Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Recall - Fuel Tube Leak: Overview

No. 786

August, 1998

To: All Dodge Truck Dealers

Subject:
Safety Recall # 786 -- Heat Shield Bolt and Chassis Fuel Tube

Models:
1998 Model Year Dodge Ram (BR/BE) Trucks Equipped With a Heavy Duty 5.9L V8 or 8.0L V10 Engine ("5" or "W" in the 8th VIN Position) Built at the:

^ Saltillo Assembly Plant ("G" in the 11th VIN Position) Through February 26, 1998 (MDH 022613)

^ St. Louis North Assembly Plant ("J" in the 11th VIN Position) Through February 24, 1998 (MDH 022413)

^ Lago Alberto Assembly Plant ("M" in the 11th VIN Position) Through February 24, 1998 (MDH 022410)

A heat shield attaching bolt on about 9,000 of the above listed vehicles, may contact the chassis fuel tube. This may result in a fuel leak and in the presence of an ignition source, an underbody fire. To correct this condition, the heat shield attaching bolt must be removed and the chassis fuel tube must be inspected and replaced, if necessary.

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 "ORD786".

Parts

A. Butyl Patches:

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 Butyl Patches, PN 55275444AA, to service about 25% of those vehicles.

B. Fuel Tube Packages:

IMPORTANT:
Due to the small number of involved vehicles expected to require fuel tube replacement, no parts will be distributed to involved dealers. Parts should only be ordered after inspection determines that replacement is required.

Five (5) different fuel tube packages are required for this recall. The appropriate fuel tube package for the vehicle to be serviced may be determined from the table below by:

^ Using the part code in the third column of the VIN list along with the following table (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 Function 69 or VIP (for the body style/model code) along with the following table (all dealers).

NOTE:
Body model code is also stamped on the body code plate.

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 one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:

Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance

Inspect fuel tube and remove heat shield bolt 14786182 0.4 hours

Inspect and replace fuel tube and remove 14786183 1.1 hours
heat shield bolt

Add the cost of the recall part 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.