Recall - Fuel Tank Leak: Overview

No.: SR-00-006
DATE: September, 2000
MODEL: 1995-96 Galant

SUBJECT:
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN

PURPOSE
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain 1995-1996 Galant vehicles for possible fuel tank leakage. Spot welds in the fuel tank may crack due to tank pressure, allowing fuel or fumes to escape. If an ignition source were present, the leakage could result in a fire.

MMSA dealers must inspect the fuel tank on all affected vehicles for evidence of fuel leakage. If leakage is detected, the fuel tank must be replaced. If no evidence of fuel leakage is found, a protector plate must be installed on the fuel tank over the spot welds. This bulletin describes how to install a protector plate on the fuel tank.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The welding point between the baffle plate and fuel tank upper plate could crack under fuel tank pressure. If a crack develops, fuel or fumes could escape.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
1995-96 Japan-built Galant models produced from 3/29/95 to 8/1/95 (VINS beginning with "J")

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
A letter will be sent to all owners of affected vehicles telling them to bring their vehicle to their Mitsubishi Motors dealer to have the fuel tank inspected and repaired. A copy of the customer notification letter appears later in this bulletin.





PARTS INFORMATION

A small supply of protector plates will be allocated to all dealers. Additional orders can be placed through the normal parts ordering system.

Fuel tanks will not be shipped automatically. Dealers must place orders for fuel tanks as needed. To properly control distribution of the replacement fuel tank, dealers are required to input the last 8 digits of the VIN for the affected vehicle in the "location/comments" field of the Diamond Net/MAPS order entry screen. Orders not containing the VIN in this field will not process correctly, resulting in a delay in providing the necessary parts.

NOTE:
Re-use the original cut-off valve gasket unless the gasket appears to be damaged.

If a protector plate is being installed, use 3M 08987 Cleaner, 3M 08684 Urethane Primer, and 3M 08609 Urethane Adhesive (or equivalent).





WARRANTY INFORMATION

Claims for this campaign must be entered as Recall type "C" claims on your Diamond Network Service Menu. Sample claim screens are shown.





CAMPAIGN CLAIM SAMPLE - CAMPAIGN LABOR OPERATION = COOO8JXX





RECALL CAMPAIGN CLAIMS PARTS AND LABOR DETAIL INFO SCREEN:





RECALL CAMPAIGN CLAIM PARTS AND LABOR DETAIL INFO SCREEN: