Campaign - Liftgate Latch: Overview
No. 640September, 1995
To: All Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers
Subject:
Service Action # 640 - Liftgate Latch
Models:
1984 Through 1995 Model Year Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan and Caravan CV; Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager; and Chrysler Town & Country Minivans
The liftgate latch may be forced open in certain crash situations. To address this condition, the latch must be replaced with a stronger latch and, if the vehicle is equipped with a remote release solenoid, it must be repositioned. 1984 through early 1988 model year vehicles must also have the striker replaced.
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 will be distributed to all Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth dealers.
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 notification letter and a list of the involved vehicles for phase one (1) by first class mail. Dealers will receive a vehicle list FOR EACH PHASE, before owner notification for that phase begins.
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 Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth dealer who does not receive a Vehicle List will receive a copy of this dealer 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 notification mailing for dealer inquiry by VIN as needed. The fourth character of the notification number (formerly used to identify truck notifications with a "T") will be used to indicate what phase each vehicle is in. The recall description will also contain the appropriate repair package part number for each vehicle (for example: 6401-Liftgate Latch PN CFGG64Ol)
Parts
Eight (8) unique latch packages are required for 1984 through 1995 vehicles depending upon the vehicle model year and whether the vehicle is equipped with a remote liftgate release (sales code -- JPC). There are several switch, linkage and mounting differences between the various model year vehicles. DO NOT attempt to substitute a parts package for any application other than what is specified. The last character of each part number matches the listed phase number. Be sure to use Function 70 or the parts application table to identify the proper part package for each vehicle.
Important:
This service action will be implemented in eight (8) phases as parts become available. Involved dealers will receive, and be billed for, enough phase one (I) Latch Packages to service ~% of those vehicles. Involved dealers will receive an initial quantity of part packages FOR EACH PHASE before owner notification for that phase begins. PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE BEFORE THE APPLICABLE PHASE BEGINS. Additional latch packages may be ordered as needed to support customer demand.
Refer to either Function 70 or the table for the proper part package application.
Each parts package contains the components as shown.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to Chrysler will be notified of this service action in phases by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for the service with their dealers. The notification number at the bottom of the owner letter indicates which phase the owner is in (for example phase one is indicated by 640-i) and can be used to assist dealers in ordering the appropriate parts package. A copy of the phase one owner notification letter is included. Dealers will receive copies of the owner letters for phases two through eight before owner notification begins.
Enclosed with each owner notification is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and notification 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 service action completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the labor operation numbers and time allowances as shown.
Add the cost of the parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
Note:
See Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual, Chapter 6, Subsection H for complete 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 48326-9981
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.