Recall - Clockspring Replacement/Warranty Extension: Overview
October 2004Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall D17 - Clockspring/Lifetime Warranty
Models
1998-2000 (NS) Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan, Plymouth
Voyager/Grand Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built after February 28, 1998 (MDH 0228XX).
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.
Subject
The clockspring on about 1,290,000 of the above vehicles may lose the electrical connection to the steering wheel mounted electrical components. This could cause the driver's airbag, horn, speed control and/or steering wheel mounted radio controls (if equipped) to be inoperative. An inoperative driver's airbag will not deploy, which can result in increased injury to the driver in a frontal crash.
Repair
Vehicles with a failed clockspring or vehicles with 70,000 miles or LESS, must have the clockspring assembly replaced.
Vehicles with more than 70,000 miles that have a properly functioning clockspring do NOT require any repair action. Vehicles involved in this recall have a lifetime warranty on the clockspring assembly.
NOTE:
This recall does NOT include replacement of other airbag system components. If other components cause illumination of the airbag warning light, the associated repair costs are the owner's responsibility.
Parts Information
Dealers should determine which clockspring is required for each vehicle at the time appointments are scheduled to assure that the correct part is available when the customer arrives. The appropriate clockspring for the vehicle to be serviced is displayed on the DealerCONNECT VIP function.
Note:
Sales Code NHM is for Speed Control and RDZ is for Steering Wheel Mounted Radio Controls.
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced will receive TWO (2)
Clockspring Assemblies to service vehicles equipped with speed control, ONE (1)
Clockspring Assembly to service vehicles without speed control and ONE (1)
Clockspring Assembly to service vehicles with speed control and radio controls.
Additional clockspring assemblies may be ordered as necessary.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the labor operation numbers and time allowances shown.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not required.
Dealer Notification and Vehicle list
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS. DealerCONNECT will be updated to include this recall in the near future.
Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow up
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed. Involved dealers were also mailed a copy of their vehicle (VIN) list with the dealer recall notification letter.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The owner's name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.
To use this system, click on the "Service" tab and then click on "Global Recall System." Your dealer's VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery.
Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.
Recall VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A generic copy of the owner letter is included.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification postcard to allow owners to update our records if applicable.
Dealers are encouraged to consider alternative scheduling and servicing approaches for this recall. This repair does not require hoists or other full service facility special equipment and is a DaimlerChrysler Mobile Service approved repair.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Services Field Operations
Daimler Chrysler Corporation