Recall - Seat Belt Retractor Replacement: Overview
August 2001Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. 978 -- Front Seat Belt Retractors
Models
1999 (AB) Dodge Ram Van/Wagon
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 18, 1998 through January 29, 1999 (MDH 1218XX through 0129XX)
1999 (AN) Dodge Dakota
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 15, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0115XX)
1999 (DN) Dodge Durango
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 18, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0118XX)
1999 (LH) Chrysler Concorde, LHS and 300M and Dodge Intrepid
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 19, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0119XX)
1999 (NS) Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan and Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 19, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0119XX)
1999 (WJ) Jeep Grand Cherokee
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 19, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0119XX)
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 DIAL VIP System.
Subject
One or both of the front seat belt retractor assemblies on about 150,000 of the above vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 209. An improperly manufactured internal lever may not lock the seat belt retractor. This could allow increased risk of injury to a front seat occupant in certain accident conditions.
Repair
The front seat belt retractor assembly(s) must be replaced.
Parts Information
No parts will be distributed initially for this recall. Dealers should determine which Seat Belt Retractor package is required for each vehicle at the time appointments are scheduled to assure that the correct parts are available when the customer arrives. Each package contains a right and a left front seat belt retractor (except as noted) . The retractor package for the vehicle to be serviced may be determined by:
^ Using the part code in the third column of the VIN list along with the table (involved dealers);
^ Using the VIN and part number list electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved dealers); or
^ Entering the VIN into the DIAL VIP System (sales code information) along with the table (all dealers) shown.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. 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.
Parts Return
Not required.
Dealer Notification and Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by firs class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS, and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future. Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a list of their involved vehicles. The vehicle list is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. Owners known to DaimlerChrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.
DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP
All involved vehicles have been entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP for dealer injury as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from Function 53 within several days of repair claim submission. To use this system, type "53" at the "ENTER FUNCTION" prompt, then type "ORD978".
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.
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.
Vehicle Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.