Saturn Sky Turbo 2008 Catches on Fire

RonSkyFire · 07-02-2008, 09:02 PM

I bought a Red Sky Turbo in March/2008. On the way home from work (6/26/2008), the dash/gauges started flashing, the motor started missing. The dash finally zero'd out and lost all power. I coasted to the side of the road.

I got out and noticed a lot of smoke coming from under the hood. Opened the hood and saw flames 1 1/2 to 2 foot high. If the State Trooper had not of happened by (I was on an Interstate), the car would have burned completely up.

I am curious if this has happened to other Skys/Solstice? It only had around 5,200 miles on it.

RonSkyFire
Wednesday - July 2, 2008

Jaysmith2000 · 07-03-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonSkyFire

I bought a Red Sky Turbo in March/2008. On the way home from work (6/26/2008), the dash/gauges started flashing, the motor started missing. The dash finally zero'd out and lost all power. I coasted to the side of the road.

I got out and noticed a lot of smoke coming from under the hood. Opened the hood and saw flames 1 1/2 to 2 foot high. If the State Trooper had not of happened by (I was on an Interstate), the car would have burned completely up.

I am curious if this has happened to other Skys/Solstice? It only had around 5,200 miles on it.

RonSkyFire
Wednesday - July 2, 2008

WOW! This is the first I've heard of this.... Interested to hear if anyone else has experienced or heard about this problem?

SKY Spy · 07-03-2008, 12:36 PM

There was a fire I heard of on the Solstice Forum... may want to do a search over there. I'm not sure what GM ever did about his situation!!!

BA...

eddf · 07-03-2008, 12:41 PM

Do we know what caused the fire?

Ed

**roadsterrage** · 07-03-2008, 12:44 PM

Dayamnnnn. First I've heard of that, but just in case I try to always have one of these with me....

Bogie · 07-03-2008, 12:54 PM

Welcome to the forum. Nice pseudonym.

Keep us posted on the findings.

Where were flames originating? Did you have the turbo spooled shortly before the problem? Turbos run really hot. If anything combustible leaks on or around the turbo, it will catch fire.

Kappa Fan · 07-03-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKY Spy

There was a fire I heard of on the Solstice Forum... may want to do a search over there. I'm not sure what GM ever did about his situation!!!

BA...

Totally different situation on the Solstice BA ... and it was a first 1k NA too! Had to do with the clock spring in the steering wheel ... GM took care of it!

BTW ... there is not enough info on this car to make an accurate decision on the cause of the fire. That is - any modifications??

Antonio · 07-03-2008, 01:19 PM

only other instance of fire i can remember was roadie rob's hahn setup...which was caused by the bolts of the cat backing out and an exhaust leak causing the fire.

xmicro_Redline · 07-03-2008, 01:26 PM

Sorry to hear about your fire! Welcome to the Forum!

If I am not mistaken, doesn't SKYROADSTER give you up to 5,000 Mile mark to be part of this forum before they go through ONSTAR to start up the Thermite Detonation Remotely.

At least you know YOU HAVE THE HOTTEST SKY ON THE ROAD FOR SURE NOW!!

MidniteBlues · 07-03-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kappa Fan

Totally different situation on the Solstice BA ... and it was a first 1k NA too! Had to do with the clock spring in the steering wheel ... GM took care of it!

BTW ... there is not enough info on this car to make an accurate decision on the cause of the fire. That is - any modifications??

Wasn't a second "white" solstice reported caught on fire just in the last week or 2. This incident is the first Sky report I have heard of a Sky catching fire.. Which BTW, does not sit well with me at the moment...

I would need a little more info and pictures from this incident to convince me that this really happened.. Sorry, post some pictures please...

PS: with the flames that high, sounds to me like a fuel and/or oil fire. Perhaps we should start carrying extinguishers if we drive turbos.. which BTW was discussed on the solstice fire thread..as to which type to buy & carry..

IslandHopper · 07-03-2008, 01:58 PM

WOW, this is crazy--I have seen on the solstice forum about these fires,but not here, one is one to many. Please post any and all info you get about this. I wish you the best in dealing with Saturn Corp., the dealer, and the insurance company. Photo everything and write down all your conversations, for this could end up in court. Better to have a journal and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Good Luck with this ordeal.

Kappa Fan · 07-03-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

Wasn't a second "white" solstice reported caught on fire just in the last week or 2. This incident is the first Sky report I have heard of a Sky catching fire.. Which BTW, does not sit well with me at the moment...

I would need a little more info and pictures from this incident to convince me that this really happened.. Sorry, post some pictures please...

PS: with the flames that high, sounds to me like a fuel and/or oil fire. Perhaps we should start carrying extinguishers if we drive turbos.. which BTW was discussed on the solstice fire thread..as to which type to buy & carry..

Oops ... I forgot about that one, but since it wasn't a forum member we are never really going to know what caused that one.

MidniteBlues · 07-03-2008, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kappa Fan

Oops ... I forgot about that one, but since it wasn't a forum member we are never really going to know what caused that one.

That could be true, however, we do have a detectives daughter on this case, and knowing how persistent a woman cop can be, I would not be surprised if she knock on the dudes door for info..

Don't you watch "The Closer"..

Kappa Fan · 07-03-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

That could be true, however, we do have a detectives daughter on this case, and knowing how persistent a woman cop can be, I would not be surprised if she knock on the dudes door for info..

Don't you watch "The Closer"..

True ... so true!

Don't mess with Deputy Chief Johnson!!

EcoBoost · 07-03-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antonio

only other instance of fire i can remember was roadie rob's hahn setup...which was caused by the bolts of the cat backing out and an exhaust leak causing the fire.

Clarification: This was NOT a 'fire'. With the engine running and the exhaust disconnected from the turbo due to the bolts backing out (apparently, not re-tightened as per standard procedure post-installation), he contends he 'saw fire' inside the exhaust. At no time was anything under the hood ignited. We've got him up to snuff on the proper care and feeding of his turbo pet now

MidniteBlues · 07-03-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EcoBoost

Clarification: This was NOT a 'fire'. With the engine running and the exhaust disconnected from the turbo due to the bolts backing out (apparently, not re-tightened as per standard procedure post-installation), he contends he 'saw fire' inside the exhaust. At no time was anything under the hood ignited. We've got him up to snuff on the proper care and feeding of his turbo pet now

This was NOT a real "fire' per se, so I do agree with the statement above. However, when you look at those pictures on the incident, I think he got lucky and found the problem in the nick of time cause it got really HOT under there. So this incident, on a "modified' sky cannot be counted as a "fire incident'..

EcoBoost · 07-03-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

This was NOT a real "fire' per se, so I do agree with the statement above. However, when you look at those pictures on the incident, I think he got lucky and found the problem in the nick of time cause it got really HOT under there. So this incident, on a "modified' sky cannot be counted as a "fire incident'..

Indeed. Exhaust leaks are not to be ignored

That's HOT stuff in there!

Fortunately, this was an isolated incident, and really plays up the importance of looking your equipment over as soon as an audible leak is noted, as well as taking heed of the instructions describing this critical region and how to prevent leaks. Not accusing incompetence, mind you...just offering that this was an avoidable occurrence.

TravisJames · 07-03-2008, 03:41 PM

If anyone's interested, here's the thread from the Solstice Forum regarding the white Sol that caught fire in NJ recently.

White Solstice Caught Fire In NJ Last Night - Pontiac Solstice Forum

RonSkyFire · 07-14-2008, 11:50 AM

Status on Sky Turbo - Fire

Currently, the case has been turned over to GM's Main Office. GM is sending an investigator to my house tomorrow (7/15) for an interview. He is also going to inspect the vehicle (at Dealer), take pictures and include all information in a report to send to GM.

GM is suppose to call me after the investigation.

RonSkyFire

MidniteBlues · 07-14-2008, 12:08 PM

Where are the pictures for us??

Inquiring minds would love to see the incriminating evidence,

With so many R/L & GXP owners here, they would appreciate to see the area at least where this happened, so perhaps it can be checked occasion

07-02-2008, 09:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
RonSkyFire Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3 My Photos: (0)	Saturn Sky Turbo 2008 Catches on Fire I bought a Red Sky Turbo in March/2008. On the way home from work (6/26/2008), the dash/gauges started flashing, the motor started missing. The dash finally zero'd out and lost all power. I coasted to the side of the road. I got out and noticed a lot of smoke coming from under the hood. Opened the hood and saw flames 1 1/2 to 2 foot high. If the State Trooper had not of happened by (I was on an Interstate), the car would have burned completely up. I am curious if this has happened to other Skys/Solstice? It only had around 5,200 miles on it. RonSkyFire Wednesday - July 2, 2008

