Holden to investigate defects with VY SS models
Posted: April 25th, 2009, 6:51 pmHolden to investigate Commodore SS window, stereo defects by Derrick Mann
A spokesperson from Holden today expressed concern at possible climate control and stereo system faults with their popular sports series (SS) Commodore.
Holden has begun investigations into the climate control and stereo systems on the 2000, 2001 and 2002 SS sedans after being flooded with reports of these models being driven in extreme weather conditions, including the recent hot spell, with the windows down and dangerously loud music blaring.
'Air-conditioning and power windows are both standard on the SS models,” explained Holden representative John Munroe. ‘Yet we are seeing an increase in the number of drivers with the windows down and one arm on the window sill, on some very hot and humid days when one would assume air conditioning would be used.’
’We are also looking into the factory stereo and it’s interaction with these sub-systems as most of the cases observed had extremely loud music coming from the car interior,’ Munroe continued.
’Perhaps the stereo is shorting, locking ‘on’ with a high volume, causing the heater to come on without being able to be turned off and then the power windows go down and jam,’ he said.
‘This would also explain the erratic and careless driving we observed as it would have be very distracting for the drivers.’
However, Holden has not received any customer complaints at this stage, but say they are committed to being proactive in regards to customer safety and post sales support.
’Our market research has indicated a problem, with some models, particularly the V8 SS, being described by our key demographic as “sick”, “mad”, and sometimes “bad”.’
’One only has to look at the number plates owners are purchasing: “SICKSS”, “SIKTOY”, “BADVY”. Quite frankly, it’s advertising we don’t need.’
Investigations have shown nothing suggesting there may be a problem, and Holden want to stress that customers should not be worried.
‘We have checked the schematics and they has come up completely clean,” Munroe said in response to any possible public concern.
’We have not been able to replicate the problem in the lab although it did occur when Habib, a factory hand, drove one of the test cars back to storage.
Naturally we are looking over that particular car piece by piece but have found nothing so far.’
A spokesperson from Holden today expressed concern at possible climate control and stereo system faults with their popular sports series (SS) Commodore.
Holden has begun investigations into the climate control and stereo systems on the 2000, 2001 and 2002 SS sedans after being flooded with reports of these models being driven in extreme weather conditions, including the recent hot spell, with the windows down and dangerously loud music blaring.
'Air-conditioning and power windows are both standard on the SS models,” explained Holden representative John Munroe. ‘Yet we are seeing an increase in the number of drivers with the windows down and one arm on the window sill, on some very hot and humid days when one would assume air conditioning would be used.’
’We are also looking into the factory stereo and it’s interaction with these sub-systems as most of the cases observed had extremely loud music coming from the car interior,’ Munroe continued.
’Perhaps the stereo is shorting, locking ‘on’ with a high volume, causing the heater to come on without being able to be turned off and then the power windows go down and jam,’ he said.
‘This would also explain the erratic and careless driving we observed as it would have be very distracting for the drivers.’
However, Holden has not received any customer complaints at this stage, but say they are committed to being proactive in regards to customer safety and post sales support.
’Our market research has indicated a problem, with some models, particularly the V8 SS, being described by our key demographic as “sick”, “mad”, and sometimes “bad”.’
’One only has to look at the number plates owners are purchasing: “SICKSS”, “SIKTOY”, “BADVY”. Quite frankly, it’s advertising we don’t need.’
Investigations have shown nothing suggesting there may be a problem, and Holden want to stress that customers should not be worried.
‘We have checked the schematics and they has come up completely clean,” Munroe said in response to any possible public concern.
’We have not been able to replicate the problem in the lab although it did occur when Habib, a factory hand, drove one of the test cars back to storage.
Naturally we are looking over that particular car piece by piece but have found nothing so far.’