Intermittent No Click, No Crank and No Start #98-T-33 - (Jan 13, 2003)

1998 Saturn vehicles built between and including VINs WZ240305 through WZ260290.

Condition

Some customers may comment of intermittent no click, no crank that causes a no start condition.

Note: This no crank condition may be further isolated by customer comments that the vehicle would start only after the shifter lever was bumped or the shifter was moved through the shift pattern then placed firmly in park position.

Cause

High internal resistance (open circuit) in the Park/Neutral Position Switch (PRNDL switch).

The PRNDL switch is a component of the ignition switch cranking circuit. The PRNDL switch contacts are normally closed in Park and Neutral. High resistance in the cranking circuit acts as an open circuit or open switch resulting in the no click, no crank, and no start condition.

Correction

Remove and inspect Julian date stamped on back of the PRNDL switch. I the Julian date is equal to or between 7O22 through 7N06, replace PRNDL switch.

Procedure:

1. Remove the Park Neutral Position Switch (PRNDL switch) according to the procedure in the 1998 model year Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.
2. Inspect the Julian date and compare to the affected date range previously listed.
3. Replace and adjust the PRNDL switch according to the procedure in the 1998 model year Automatic Transaxle Service Manual if the switch Julian date falls within the specified range. (7O22 - 7N06)

Important

The Julian date is a 5 digit stamping as illustrated below.

Julian Date Breakdown:

1st digit = Year of Manufacture (7 = 1997)

2 nd digit = Month of Manufacture

1 = January

2 = February

3 = March

4 = April

5 = May

6 = June

7 = July

8 = August

9 = September

O = October

N = November

D = December

3rd and 4th digits = Day of Month Manufactured (1 - 31)

5th digit = Not used

Example: 7O30E = October 30, 1997

Parts Requirement

21022303 - Park Neutral Position Switch

Claim Information

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System using the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide and Labor Operation Code J6383 (Switch, Auto Trans Park/Neutral Position - Replace).

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer".  They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle.  Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely.  If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.  See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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