Recall - Seat Belt Webbing Button Addition: Overview
April 2000Customer Satisfaction Notification No. 864
Seat Belt Webbing Button
Effective immediately. all repairs on involved vehicles are to be performed according to this notification. Technical Service Bulletin # 23-05-00 is being cancelled. Those vehicles that have already had this repair performed. as determined by our warranty records. have been excluded from this notification.
Models
2000 (JX) Chrysler Sebring Convertible
NOTE:
This notification applies only to the above vehicles built from July 1, 1999 through December 9, 1999 (MDH 0701XX through 120914).
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this repair on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this repair on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.
Subject
The driver's side seat belt latch plate on about 18,400 of the above vehicles may become trapped between the seat back and the door trim panel arm rest when closing the driver's door. If this occurs, the latch plate may cut or mark the seat back cover and/or the door trim panel arm rest.
Repair
An additional "button" must be added to the driver's side seat belt webbing to prevent the latch plate from becoming trapped between the door trim panel arm rest and the seat back cover.
Dealers are encouraged to consider alternative scheduling and servicing approaches for this notification. This repair does not require hoists or other full service facility special equipment and is a DaimlerChrysler Mobile Service approved repair.
NOTE:
The passenger side seat belt includes a clinching mechanism and therefore, is not susceptible to this condition.
Parts Information
Each dealer, to whom vehicles in the notification were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address), will receive enough Seat Belt Webbing Button packages to service about 25% of those vehicles.
Dealers should determine which package is required for each vehicle at the time appointments are scheduled to assure that the correct part is available when the customer arrives. The appropriate Seat Belt Webbing Button 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 following 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).
Each repair package contains one male and one female seat belt webbing button.
Service Procedure
1. Measure four inches (100 mm) up from the original seat belt webbing button and mark this location for the new seat belt webbing button (Figure 1).
NOTE:
Be sure to mark the location in the center of the belt webbing.
2. Pierce the seat belt webbing (at the location marked in step one) with the male half of the seat belt webbing button so that the button head is facing forward.
IMPORTANT:
The seat belt latch plate must be located above the new seat belt button.
3. Press the female half of the button over the post of the male seat belt button half that is sticking through the rearward side of the seat belt webbing.
4. Heat stake the seat belt webbing button halves together using a soldering gun or equivalent (Figure 2).
CAUTION:
Use care not to touch the seat belt webbing with the soldering gun as damage to the seat belt will occur.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles which have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record Customer Satisfaction Notification service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use the following labor operation number and time allowance:
Install seat belt webbing button Add the cost of the parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not Applicable
Dealer Notification and Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this Customer Satisfaction Notification letter by mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS, and the MDS2 will be updated to include this notification 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 inquiry 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 "0RD864".
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A copy of the owner letter is attached.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and notification are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Vehicles 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.