Chevrolet Astro

On certain vehicles, the multifunction switch may develop an open circuit condition in the stop lamp or hazard lamp circuit that results in the stop lamps and hazard lamps becoming inoperative.  The center high mounted stop lamp and the turn signal lamp functions are not affected.  The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or stopped and could lead to a vehicle crash.  Correction: Dealers will replace the hazard-warning flasher switch and apply special grease to the contactors.  This repair would be used in vehicles in which the hazard slider button is still movable.  If a vehicle has a hazard slider button that is not movable, the corrective action would be to replace the entire multifunction switch.

On certain vehicles, interference between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle could result in cutting the boot.  If the lower ball joint boot were cut, contamination from the road could enter the ball socket area of the ball joint.  Contamination could cause the ball joint to wear out faster than one that remained sealed.  Correction:  The dealer will modify the spindle for clearance.

Certain vehicles (not involved in recall 98-150), may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board.  If this were to occur in a severe weather situation, driver's visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.  Correction:  Dealer will replace defective wiper motor until 7 years or 112 000 km from date vehicle was originally placed into service or for those vehicles currently outside of this coverage, until March 31 2004.

On certain vehicles, a short in the electric outside rearview mirror switch could develop.  If this were to occur, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.  Correction:  Dealer will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch.

Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of CMVSS No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The "fasten safety-belt" audible warning occasionally may not come on or may terminate in less than four seconds as required by the standard. Correction: Dealers will install a new alarm module.