I received my usual monthly notice of recalls yesterday and I saw an interesting item. Several GM models, as well as a few other models GM has interested in, have some problems with the window switches. Involved models include:

• BUICK RAINIER 2006-2007;
• CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 2006-2007;
• CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT 2006;
• GMC ENVOY 2006-2007;
• GMC ENVOY XL 2006;
• ISUZU ASCENDER 2006-2007; and
• SAAB 9-7X 2005-2007.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) summary of the problem states, “Fluid may enter the driver’s door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.”

The interesting part is all the “mays” and “coulds” used in the summary. If this is a serious issue, and I think fire is a serious issue, the tone of the recall is unusually tempered in its wording. As far as I’m concerned, a recall is a recall and if danger is present for the occupants it must be fixed not “may” be fixed. NHTSA goes on to say, “…A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.” Ya think? I think it is severe enough to make a serious effort to be unequivocal.

How does this concern us as auto glass technicians? We, as responsible professionals, must make sure that the owners of these vehicles are made aware of the issue and urge them to have their dealer complete the fix.  If we fail to do that, we could be held responsible for our indifference and negligence. Especially if we just finished working on their car. Here is the link to the notice so you can print it and give it out to your customers,

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchResults.action?searchType=ID&targetCategory=R&searchCriteria.nhtsa_ids=13V248&refurl=email.

I would suggest that it be placed with and/or attached to the work order that goes out with the technician so he is reminded to discuss it with his customer, whether it is replacing the door glass or not. Also put a couple of copies in each service vehicle for distribution as well.

Let’s be the auto glass professional our customers hired.  Professional means expert, qualified and skilled; how about proving that is a fact and not simply a term we use to market ourselves.