Safety Recall: Drivers Window Control Unit (01-019)

Publication date: 2001-05-14
Reference number: 01-019

SAFETY RECALL: DRIVERS WINDOW CONTROL UNIT

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 01-019, Date of Issue: May 14, 2001

ACURA:	2002 3.2TL
CATEGORY:	Body/Electrical
APPLIES TO:	From VIN 19UUA5...2A000001 thru 19UUA5...2A010916

Superceded Bulletin(s): 01-019, Date of Issue: April 27, 2001

NOTE: Supersedes 01-019, dated April 27, 2001

BACKGROUND

Moisture contamination may have been introduced into the power window control unit during the manufacturing process. Moisture can lead to dendritic growth or mineral crystallization within the capacitors. This growth can cause a capacitor or capacitors to short circuit. There may also be a problem with the conformal coating applied to the circuit board to keep out moisture in high humidity conditions. A short circuit can cause one or more problems:

The auto down or auto up function may operate inadvertently, and the auto reverse function may be deactivated.
The auto down and/or auto up function may be inoperative.
The driver's window may fail to operate in the non-auto mode.
Some combination of these problems.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

All owners of affected vehicles will be mailed a notification of this recall. An example of the customer letter is at the end of this revised service bulletin.

Not all of the vehicles in the listed VIN range are affected by this campaign. Before beginning work, verify that vehicle is eligible by checking at least one of the following:

The customer has a notification letter.
The vehicle is shown on your campaign responsibility report.
The vehicle is shown as eligible on a VIN Status Inquiry on DCS.

Some of the affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory. According to Federal law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until they have been repaired .

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the power window control unit with an updated unit.

PARTS INFORMATION

Power Window Control Unit: P/N 72256-S0K-A01

TOOL INFORMATION

Snap-on Trim Pad Removal Tools:

P/N ASG186 and P/N ASG187
These tools are being automatically shipped to Acura dealers. For additional tools, contact your Snap-on dealer.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Operation Number: 744125

Flat Rate Time: 0.4 hour

Failed Part: P/N 72256-S0K-A01

Defect Code: 20A

Contention Code: L25

Template ID: 01-019A

Skill Level: Repair Technician

REPAIR PROCEDURE

Remove the mirror mount cover from the driver's door by pulling out on the upper back corner. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Mirror Mount Cover
Remove the inner door handle. See Fig 2 .

Fig 2: Removing Inner Door Handle
Remove the door panel mounting screw on the underside of the armrest. See Fig 3 . Use the trim pad removal tools to release the clips around the edge of the door panel. Pull the door panel upward to remove it.

Fig 3: Removing Door Panel Mounting Screw
Disconnect the electrical connectors between the door and the door panel. Set the door panel aside.
Disconnect the 18P connector from the power window control unit. See Fig 4 .

Fig 4: 18P Connector
Remove and discard the power window control unit.
Install the new power window control unit. Reconnect the 18P connector.
Reinstall the door panel, the inner door handle, and the mirror mount cover.
NOTE: The connector for the door courtesy light and trunk release button must be connected for the window to operate.
Initialize the power window control unit:
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- Make sure the driver's window is fully closed.
- Push down and hold the switch for the driver's window. Make sure the window goes down all the way.
- Pull back and hold the window switch. Make sure the window goes up all the way, then hold the switch for at least another 2 seconds.
Make sure the auto down and auto up functions work properly.
Center-punch a completion mark above the first character (1) of the engine compartment VIN. See Fig 5 .

Fig 5: Center-Punch Completion Mark

CUSTOMER LETTER

May 2001

Safety Recall: Power Window Control Unit

Dear 3.2TL Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

What is the reason for this notice?

Honda Motor Co, Ltd. has determined that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in the driver's door power window system in certain 2002 3.2TL automobiles. One or more capacitors in the power window control unit could short circuit. If a short circuit occurs, the result would depend on the specific capacitor(s) affected:

The auto-down or auto-up feature may operate unexpectedly, and the auto-reverse feature may be deactivated.
The auto-down or auto-up feature may be inoperative.
The windows may fail to operate in the non-auto mode.
Some combination of the failures described above.

These failures can occur only when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position, or during the key-off delay function. The key-off delay function allows you to operate the power windows for up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off. However, opening either front door cancels the delay function.

Auto-up window operation, with the auto-reverse function disabled, could result in an injury to a vehicle occupant, especially a small child.

What should you do?

Call any authorized Acura automobile dealer and make an appointment to have your car repaired. The dealer will replace the power window control unit for the driver's door free of charge .

Until your car is repaired, if the driver's window is open, keep the window's path clear of hands, fingers, or other objects. Acura strongly recommends that you never leave small children unattended in any vehicle - children left alone with the key in the ignition may become injured by the driver's power window. Keep car keys out of the reach of children - even very young children learn how to unlock doors and turn on the ignition.

Who to contact if you experience problems.

If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Acura dealer, you may write to:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Acura Client Services Department

1919 Torrance Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90501-2746

If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a claim to:

Administrator

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

400 Seventh Street, SW

Washington, DC 20590

Or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline

What to do if you feel this notice is in error.

Our records show that you are the current owner or lessee of a 2002 3.2TL involved in this recall. If this is not the case, or the name/address information is not correct, please fill out and return the enclosed, postage-paid Information Change Card . This will help us update our records.

If you have questions.

If you have questions about this notice, or need assistance with contacting an Acura dealer, please call Acura Client Services at (800) 382-2238.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Sincerely,

AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Acura Automobile Division