Recall - Installation Of Fuel Tank Thermal Insulator: Overview
07-081August 29, 2008
Applies To:
1998-07 Civic GX - ALL
Safety Recall: Fuel Tank Thermal Insulator
(Supersedes 07-081, dated November 16, 2007, to update the information marked by the black bar and asterisks)
BACKGROUND
In the event of a severe interior fire in the area of the rear seat, the CNG (compressed natural gas) fuel tank may be heated unevenly, preventing the pressure relief device from venting the contents of the tank as designed. This could result in a tank rupture, and even ejection of the tank from the vehicle. This situation was discovered after studying an act of arson on a Civic GX in 2007. To minimize the risk of fuel tank rupture, we are conducting a campaign to install a fuel tank thermal insulator on all 1998-07 Civic GXs.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles were sent an initial notification of this campaign, explaining that parts were not yet available. As parts became available, owners were sent a second notification. Examples of both customer notifications are on pages 3 and 4 of this service bulletin.
Before working on a vehicle, you must verify its eligibility by checking at least one of these items:
^ The customer has a second notification letter.
^ The vehicle is shown as eligible on a VIN status inquiry.
In addition to these verification items, check for a punch mark below the first character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means this campaign has already been completed.
Some of the vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your new or used car inventory. To sell or lease an affected vehicle in inventory, you must give the buyer or lessee a copy of the full-page customer letter attached to the end of this service bulletin. To see if a vehicle in inventory is affected by this campaign, do a VIN status inquiry.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Install a fuel tank thermal insulator on the back of the rear seat-back.
PARTS INFORMATION
Fuel Tank Thermal Insulator:
1998-00 Civic GX:
P/N 06171-S1G-305, H/C 8861155
2001-05 Civic GX:
P/N 06171-S5W-305, H/C 8861163
2006-07 Civic GX:
P/N 06171-SNF-305, H/C 8859928
REQUIRED SPECIAL TOOLS
Upholstery (Hog) Ring Pliers (commercially available)
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation Number: 8530A2
Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hour
*Failed Part: P/N 06171-SNF-305*
H/C 8859928
Defect Code: 5NG00
Symptom Code: Q6300
Template ID: 1998-2000 Models - 07-081A
2001-2005 Models - 07-081B
2006-2007 Models - 07-081C
Skill Level: Repair Technician
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove the rear seat:
^ Refer to the Body section of the appropriate Civic GX Service Manual Supplement, or
^ Online, enter keywords REAR SEAT, and select Rear Seat Removal/Installation (GX model) from the list.
2. Place the rear seat-back upside down on a clean, flat surface.
3. Position the thermal insulator on the back of the seat-back, towards the right passenger's side. Refer to the appropriate model-year illustration.
NOTE:
^ Align the cut-out(s) and seam(s) on the top of the insulator with the hook(s) on the top of the seat-back.
^ The pre-punched holes around the edge of the insulator should closely match up with the existing seat cover clips.
^ Don't remove the existing seat cover clips.
4. Using upholstery (hog) ring pliers and C-clips, attach the insulator to the seat-back at each of the pre-punched holes. Make sure you attach each clip to the metal part of the seat frame. Don't remove the existing seat cover clips.
NOTE:
^ 1998-00 models require 15 C-clips.
^ 2001-05 models require 11 C-clips.
^ 2006-07 models require 13 C-clips.
5. Reinstall the rear seat.
NOTE:
^ Before installation, make sure there are no twists or kinks in the seat belts.
^ During installation, slip the seat belt buckles through their slits in the seat cushion.
^ After installation, sit in the seat to make sure it's not loose or making noise.
6. Center-punch a completion mark below the first character of the engine compartment VIN.
NOTE:
On 200~07 models, slide open the FRAME NUMBER door on the center cowl cover, and use a long punch to reach the VIN.
Disclaimer