White Solstice Caught Fire In NJ Last Night

[82-T/A]

Originally Posted by solli4me It is what it is. GM already knows what caused Dan's problem. I just reported the news and I won't apologize for it. I think GM is aware of the statistics of it occuring again if the problem is related to a wiring harness or an electrical issue. But, it's just a darned strange full moon coincidence that it happened to be a Solstice when we were so close by. I concede that it must've been those sparks shooting off our MASSC rally that done it. Troopers still won't give me information.

That was kind of my first thought when I first read this post.

You can't really use the Fiero reference. Despite all the stories and rumors, and all the self proclaimed experts on Fiero fires, the real and actual cause of the Fiero fires was an issue with poorly manufactured connecting rods in all 1984 and some early 1985 Fiero 2.5 engines. It was something like 1 in 8 connecting rods had a hairline fracture which would snap randomly within the first ~35 thousand miles of the car. Thus creating a hole in the block and dumping burning hot oil all over the exhuast, etc...

The engine in the Solstice is pretty much built like a tank. As much as I love the Fiero, the truth is that the 4 cyl motor was nothing more than a turd engine that they stuck in there. That's how they had to pass it. The 2.4 motor in the Solstice is hardly that. It was an innovative version of the normal Ecotec. They put a lot of time and effort into that. The specs have all escaped from my brain over the past two years, but aren't the connecting rods forged from the factory?

So a fire due to an engine failure is unlikely. Problems with a fuel line are also very unlikely due to their location, the quality, etc. The only place I can see there being a potential issue is by the fuel rail. Someone who may not be as experienced might put too much force on it when they're replacing the oil filter.

There isn't much else on that engine that can cause a fire (short of a failed oil leak on an automatic line, or the turbo line).

So my guess is that it's probably an electrical issue.

I've seen fire problems related to ignition leads many times before. This got very little press, but Toyota and Honda have both made recalls related to this.

My 73 VW Bus that I bought, when I bought it about 6-7 years ago, the main ignition lead was completely melted. The entire wire had just desintegrated and melted the plastic cover over it. I guess there's just a lot of amps.

So if we do see a recall, my guess is that it'll be related to that.

If anyone decides they need to remove the dash and work on something inside there, I would recommend just looking at everything. It might be something as simple as a heavy gage lead rubbing up against a grounded piece of framing for the dash or something (which causes a short, superheated metal and fire...).

[Ex-Miata Man]

Don't forget that mine was the result of a defective part in the steering column and not actually a wiring problem. The part was not manufactured by GM, just bought by them from another manufacturer. Mine was a "one-in-a-million" fire. Let's wait and see what the real problem was before we jump the gun. I appreciate Solli's concern, especially since she's a special friend and my fire shook us all up. Hopefully we find out that the fire was the result of an outside source and not anything to do with the car. I can honestly say that when I get behind the wheel of my car I don't even have a second thought about an air bag problem or a fire. I drive my car without any reservations and I let my three daughters drive my car....and I never worry about the air bag or a fire with them behind the wheel.

[solli4me]

Originally Posted by SmokinSolstice Who knows the cause but maybe he was smoking a cig or something and dropped the cig and voila a fire started. There are many possibilites so lets find out the cause first.

Dan, thanks for the information. Upon closer analysis, I believe that the owner was driving backwards and did indeed drop his cigar, most likely behind the seat where he couldn't retrieve it.

Lately it's occured to me what a long, strange trip it's been. - Greatful Dead- "Truckin"

[SmokinSolstice]

Originally Posted by solli4me Dan, thanks for the information. Upon closer analysis, I believe that the owner was driving backwards and did indeed drop his cigar, most likely behind the seat where he couldn't retrieve it.

Wow and I am actually right for once on this forum. Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket while I am ahead!

[reedred]

Originally Posted by solli4me Dan, thanks for the information. Upon closer analysis, I believe that the owner was driving backwards and did indeed drop his cigar, most likely behind the seat where he couldn't retrieve it.

