1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE Exterior Lighting Problems

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. ON APPROXIMATELY FIVE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT HAS HAD TO CHANGE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SWITCH. DURING THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, THE TAIL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND THE SWITCH WAS REPAIRED. DURING THE SECOND OCCURRENCE, THE TAIL LIGHTS, BACKUP LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ALL STOPPED WORKING SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V190000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Mileage: 120,000

HEADLIGHTS ON 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI WILL NOT TURN OFF. THEY ARE TURNING ON BY THEMSELVES AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF WITHOUT UNHOOKING THE BATTERY. *TR

TAIL LIGHTS, BACKUP LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, AND DASH LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THE FAULT WA S THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WHICH HAD A RECALL ISSUED. PONTIAC WAS NOT WILLING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL 94V190000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT FAILURE. THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES WHICH CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT LEAKAGE DUE TO DAMAGED SURFACE MOUNTING CAPACITORS. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND PARKING LAMPS. CONSEQUENCE: SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLAMPS CAN CAUSE REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE HEAD LAMPS CANNOT BE TURNED OFF, OR THEY MAY TURN ON WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BATTERY CHARGE AND INABILITY TO RESTART THE CAR. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP MODULE. NOTES: SYSTEM: LIGHTING; HEAD LIGHTS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TWILIGHT SENTINEL LIGHTS. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393. *AK

Mileage: 187,799

TAIL LIGHTS, BACKUP LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, AND DASH LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THE FAULT WA S THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WHICH HAD A RECALL ISSUED. PONTIAC WAS NOT WILLING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL 94V190000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT FAILURE. THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES WHICH CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT LEAKAGE DUE TO DAMAGED SURFACE MOUNTING CAPACITORS. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND PARKING LAMPS. CONSEQUENCE: SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLAMPS CAN CAUSE REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE HEAD LAMPS CANNOT BE TURNED OFF, OR THEY MAY TURN ON WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BATTERY CHARGE AND INABILITY TO RESTART THE CAR. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP MODULE. NOTES: SYSTEM: LIGHTING; HEAD LIGHTS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TWILIGHT SENTINEL LIGHTS. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393. *AK

Mileage: 187,799

TAIL LIGHTS, BACKUP LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, AND DASH LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THE FAULT WA S THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WHICH HAD A RECALL ISSUED. PONTIAC WAS NOT WILLING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL 94V190000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT FAILURE. THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES WHICH CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT LEAKAGE DUE TO DAMAGED SURFACE MOUNTING CAPACITORS. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND PARKING LAMPS. CONSEQUENCE: SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLAMPS CAN CAUSE REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE HEAD LAMPS CANNOT BE TURNED OFF, OR THEY MAY TURN ON WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BATTERY CHARGE AND INABILITY TO RESTART THE CAR. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP MODULE. NOTES: SYSTEM: LIGHTING; HEAD LIGHTS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TWILIGHT SENTINEL LIGHTS. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393. *AK

Mileage: 187,799

TAIL LIGHTS, BACKUP LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, AND DASH LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THE FAULT WA S THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WHICH HAD A RECALL ISSUED. PONTIAC WAS NOT WILLING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL 94V190000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT FAILURE. THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES WHICH CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT LEAKAGE DUE TO DAMAGED SURFACE MOUNTING CAPACITORS. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND PARKING LAMPS. CONSEQUENCE: SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLAMPS CAN CAUSE REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. ALSO, THE HEAD LAMPS CANNOT BE TURNED OFF, OR THEY MAY TURN ON WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BATTERY CHARGE AND INABILITY TO RESTART THE CAR. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP MODULE. NOTES: SYSTEM: LIGHTING; HEAD LIGHTS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TWILIGHT SENTINEL LIGHTS. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393. *AK

Mileage: 187,799

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AT DAWN ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE HEAD LIGHTS SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNAL TO INDICATE A DEFECT. WHEN DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AT NIGHT, THE HEAD LIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF AGAIN. THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED SO THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, BUT BEFORE DOING SO THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF TWENTY MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND INDICATED THAT THE VIN # WAS NOT AFFECTED IN THE RECALL # 94V190000 AND INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS.

