Recall - Right Front Seat Belt Retractor Inspection: Overview
February 2004Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. D04
Right Front Seat Belt Retractor
Models
2005 (RS) Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles NOT EQUIPPED with "Stow ' Go" seating (Sales Code CYC) built at the:
> A Louis South Assembly Plant ("B" in the 11th" VIN position) through January 15, 2004 (MDH 011S22).
> Windsor Assembly Plant ("R" in the 11th VIN position) through January 16, 2004 (MDH O11605).
IMPORTANT:
Many of the vehicles within the above build period have already been inspected or repaired and, therefore, have been excluded from this recall.
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 VIP inquiry process.
Subject
The right (passenger side) front seat belt retractor assembly on about 3,200 of the above vehicles may have been improperly assembled. As a result, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which increases the risk of injury during certain crash conditions.
Repair
The right front seat belt retractor assembly must be inspected. Assemblies that were not properly assembled must be replaced.
Alternate Transportation
Dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle if inspection determines that seat belt retractor replacement is required and the vehicle must be held overnight.
Parts Information
Due to the small number of involved vehicles expected to require seat belt retractor replacement, no parts will be distributed initially. Seat belt retractors should be ordered only after inspection determines that replacement is required. Very few vehicles are expected to require seat belt retractor replacement.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System or on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. 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 retractor assembly (if necessary) plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
Parts Return
Removed seat belt retractor assemblies must be returned to the Warranty Material Return Center.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing and Material Return Sections, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Dealer Notification and Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by DMAIL and by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS. DealerCONNECT will be updated to include this recall in the near future.
Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, Follow up
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.
Involved dealers were also mailed a copy of their vehicle (VIN) list with the dealer recall notification letter.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The owner's name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.
To use this system, click on the "Service" tab and then click on "Global Recall System." Your dealer's VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery.
Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.
Recall VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
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
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation