owner,

We are writing to let you know of a Special Policy relating to some 1994 and 1995 Saturn sedan/wagon vehicles and 1995 Saturn coupe vehicles built after March 31, 1995. Some owners of these vehicles have reported that a front seatback slips partially rearward and makes a ratcheting noise when force is applied. Some front seatback recliners were made with a part that failed to meet Saturn's stringent quality standards and that can cause excessive wear through repeated use. If a front seatback has these symptoms, its recliners should be replaced before the condition worsens.

Saturn will replace the recliners in front seats with this condition at no charge beginning now and continuing through December 31, 2004. This policy covers both the original owner and any subsequent owners. Please keep this letter with your other important glovebox literature for further reference.

This is not a recall. At this time, it is not necessary to take your vehicle to your Saturn Retailer as a result of this letter. However, if you believe that your vehicle exhibits the condition described above, please contact your Saturn Retailer for assistance.

A Saturn Retailer must perform repairs qualifying for this special coverage. The time needed to replace the seatback recliners is approximately 2 hours, although some additional time may be required for paperwork and processing.

If your seatback recliners have been replaced previously for this condition and you have already paid for some or all of the cost, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

To arrange for reimbursement for some or all of the cost to have the seatback recliners replaced, contact your Saturn Retailer to discuss reimbursement. If the repair was performed by a Saturn facility, 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 an original or a copy of your receipts or invoices verifying the repair, proof of payment, and proof of ownership of the vehicle at the time of the repair. Or if you prefer to arrange for reimbursement through the mail, send the documents to Saturn Corporation, P.O. Box 1505, Spring Hill, TN. 37174. If you choose to request reimbursement by mail, additional processing time may be required. Requests for reimbursement must be submitted to your Saturn Retailer or Saturn Corporation by December 31, 2004.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause you. However, we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our product. If you have any questions, please contact your Saturn Retailer or the Saturn Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-553-6000 prompt 3, or for the hearing impaired, 1-800-833-6000. 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

03-P-01

A Subsidiary of General Motors