Mileage: 122,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AT DAWN ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE HEAD LIGHTS SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNAL TO INDICATE A DEFECT. WHEN DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AT NIGHT, THE HEAD LIGHTS FAILED TO TURN OFF AGAIN. THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE OVERHEATED SO THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, BUT BEFORE DOING SO THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF TWENTY MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND INDICATED THAT THE VIN # WAS NOT AFFECTED IN THE RECALL # 94V190000 AND INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS.

Mileage: 122,000

I CALLED BOTNICK CHEVROLET IN BINGHAMTON NY. TOLD THEM THE MAKE AND VIN OF MY VEHICLE (1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE). I RECENTLY LOST MY INTERIOR LIGHTS BECAUSE OF THE DIMMER SWITCH AND I AM CONCERNED NOW ABOUT MY WIFE LOSING THE HEAD LAMPS WHILE DRIVING. BOTNICK INFORMED ME THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND I FOUND THIS INFORMATION ON YOUR SITE (REF. NHTSA ID 94V190000). VIN: [XXX] . THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.*AK [XXX] *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mileage: 102,000

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT HOME. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE HEADLAMP FAILURE CAUSED THE LIGHTS TO STAY ON RESULTING IN THE DISCHARGE OF THE BATTERY AND THE ABILITY TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. *SC

Mileage: 95,000

HEADLIGHT CONTROL SWITCH, ACDELCO/PART # D1522E DEFECTIVE. *AK

Mileage: 146,075

I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR JUST OVER 1 YEAR, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BREAKS 3 TIMES AND THE ROTORS 2 TIMES AND THE CALIPERS 2 TIMES, ALSO THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL CYLINDER HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL CYLINDER IS IN NEED OF REPAIR, ALL 4 DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE AND THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT LOCK WITH REMOTE, ON THIRD BATTERY FOR THIS CAR AND THERE IS STILL A SHORT SOMEWHERE CAUSING A FLUXATION IN THE VOLT METER IF THE BLINKER IS ON, ANTILOCK BREAK LIGHT WILL COME ON AND OFF AND BREAKS HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AND MAKE A LOUD NIOSE IF SLIPPING, ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE SPARK PLUGS ALMOST EVERY OTHER MONTH AND HEATER BLOWER WILL COME ON AND OFF AT WILL. *AK

LOST EXTERIOR LIGHTS. I HAD NO DASH LIGHTS NO RUNNING LIGHTS. TOOK TO THE GARAGE AND FOUND OUT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAD MELTED. TO ME THIS IS A DEFECT. MY CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK

THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS OFF. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSES IN ORDER TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Mileage: 173,000

WHILE DRIVING SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE DASHBOARD. HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND BRACKET WERE BURNED. INTERIOR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND PARKING LIGHTS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. OWNER HAS MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS.

Mileage: 100,000

WHILE DRIVING SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE DASHBOARD. HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND BRACKET WERE BURNED. INTERIOR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND PARKING LIGHTS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. OWNER HAS MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS.

Mileage: 100,000

MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I HAD TO UNHOOK THE BATTERY. I SAW ON THE INTERNET THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY HEADLIGHTS . MY HUSBAND CALLED PONTIAC AND AGRESTA, THE DEALER, AND THEY BOTH SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. COULD YOU LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME. ALL I WANT IS THE DEALER(SERVICE) TO REPLACE THE HEADLAMP MODULE. *JB

WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE VEHICLES HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. CONSUMER STATES' THE VEHICLE HAS TO SIT WITH ENGINE OFF FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES TILL LIGHTS COME BACK ON. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

FAULTY HEADLIGHT SWITCHES, CAUSED HEADLIGHT FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. REPLACED SWITCH AND NOTICED MELTDOWN OF SWITCH WIRING REOCCURRING, AND NOTICE A BURNING SMELL. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER.*AK

HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON CONSUMER CAN'T TURN THEM OFF. ALSO, VEHICLE IS ON ITS THIRD BATTERY. *AK *TT

HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON AT RANDOM WITH VEHICLE'S POWER SHUT OFF. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 94V190000. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK

