The 1988 Renault Medallion has 3 recalls, with the most serious risks being uncontrolled engine acceleration and a potential instrument panel fire that can result in loss of vehicle control or a vehicle fire.
A throttle cable spring can lose its retention and shift out of position, causing the throttle to open beyond idle and the engine to rev without driver input, which can make the vehicle difficult or impossible to control. Separately, loose wiring terminals in the fuse block can create high resistance at the heater blower motor fuse connection, generating enough heat to ignite the fuse block and surrounding wiring and start a fire inside the instrument panel. There is also a cooling system concern: the heater core end cap can crack or fail and release pressurized steam directly into the passenger compartment, fogging the windshield and reducing the driver's ability to see the road.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater core end cap can fail, allowing cooling system steam to leak into the passenger cabin and reduce driver visibility.
What the fix does
A coolant temperature-controlled fluid bypass valve will be installed to prevent steam discharge into the cabin.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The fuse block terminals may not clamp the heater blower motor fuse blades tightly enough, causing electrical resistance to build up, overheat the fuse block and wiring, and potentially start an instrument panel fire.
What the fix does
The fuse block terminal will be modified to properly clamp the heater blower motor fuse blades.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The throttle cable spring can slip out of place, causing the throttle to stick open at idle. This leads to excessive engine speed and possible loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Replace the throttle cable with a revised version that securely holds the spring in place.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
