Recall - Clockspring Inspection/Replacement: Overview
November, 2002Safety Recall No. B24 - Clockspring/Lifetime Warranty
Effective immediately, all repairs on involved vehicles are to be performed according to this recall. Technical Service Bulletin 08-011-02 is being cancelled for 1996 through 1998 model year vehicles.
Models:
1996-1998 (NS) Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan, Plymouth
Voyager/Grand Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built through 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 DIAL VIP System.
Subject:
The clockspring on about 1,475,000 of the above vehicles may lose the electrical connection to the steering wheel mounted electrical connection. This could cause the driver's airbag, horn and/or speed control (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 clockspring 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 shown (involved dealers);
> Using the VIN and part number list electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved dealers); or
> Entering the VIN into DIAL VIP System (sales code information) along with the table (all dealers):
Note:
Sales Code NHM is for Speed Control.
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced will receive TWO (2) Clockspring Assemblies to service vehicles equipped with speed control and ONE (1) Clockspring Assembly to service vehicles without speed control. Additional clockspring assemblies may be ordered as necessary.
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 labor operation numbers and time allowances shown.
Add the cost of the clockspring assembly 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 required.
Dealer Notification and Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of the 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 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 Function 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 "0RDB24"
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 letter is included.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
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
Vehicles 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.