GM Replacing Keys In 2014-15 Trucks, SUVs Due To Ignition Issues
Own a new Chevrolet or GMC truck? You might be getting a new set of keys.
Automotive News reports owners of 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, as well as 2015 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs without keyless start will need to come in to have the keys replaced. Per the bulletin issued by General Motors:
Some customers may comment that if the tilt steering column is in the full-up position and the shift lever is moved between gears, the shift lever contacts the head of the ignition key. Some contact force may rotate the ignition key and shut the engine off. When this condition occurs, the brake pedal was applied.
The keys are already available, as the automaker made the fix in February of this year. The bulletin requires dealers to issue the new key to customers who bought their vehicles prior to the change, and complain of the issue as noted.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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So they came out with a key that doesn't have such a big head on it? Damn fobs are getting so you can't even put them in a pocket. Next all the cowboys will be carrying "man bags".
Whether or not this is actually a design failure comes down to what sort of range the tilt steering column has. Many cars have tilt/telescope columns where the entire range of motion is quite likely to be used by some percentage of drivers for operating the vehicles. I remember some Detroit cars that had tilt only columns which seemed to be configured as much to enable people to enter and exit the vehicle more easily as to tailor the control relationship for discerning drivers. If the Chevy pickups are still using the old tilt away columns, I can see why nobody might have tested to see if the controls still functioned without fouling one another when the steering wheel is near horizontal.
Surprised to learn that the Silverado / Sierra still has a column shifter. Agree with the view above that it is the best use of space - just surprised in 2014 they still do it that way.
In other news, Honda recalls 2.6 million more vehicles for the M18 Claymore Mines in their dashboards and steering wheels. http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/honda-adds-26m-vehicles-to-air-bag-repair-list/ar-BBgvygZ