HEADLIGHT DIMMER SWITCH DEFECTIVE CAUSING DASH BOARD LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS NOT TOO FUNCTION. IN ADDTION, THE MALFUNCTION SWITCH CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL MELTDOWN OF THE PIG TAIL CONNECTOR INTO DEFECTIVE SWITCH. I HAD TO REPLACE AT MY OWN EXPENSE THE SWITCH AND PIG TAIL CONNCECTOR. I MY OPINION, THIS IS A VEHICLE SAFETY HAZARD THAT SHOULD PROMPT A VEHCILE RECALL. I HAVE ALSO NOTICE A FEW OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT SUCH DEFECTS. MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE DEFECITVE PART AND ITS COMPONENTS. THERE SHOULD BE A MANATORY RECALL ON THIS VEHCILE FOR DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT SWITCHES. THIS DEFECT PART IS A SAFETY HAZARD, WHICH COULD CAUSE AND ELECTICAL FIRE, MOTORIST SAFETY HAZARD AND IN ADDTION TO NOT BE ABLE TO PASS THE MASSACHUESTTS MANADORTY SAFETY INSPECTION.

HEADLIGHT DIMMER SWITCH DEFECTIVE CAUSING DASH BOARD LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS NOT TO FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE MALFUNCTION SWITCH CAUSED AN ELECTRIC MELTDOWN OF THE PIG TAIL CONNECTOR GOING INTO THE SWITCH. I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH THE SWITCH AND PIGTAIL CONNECTORS. IN MY OPINION, THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT A FEW OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN REPORTED. MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND HAD TO PAY THE COST OF THE INSTALLATION OF THE SWITCH. THERE SHOULD BE A MANDATORY RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS DEFECTED PART COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRIC FIRE. IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MOTORIST. THE DEFECTIVE SWITCH WOULD CAUSE MY CAR TO FAIL MASSACHUSETTS SAFETY INSPECTION. *AK *JB **** DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*****739867.

Mileage: 88,500

BOTH TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES MOUNTING SCREW RECETICLES 3 ON EACH ASSEMPLY HAVE SHEARED MAKING THE WIRING THE ONLY THING HOLDING BOTH ASSEMBLIES IN PLACE. *AK

THIS STARTED LAST SPRING. NO DASH LIGHTS & NO TAIL LIGHTS. OUT OF WARRANTY SO TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE SWITCH WHICH HAD 'BURNED'. STARTED AGAIN ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, TURN ON LIGHTS & NO DASH OR TAIL LIGHTS. CALLED MECHANIC AND HE SAID POSSIBLY ANOTHER BAD SWITCH OR A BAD WIRING HARNESS. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING THESE PARTS EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. HELP. WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM.

THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NO GO OFF WHEN THE TWILIGHT SENTINEL IS USED. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS OFF IS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE. THE SAME YEAR/MAKE/MODEL CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME THING WITH MANUFACTER DATES OF 6/94 -7/94. MINE WAS MANUFACTERED IN 11/94 AND I FEEL IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM. I CAN NO LONGER USE THE TWILIGHT SENTINEL FOR FEAR OF THIS HAPPENING AGAIN, OR WORSE, THE LIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM THE BEGINNING INCLUDING REPLACING THREE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSORS, FUEL PUMP, AND TRANSMISSION. MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IS A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE WITH ME AND THIS CAR HAS JEOPARDIZED THAT SAFETY TOO MANY TIMES. *AK

DEFECTIVE HEAD LIGHT CONTROL MODULE CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF HEAD LIGHTS. YH

DEFECTIVE HEAD LIGHT CONTROL MODULE CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF HEAD LIGHTS. YH

DEFECTIVE HEAD LIGHT CONTROL MODULE CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF HEAD LIGHTS. YH

PLASTIC CONNECTORS HOLDING TAIL LIGHTS IN PLACE BROKE IN HALF. CAUSING THE TAIL LIGHT TO HANG BY THE WIRING. ALL THREE CONNECTORS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAVE BROKEN COMPLETELY, AND THE THREE CONNECTORS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ARE CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH BUT IT HAS NOT FALLEN OFF YET. THE PLASTIC CONNECTORS SEEMS TO BE BRITTLE AND BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES.

TAIL LIGHT PLASTIC CONNECTIONS BROKE IN HALF.

THE DESIGN OF THE TAIL LIGHTS IS DEFECTIVE. *AK

TAIL LIGHTS INOPERATIVE. *SD

BACK UP LIGHTS INOPERATIVE. *SD