Recall - Child Restraint, Owner's Manual Update: Overview
October 2001Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. 996 - Owner's Manual Update
Models
2002 (RS) Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan; and Chrysler Voyager and Town & Country Minivans
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above minivans equipped with 7-passenger seating built at the:
> Windsor Assembly Plant ("R" in the 11th VIN Position) through September 7, 2001 (MDH 090702).
>St. Louis South Assembly Plant ("B" in the 11th VIN Position) through September 7, 2001 (MDH 090718).
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to stop sale and 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. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.
Subject
The Owner's Manual that was supplied with about 52,500 of the above minivans incorrectly states the seating locations that are equipped with Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) child restraint anchorage systems and additional child seat tether anchors. This does not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 225 - Child Restraint Anchorage Systems. LATCH systems are only located at both of the middle (2) row seating positions. An additional tether anchor is located at the center seat position of the rear (3) row bench seat.
Repair
Owner's Manual update letters are being mailed directly to all owners known to DaimlerChrysler. The owners are requested to keep the letter with their owner's manual. Dealers must insert a copy of the owner letter into each affected unsold minivan in dealer inventory before retail delivery.
Parts Information
No parts are required to perform this service procedure.
Completion Reporting 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 the labor operation number and time allowance shown.
FOR UNSOLD VEHICLES:
Enter "UPDATE" in the part number section of your claim with a quantity of one (1). Enter $5.00 WITH NO MARK-UP for owner manual update handling reimbursement.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing 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 MDS2 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 still in dealer inventory.
DIAL System Functions 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 "ORD996".
Owner Notification and Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being informed of this noncompliance by first class mail. They are requested to keep the letter with their owner's manual. A copy of the owner letter is included.
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.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation