Recall - Steering Shaft: Overview
No.: 709January, 1997
To: All Dodge Truck Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 709 -- Steering Shaft
Models:
1994 and 1995 Model Year Dodge Ram (BR) Trucks
If the collapsible steering column shaft internal retainers break, the lower column shaft may separate from the upper column shaft and cause a loss of steering control. To prevent this condition, a sleeve must be installed on the intermediate steering shaft to limit movement of the lower column shaft.
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 as determined by using DIAL System Function 70.
Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.
Service Procedure Videotape
No videotape of the service procedure for this recall will be provided.
Dealer Notification & Vehicle List
Involved dealers:
Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter and a list of the involved vehicles by first class mail.
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.
All other dealers:
Each Dodge Truck dealer who does not receive a Vehicle List will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail.
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.
Parts
Important:
A quantity of parts will be distributed initially and billed to all involved dealers. This quantity will cover a portion of the total vehicles involved. Additional parts may be ordered as needed to support customer demand.
Each involved dealer, to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address), will receive enough of each Steering Shaft Sleeve Package to service about 25% of those vehicles. Steering Shaft Sleeve package application is as illustrated above:
Each parts package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
1 Sleeve, Steering Shaft
3 Tie Strap
1 Instruction Sheet
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.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles which have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by Chrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use the following labor operation number and time allowance:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Install steering shaft sleeve 19709182 0.2 hours
Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
Note:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not applicable.
Vehicle Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service for a known reason, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Vehicle Disposition Form portion of the Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
Chrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
Following the above procedures will expedite the processing of your claim.
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.