Pontiac · Canada · Crit
Pontiac Sunfire, Grand Am: Electrical
Affects Pontiac Sunfire, Grand Am · 1995–1997 — about 293K vehicles.
The hazard
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.
What to do
Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.
Critical — crash/injury risk now
High — injury risk; see remedy
Moderate — fix at next service
Low — minor / informational