Case Study: 1999 Pontiac Grand Am

Overview

Pontiac Grand Am non-collision engine fire. Fire originated between engine and bulkhead. Note damage to right front fender.

 

  • 1999 Pontiac Grand Am non-collision fire
  • Witness reports driving 5-10 mph on residential street
  • First noticed power steering assist was lost
  • Smoke observed by 2 occupants
  • Parked immediately
  • Fire developed within 1-3 minutes

 

A 1999 Pontiac Grand Am was traveling on residential streets in an urban setting; the vehicle had been running for 20-25 minutes. The vehicle reportedly had 8,000 miles on the odometer. It was raining and daytime. The driver slowed to 5-10 miles per hour as he approached an intersection with a small traffic circle. His intention was to continue straight on the same road. To navigate around the turning circle he released the brake and steered right, left, and right again to straighten the vehicle on the street. As he turned left and right to straighten, he perceived the steering was "stiffening up". The driver recalled rubbing or buzzing sounds while the passenger described clicking. As the vehicle passed the traffic circle and after the steering stiffened, thick gray smoke was visible coming from the engine compartment. The driver attempted to make a hard right turn into a driveway to take the car off the street but the steering didn’t respond as he expected. He was able to park.

When smoke was first visible, both witnesses described it as emanating from both right and left sides of the engine compartment and toward the rear. The driver, front seat passenger, and child restrained in a safety seat located in the back of the vehicle were all able to exit without injury. The driver escorted the passengers 15-20 feet away and then turned back to the vehicle. Flames were first observed at that time in the rear of the passenger side front wheel well. Approximately 1-3 minutes transpired between steering stiffness and the first observation of flames. There was no burning material evident on the ground; flames were located on the bottom of the undercarriage. After the passengers were clear, the driver returned to the vehicle and turned off the engine.

The resident of the adjacent home met the vehicle occupants as they got 15-20 feet from the vehicle and offered to call 911. She walked back into her home and did so. The fire department arrived 6 minutes after the call was placed and extinguished the fire. The fire was extinguished 9 to 12 minutes after smoke was first seen and before reaching the passenger compartment.