General Motors ignition recall underway in Georgia

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga — General Motors ignition recall repair is underway at dealerships across Georgia.

Channel 2’s Jim Strickland learned the recall has a unique parts distribution system to minimize mistakes.  He watched veteran service technician Robbie Moreland perform the repair on a Chevrolet Cobalt.

"Some of them are very loose, just from normal wear and tear," said Moreland.

The recall is designed to ensure the switches do not turn off by themselves, cutting power to vital systems. The defect is blamed for crashes in which at least 15 people were killed.

Jim Ellis had 10 repair kits early Friday. GM has assigned each car its own parts package for a perfect fit.

"They're coming up with the kits and they're sending the parts that will go into this vehicle," said service director Rich Pisanti.

Owners of 50 cars are driving rentals provided by the dealer and paid for by GM while they wait for repairs. The Wall Street Journal reports rentals are costing GM $1 million  per day.

Andrew Worrell brought in his Pontiac G5, a sister car to the Chevy Cobalt. His parts may take a month to come in.

"I just want to come in there and make sure the recall is taken care of. I don't want to have any issues," said Worrell.

GM's supplier has added a second shift to produce new switches. In a corporate video, CEO Mary Barra says completing the parts distribution may take until October.

WSBTV