That's the last time I let a guy with no arms and no legs drive!

[solli4me]

Darn it Reed, you blew the cover. Nobody was supposed to know it's a Sky!

[maxblast]

You guys are way to funny.

[82-T/A]

Originally Posted by Ex-Miata Man 82-T/A, I agree with you totally about the interior and the "cheapening" that has happened. I also agree with you on how strong the engine, suspension, chassis and basic frame is on our car. We've see that too many times as a result of cars in wrecks where the drivers and passengers have walked away without injury. We have a fantastic car that should have had an extra $500 put into the base model during the design to give us less plastic and more servicability. But Bob Lutz said under $20K and our interior and many other things got cut to keep the cost down. I wish he had said under $21K so I also wouldn't have had to replace a door handle or have an emergency brake that has a loose bazel or a chrome plastic ring around the shifter that marks up too easily. I look forward to the retirement of my car, not because I want to get rid of Nittany, because I really love her, but because I look forward to getting past so many of the little quirks that have plagued the first couple of years of Sols. I look forward to see what the first "remake" will bring. I hope it includes an upgrade to the interior and a general overmake to the "weak" points around the car in general. The point was made by GM that they could build a fantastic car at an unbelievable cost, now they need to fix the quirks and let us move on from here.....even if that means paying a little more to get the car. With gas prices going as high as they are, our Sols should actually be getting more attention from buyers in the market right now. We get great gas mileage, the insurance companies seem to love us and even the car magazines are finally saying customer satisfaction is high. Now all we need is to have a vehicle without so many little quirks. JMHO

Yeah, that's what bothers me, it's just all these little stupid things. I mean, the fact that this guy's car burned down (the other member on here) because of a little something that chaffed the ignition wires and caused a fire... that's ridiculous. And you know, I don't even really fault the rear differential, because that's a fairly isolated incident. I mean, the design is excellent, it was just put together poorly at the factory that made those differentials. I'm glad at least they put that extra nickel and dime into the engine and transmission and chassis, those are key things.

I still love this car, and have no plans to get rid of it. I'm just upset that after only 20k miles, there are a ton of stupid little things I now have to fix. I'm infuriated by having to fix these parts right now (including the door handle). I would love to call the dealership and just ask them to send me the parts, but they won't send you the parts for free... only if they do the work. I might as well just make a list and have them do everything.

[solli4me]

Todd, Ex-Miata Man is the person whose car caught fire.

The little annoying quirks are just that: annoying. However, the guys in the TLC tent at the MECCA Reunion Tour took pains to address some of the fit and finish issues and they did one heck of a job for the people who were able to visit the plant.

The rear differential problem is not so isolated - many of us have had issues with it - if I remember correctly, the problems stem from a part that was unauthorized but again, GM has addressed it through the recall.

[Deepbluegxp]

So much for this thread being about the car in question

[solli4me]

Originally Posted by Deepbluegxp So much for this thread being about the car in question

There's just not much info right now to keep it on topic which is why we meandered like we did.

My is staying on topic, tho.

[Critterman]

You guys are having problems with your cars? Damn mine has been an angel, never had a problem with mine

PS:

I also have some waterfront property to sell in Nevada, just as soon as California falls into the Pacific.

It's a sports car, all sports cars have quirks. Door handle breaking is a quirk. Door falling off is a problem.

Now back to the regular programing:

What's the latest on the white car catching fire? Solli updates?

[sunnygator]

Originally Posted by Critterman Damn mine has been an angel, never had a problem with mine

Well all joking aside I've got one year and 15K miles, and NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER except the recall.

[Deepbluegxp]

Originally Posted by sunnygator Well all joking aside I've got one year and 15K miles, and NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER except the recall.

Same here but I now have 29K miles and mine is 15 months old. oh ya I had the roof material replaced because of the sides seals not having the teflon bracket

[duckSol]

I saw a burned MAZDA van in a customers parking lot yesterday, poor thing.