07-03-2008, 12:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
SKY Spy Moderator Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 1,841 My Photos: (47)	There was a fire I heard of on the Solstice Forum... may want to do a search over there. I'm not sure what GM ever did about his situation!!! BA... __________________ 2nd SKY: 2008 RED on Red/Black Lthr RedLine Delivered - 7/14/08 Loaded Auto 3" Magnaflow, Lil Chromies & CAI 1st SKY: (Traded) 2007 Silver Graphite RedLine Loaded (-6CD) Deposit - 4/11/06 Order # KFDHH7 - 5/27/06 Delivered - 2/21/07

07-03-2008, 12:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
roadsterrage First 2000 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Memphis Posts: 575 My Photos: (0)	Dayamnnnn. First I've heard of that, but just in case I try to always have one of these with me.... __________________ BanShee Redline, of course midnight blue/tan, 3 pedals or it ain't a sports car,6 disc,XM,alloys not just no, but hell no spoiler deposit 6/7/06 smokin' tires 9/27/06

07-03-2008, 12:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Northern, VA Posts: 2,280 My Photos: (0)	Welcome to the forum. Nice pseudonym. Keep us posted on the findings. Where were flames originating? Did you have the turbo spooled shortly before the problem? Turbos run really hot. If anything combustible leaks on or around the turbo, it will catch fire. __________________ 2008 Redline Black Onyx Black/Red Leather Monsoon 6 Disc Spoiler French Transmission Snagged 8/31/07 Belle? That's my car Alizée? That's my avatar Me? Forty something male skydriver

07-03-2008, 01:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
Antonio Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South Plainfield, New Jersey Posts: 1,642 My Photos: (6)	only other instance of fire i can remember was roadie rob's hahn setup...which was caused by the bolts of the cat backing out and an exhaust leak causing the fire. __________________ HAD - '07 Redline -292 whp & 327 wtq - SOLD :( HAVE - '02 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - STOCK....for now http://youtube.com/profile?user=talkaboutblue NASSOA Founding Member

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07-03-2008, 12:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
eddf Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 85 My Photos: (0)	Do we know what caused the fire? Ed

07-03-2008, 01:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
xmicro_Redline Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,308 My Photos: (1)	Sorry to hear about your fire! Welcome to the Forum! If I am not mistaken, doesn't SKYROADSTER give you up to 5,000 Mile mark to be part of this forum before they go through ONSTAR to start up the Thermite Detonation Remotely. At least you know YOU HAVE THE HOTTEST SKY ON THE ROAD FOR SURE NOW!!

07-03-2008, 01:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
IslandHopper First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Richmond Va. Posts: 385 My Photos: (0)	WOW, this is crazy--I have seen on the solstice forum about these fires,but not here, one is one to many. Please post any and all info you get about this. I wish you the best in dealing with Saturn Corp., the dealer, and the insurance company. Photo everything and write down all your conversations, for this could end up in court. Better to have a journal and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Good Luck with this ordeal.

07-03-2008, 03:41 PM	#18 (permalink)
TravisJames Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 196 My Photos: (6)	If anyone's interested, here's the thread from the Solstice Forum regarding the white Sol that caught fire in NJ recently. White Solstice Caught Fire In NJ Last Night - Pontiac Solstice Forum __________________ 2008 RL Mods: Dejon CAI, BOV Spring, Intercooler and Piping, GMPP Cat-Back, Kappasphere reBAR & Eibach Lowering Springs, W/G Mod, JPM Visors, Stubby Antenna, Tint Pending: DDMWorks Calipers, Tune Ordered: 6/21/07 Delivered: 8/31/07

07-14-2008, 11:50 AM	#19 (permalink)
RonSkyFire Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 3 My Photos: (0)	Status on Sky Turbo - Fire Currently, the case has been turned over to GM's Main Office. GM is sending an investigator to my house tomorrow (7/15) for an interview. He is also going to inspect the vehicle (at Dealer), take pictures and include all information in a report to send to GM. GM is suppose to call me after the investigation. RonSkyFire

07-14-2008, 12:08 PM	#20 (permalink)
MidniteBlues Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,475 My Photos: (0)	Where are the pictures for us?? Inquiring minds would love to see the incriminating evidence, With so many R/L & GXP owners here, they would appreciate to see the area at least where this happened, so perhaps it can be checked occasion