Recall 14350

[J-Ri]

I just got a letter from GM saying there's a recall on the ignition lock cylinder due to it turning to the 'off' position on hard bumps. Their remedy is to "install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the head on all ignition keys".

Anyone know if this can easily be undone if it's a PITA to turn the key off after the "fix"?

[Tech II]

That is not the fix....they are going to replace the lock cylinder, keys, and ignition switch.......until you get this fixed, you are to to remove your ignition key from your key ring, and ONLY use the ignition key in the lock cylinder, with nothing attached to it....

[J-Ri]

I didn't see how their stated solution would solve anything (at least without masking it difficult to intentionally remove the key)...

What I don't get is this - the part I put in quotes is word-for-word what the letter says. They also say the repair takes 15 minutes, but the Mitchell time is 1.2 hours for the lock cylinder plus .3 to rekey the cylinder. They're going to have a lot of pissed off customers if they come in expecting to wait 30 minutes and it takes two hours. Why are they replacing the switch itself?

[Tech II]

I don't know what their thinking was....I thought all they would have to do is, replace the ignition switch.....the problem was, the "detent" in the ignition switch, was not strong enough, to prevent the key, in certain conditions, like hitting a bump, from rotating from the "on" position to the "off" position....especially if you have a lot of keys/fobs hanging from that key, creating a torque effect on the ignition switch....if it does rotate, you can lose engine power, and also power steering, and the air bag system......

Instead they replaced the lock cylinder and the ignition switch, and the old keys do not function in the new lock cylinder, so they had to be replaced also.....

I'm sure, the GM experts on this board can explain this better...

[gmtech1]

The Impala uses different lock cylinder and ignition switch then the HHR and the cobalt/Ion. The repairs to the keys are to center the weight of the key chain on the key, instead of having all the weight shift to one side while it's in use. It's an easy repair, takes about 15min of actual work, the adhesive for the inserts needs to sit 5 min. The smaller key rings are GM's way of limiting the amount of crap people put on their key chains.

[J-Ri]

Thanks, that makes sense about the keys. I can't imagine even the biggest key chain I've seen being able to pull down hard enough to turn the switch off, and I've seen some big ones. Any idea what the "insert in the key slot" is?

[gmtech1]

Originally Posted by J-Ri

Thanks, that makes sense about the keys. I can't imagine even the biggest key chain I've seen being able to pull down hard enough to turn the switch off, and I've seen some big ones. Any idea what the "insert in the key slot" is?

"insert in the key slot" is the actual repair. Installing a "insert" in the slot of the key. This just leaves a small hole for a key ring instead of a slotted hole.

[J-Ri]

Ah-ha! The slot of the key, I was thinking the slot you put the key in

[jallen8]

My 2004 Impala also affected by GM recall 14350, but I haven't brought it in yet. Anyone have a good feeling of the urgency?
Also, are there any 'downsides' for having the repair done?

[gmtech1]

Originally Posted by jallen8

My 2004 Impala also affected by GM recall 14350, but I haven't brought it in yet. Anyone have a good feeling of the urgency?
Also, are there any 'downsides' for having the repair done?

No real downsides, and no real urgency. It's a recalled repair because of the POTENTIAL for a problem. You can minimize the chances of a problem by not having the kitchen sink attached to your key chain. I'd get it done when you can...

[la1]

I have a 2003 Impala and I received the same recall.

Their remedy is to "install two key rings

that is just a remedy till you can bring your vehicle in.

they are going to replace the lock cylinder, keys, and ignition switch

I wonder if they are going to key the new lock to the old one and if not are they going to replace the lock in the door or re-key to the new key? and the trunk also. or will I need to carry the old and new keys? actually in the recall notice it never mentioned replacing the lock cylinder just said they are going to put a cap or something over the ignition switch. My recall stated if I go off road the jarring could turn off the ignition and then the air bag would not deploy.

[gmtech1]

The Impala does NOT get new keys OR a new lock cylinder OR a new ignition switch. The only repairs are done to the existing keys. Bring both (if you have 2) to the dealer when you get it done. Also, it's more than just key rings.

[la1]

The only repairs are done to the existing keys

they install something in the grove on the key ? in the recall said there was something like a cover or cap over the switch

[gmtech1]

Either the inserts will be installed in the key head, or a cover will be installed over the key head if the inserts will not fit, depending on wear of the key head (the big black part). No repairs or done to the switch...I've done 10 of these just today...

[SierraK1500]

The dealer shaved the keys down and superglued a cover over the key. Made the key heavier. No insert was installed the cylinder.