Recall - Methano. Concentration Sensor: Overview
January 1999Dealer Service Instructions For:
Federal Emissions Recall No. 7971 (Vehicles w/Sales Code NAA)
California Emissions Recall No. 7972 (Vehicles w/Sales Code
NAE)
Methanol Concentration Sensor
1993-1994 (AA) Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim
Note:
This recall applies to the above vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Flex Fuel Engine ("V" in the 8th VIN position).
1994-1995 (LII) Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, and Eagle Vision
Note
This recall applies to the above vehicles equipped with a 3.3L Flex Fuel Engine ("U" in the 8th VIN position).
The methanol concentration sensor on about 10,000 of the above listed vehicles may fail. This can affect the ability of the engine to adapt to various concentrations of methanol in the fuel and cause hard starting, poor drive ability and illumination of the "Check Engine" light.
Repair
The methanol concentration sensor must be replaced and a wiring jumper must be installed.
Parts Information
Each dealer, to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address), will receive enough Methanol Concentration Sensor Packages to service about 25% of those vehicles.
Parts Information
Each dealer, to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address), will receive enough Methanol Concentration Sensor Packages to service about 25% of those vehicles.
Vehicle Part Number Description
(AA) Spirit/Acclaim CLAS7971 Methanol Concentration
Sensor Package
(LH) Intrepid/Concord/Vision CLAR7972 Methanol Concentration
Sensor Package
Each package contains one methanol concentration sensor, one wiring jumper harness, and three pieces of heat shrink tubing.
For vehicles involved in Recall No.7972, dealers must order the required Authorized Modifications Label, PN 4275086, as necessary to support scheduled repairs.
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 recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Replace methanol sensor - AA Body 14797182 O.4 hours
Replace methanol sensor - LH Body 14797182 O.8 hours
Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
Note:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not required.
Dealer Notification & Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the CMMS and the "TIL" 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 will be entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP at the time of recall implementation 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 is 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 "0RD7971" (Federal emission vehicles) or "0RD7972" (California emission vehicles)
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. 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.
California Registration Renewal Program
IMPORTANT:
This recall (#7972) is subject to the State of California Registration Renewal/Emissions Recall Enforcement Program. Involved vehicles must have the recall service completed before registration renewal.
The servicing dealer must provide a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No.81-016-1053) to each California vehicle owner upon completion of the Recall #7972 service for use as proof in renewal of the vehicle registration.
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:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive Last
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.
EMISSIONS RECALL TO REPLACE YOUR VEHICLE'S
METHANOL FUEL SENSOR
Dear DaimlerChrysler Vehicle Owner:
DaimlerChrysler has determined that some 1993-1994 Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim; and 1994-1995 Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde and Eagle Vision vehicles equipped with a flexible fuel engine may be in violation of California Emissions Standards.
The problem is...
The methanol fuel sensor on your vehicle (identified on the enclosed form) may fail and affect the ability of the engine to adapt to the amount of methanol contained in the fuel. This may cause hard starting, poor driveability and illumination of the "Check Engine" light. This could also result in hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) levels above the allowable limits, which were established to protect the public health from the dangers of air pollution.
HC emissions consist of unburned fuel that is released into the atmosphere. HC in combination with NOx in the presence of sunlight can cause the formation of ozone. CO emissions are formed by the incomplete combustion of fuel. These pollutants are the primary components of smog.
What DaimlerChiysler and your dealer will do...
DaimlerChrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor).
To do this, your dealer will replace the methanol fuel sensor. The work will take about one hour to complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed.
What you must do...
^ Simply contact your dealer to schedule a service appointment. Ask the dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to order them before your appointment.
^ Bring the enclosed Owner Notification Form with you to your dealer.
It identifies the required service to the dealer.
If you don't get this done...
The State of California requires the completion of emission recall repairs prior to vehicle registration renewal. In addition, the State requires that every vehicle must pass an emission test (SMOG Check) every two years and before it is sold. Without the free service we are providing, your vehicle may be more likely to fail this test and require that you make costly repairs.
Further, in order to ensure your full protection under the emission warranty provisions, it is recommended that you have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Failure to do so could be determined as lack of proper maintenance of your vehicle.
How the state knows that the recall has been performed...
State of California regulations require DaimlerChrysler to provide the Department of Motor Vehicles with a record of all vehicles which have not had the recall service performed. If your vehicle is not on this list~ the state will know that the recall has been completed.
Your dealer will provide you with a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form afier the recall service is completed. Be sure to save this form since the California Department of Motor Vehicles may require that you supply it as proof of recall completion.
If you need help...
If you have trouble getting your vehicle rep aired~ please call the DaimlerChrysler Customer Center, toll free, at 1-800-992-1997. A representative will assist you in getting your vehicle repaired.
We are sorry for any inconvenience but trust you understand our interest in clean air and in your continued satisfaction with our products. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
7972