Recall - A/T Cooler Line Connectors Melt: Overview
No.: 722July, 1997
To: All Dodge Truck Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 722 -- Transmission Cooler Pressure Line Quick Connects
Models:
^ 1994 Through 1997 Model Year Dodge Ram Trucks (BR) Equipped With a V-6 or V-8 Gasoline Engine and an Automatic Transmission Built From January 1, 1994 Through Early-February 1997
^ 1995 Through 1997 Model Year Dodge Ram Trucks (BR) Equipped With a V-10 Engine and an Automatic Transmission Built Through Mid-April 1997
^ 1995 Through 1996 Model Year Dodge Ram Vans and Wagons (AB) Equipped With an Automatic Transmission Built After January 1, 1995
Under certain operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature on the above listed vehicles, may cause the plastic retainers in the transmission cooler pressure line quick connect fittings to melt. If this occurs, the fitting may separate and transmission fluid could spray on the engine and exhaust system and possibly cause a vehicle fire. To correct this condition, the affected quick connect fittings must be replaced.
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to 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 as determined by using DIAL System Function 70.
Dealer Notification & Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. 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 Chrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.
DIAL System Functions 53, 70 and VIP
All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Functions 53, 70 and VIP at the time of recall implementation for dealer inquiry as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number is listed if known. Parts information is also provided. 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 "ORD722".
Parts
Seven (7) unique quick connect packages are required for this recall depending upon the vehicle, model year and engine combination. There are several differences between the combinations. DO NOT attempt to substitute a parts package for any application other than what is specified.
Important:
This recall will be implemented in four (4) phases as parts become available. Involved dealers will receive, and be billed for, enough phase one (1) Quick Connect packages to service 25% of those vehicles. PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE BEFORE THE APPLICABLE PHASE BEGINS. Additional quick connect packages may be ordered as needed to support customer demand after that phase has begun.
Dealers should determine which parts package is required for each vehicle at the time appointments are scheduled to assure that the correct parts are available when the customer arrives. The appropriate quick connect package for the vehicle to be serviced may be determined by:
^ Using the part code in the third column of the VIN list along with the table above (involved dealers),
^ Using VIN and part number list electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved dealers) or
^ obtaining the vehicle, model year and engine information from the owner when scheduling the appointment along with the table above (all dealers).
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to Chrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for the service with their dealers. A copy of the owner notification letter is included.
Enclosed with each owner notification is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
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