Recall - Front Outer Seat Belt Buckles: Overview
No. 783May, 1998
To: All Dodge Truck Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 783 -- Front Outer Seat Belt Buckles
Models:
1998 Model Year Dodge Ram Club Cab and Quad Cab (BE) Vehicles Built at the Saltillo Assembly Plant ("G" in the 11th VIN Position) From April 6, 1998 Through April 17, 1998 (MDH 040606 through 041712)
Reference:
May 8, 1998 electronic mail (DMAIL) message on this subject.
The front outer seat belt buckle assemblies on about 2,950 of the above listed vehicles, may not have been properly manufactured. This will increase the risk of injury to a belted occupant in these seating positions under certain accident conditions. To correct this condition, the front outer seat belt buckles 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 the DIAL VIP System.
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 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 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 "ORD783".
Parts
IMPORTANT:
A quantity of parts will be distributed initially and billed to all involved dealers. 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 Seat Belt Buckle Packages to service 100% of those vehicles.
Dealers should determine which parts package is required for each vehicle at the time appointments are scheduled to assure that the correct parts package is available when the customer arrives. The appropriate seat belt buckle 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 shown (involved dealers):
^ Using the VIN and part number list electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved dealers) or
^ Entering the VIN to DIAL System VIP Function (sales code information) along with the table shown (all dealers).
Each parts package contains two (2) seat belt buckle assemblies.
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 this 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 Allowance
Number
Replace the front outer seat belt buckles 23783182 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 required.
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.