Recall - Front Seat Belt Buckles: Overview
No. 656March, 1996
To: All Dodge, Chrysler-Plymouth and Jeep & Eagle Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 656--Front Seat Belt Buckles
Models:
Vehicles Equipped With Front Seat Belt Buckle Assemblies (Model 523 K) Manufactured by Takata Corporation:
^ 1989 Through 1991 Model Year Dodge/Plymouth Colt and Eagle Summit 3-Door Hatchback (B2) Vehicles Built Through December 28, 1990 (MDH 1228XX)
^ 1989 Through 1991 Model Year Eagle Summit 4-Door Sedan (B2) Vehicles Built Through February 28, 1991 (MDH 0228XX)
The front seat belt buckle release buttons on the above listed vehicles may break and pieces of the button may fall into the buckle assembly. A broken piece may prevent the buckle from latching or unlatching. To correct this condition, the front seat belt buckle assemblies must be replaced.
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer inventory. Federal law requires you to complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should perform this recall on vehicles in for service as determined by using DIAL System Function 70.
Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.
Service Procedure Videotape
As an additional service aid, a videotape demonstrating the service procedure was distributed to all dealers in January, 1996.
Dealer Notification & Vehicle List
Involved dealers:
Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter and a list of the involved vehicles by first class mail.
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.
All other dealers:
Each dealer who does not receive a Vehicle List will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail.
DIAL System Function 70
All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Function 70 at the time of recall implementation for dealer inquiry by VIN as needed.
Parts
Eight (8) part packages are required depending upon the model year of the vehicle and the color of the vehicle interior. The Vehicle VIN List provided to each involved dealer includes a part code which identifies the required part number package for each VIN. This code is located in the third column of the VIN list and is identified by the "P" column header. Use the table to identify the correct part package for the vehicle being serviced.
Important:
An initial quantity of DARK GRAY parts for 1989 model year vehicles will be distributed and billed to all involved dealers, to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address). This quantity will cover about 10% of the involved 1989 vehicles which require dark gray seat belt buckle covers. Since most of the involved vehicles are equipped with the dark gray buckles, there will be no initial distribution of the other color packages. Additional parts may be ordered as needed to support scheduled repairs.
Each parts package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
1 Seat Belt Buckle Assembly -- Left
1 Seat Belt Buckle Assembly -- Right
1 Instruction Sheet
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 the 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
Number Allowance
Replace both front seat 23656182 0.6 hours
belt buckle assemblies
Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
Note:
See Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual, Chapter 6, Subsection H 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.