Recall - A/T Shifter Ignition/Park Interlock Defect: Overview
June 2004Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall C45
Floor Shifter Ignition/Park Interlock
IMPORTANT:
Effective immediately, this recall (C45) cancels and supersedes Safety Recall No. 789 - Floor Shifter and Ignition/Part Interlock Cable. All vehicles involved in Recall 789, whether completed or not, must have Recall C45 performed.
Models
1993-1999 (LH) Chrysler Concorde, LHS and 300M; Dodge Intrepid
and Eagle Vision
1995-1999 (JA) Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze
1996-1999 (JX) Chrysler Sebring Convertible
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle and a floor mounted shifter.
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 VIP inquiry process.
Subject
The transaxle floor shifter ignition/park interlock system on about 2,300,000 of the above vehicles may become inoperative. This may allow the shifter to be moved out of the "Park" position with the ignition key removed (or in the "Lock" position). It may also allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the "Park" position. If the shifter is not in the "Park" position, these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away and cause a crash without prior warning.
Repair
The shift interlock system must be inspected for proper operation. Vehicles with a functional interlock system will have a load limiting shift lever push rod installed into the original shifter assembly. Vehicles with an inoperative interlock system must have the floor shifter assembly replaced.
IMPORTANT:
This recall will be implemented in six (6) phases. Parts will not be available before the applicable phase begins.
Alternate Transportation
If inspection determines that shifter assembly replacement is required and the vehicle must be held overnight, dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle.
IMPORTANT:
This recall will be implemented in six (6) phases. Involved dealers will receive enough phase one (1) Load Limiting Push Rod Packages to service 10% of applicable vehicles. Additional Push Rod packages and shifters for implemented phases may be ordered as needed to support customer demand.
The appropriate load limiting push rod part number for each vehicle is displayed on the DealerCONNECT VIP function.
MOST OF THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL WILL ONLY REQUIRE A LOAD LIMITING PUSH ROD.
Involved dealers will receive an initial quantity of remaining load limiting push rod packages before owner notification for those phases begin. PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE BEFORE THE APPLICABLE PHASE BEGINS.
A. Load Limiting Push Rod Packages
Each package contains one load limiting push rod and return spring assembly.
B. Floor Shifter Assemblies
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted 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 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.
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, VIP and Dealer 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.
Vehicle owners will be notified in six (6) phases. Refer to the chart.
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