Recall - Inadvertent Airbag Deployment: Overview
July 1999Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. 818 Airbag System Wiring
Models
1994 - 1995 (AS) Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan
and Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager
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 the DIAL VIP System.
Subject
The wiring that initiates the driver and/or passenger airbags on about 935,000 of the above vehicles may electrically short circuit to ground. A short circuit to ground that exists immediately after turning the ignition key to the "ON" or "START" position can cause the airbag(s) to inadvertently deply. Inadvertent airbag deployment can injure a front seat occupant.
Repair
A mastic patch must be installed on every vehicle. In addition, a diagnostic test of the airbag system must be performed. Shorted initiator (squib) wiring must be repaired (which may involve replacing the clockspring). If the rear wiper motor must be replace.
Alternate Transportation
If inspection determines that clockspring and/or rear wiper motor replacement is required and the vehicle must be held overnight, dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle.
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 one of the table labor operation numbers and time allowances shown.
Add the cost of the parts used plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
Use the labor operation number and time allowance shown if an owner requires replacement of a rear wiper motor at some time in the future after the recall has already been completed.
Parts Return
If a REMANUFACTURED rear wiper motor was ordered: Removed rear wiper motors must be returned for core credit as quickly as possible using the Mopar Core Return Procedure on your DIAL terminal. You can access the procedure from Option 4 on the Parts System menu, then select Function 10.
If a NEW rear wiper motor was ordered: Removed rear wiper motors must be returned to the Warranty Material Return Center.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing and material return instructions.
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 "TIL" 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.
DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP
All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP at the time of recall implementation 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 "0RD818".
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 copy of the owner notification letter is included.
Provided 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.
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.