Recall - Child Restraint, Owner's Manual Update: Overview
November 2000Safety Recall No. 957 - Owner's Manual Addendum
Models
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to stop sale and complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requirement to apply to used vehicle inventory and should perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.
Subject
The owners manual supplied with about 1,210,000 of the above vehicles may have omitted certain information required under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 225, which relates to child restraint anchorage systems. Federal regulations require that some specific instructions be provided in the owner's manual to ensure that a child restraint system tether strap is properly attached and to identify the seat positions that have tether anchorages.
Repair
Owner's manual addendum cards are being mailed directly to all owners known to DaimlerChrysler with the owner notification letter. The owners are requested to insert the card into their owner's manual. Dealers must insert a copy of the correct addendum card into each affected unsold vehicle in dealer inventory before retail delivery.
Parts Information
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive enough Owner's Manual Addendum Cards to service 100% of their UNSOLD vehicles.
Dealers should determine which addendum card is required for each vehicle by:
^ Using the part code in the third column of the VIN list along with the table shown (involved dealers);
^ Using the VIN and part number list electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved dealers); or
^ Entering the VIN into the DIAL VIP system (body model information) along with the table as shown (all dealers):
Service Procedure
1. Locate the Owner's Manual in the vehicle's glove box or in the storage compartment.
2. Insert the addendum card into the owner's manual.
3. Place the Owner's Manual back into the glove box or storage compartment.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use the labor operation number and time allowance as shown:
FOR UNSOLD VEHICLES: Enter "ADDENDUM" in the part number section of your claim with a quantity of one (1). Enter $5.00 WITH NO MARK UP for addendum card handling reimbursement.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not applicable
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, and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future.
Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a list of their involved vehicles. The vehicle list is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. Owners known to DaimlerChrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles still in dealer inventory.
DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP
All involved vehicles have been entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP for dealer inquiry as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from Function 53 within several days of repair claim submission. To use this system, type "53" at the "ENTER FUNCTION" prompt, then type "0RD957".
Owner Notification and Vehicle List
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler have been sent a copy of the required addendum card for their vehicle. They are requested insert the card into their owner's manual. A copy of the owner letter is shown.
Vehicle Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation