Recall - Rear Crossmember Lateral Link Plate Defect: Overview
No. 785December, 1998
To: All Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers
Subject:
Customer Satisfaction Notification # 785 -- Rear Crossmember Lateral Link Plate Welds
Models:
Certain 1998 Model Year Dodge and Plymouth Neon (PL) Vehicles Built at the Belvidere Assembly Plant ("D" in the 11th VIN Position) From March 3, 1998 Through March 31, 1998 (MDH 030316 Through 033112)
NOTE:
Most of the vehicles within the above build period have already been inspected or repaired and therefore, have been excluded from this notification.
The rear crossmember lateral link plates on about 3,100 of the above listed vehicles, may have been improperly welded to the crossmember. If a plate breaks loose from the crossmember, it will cause excessive wear and damage to the crossmember. In addition, the rear wheel alignment settings will move out of specification and cause excessive rear tire wear. To correct this condition, the rear crossmember lateral link plates must be riveted to the crossmember.
Dealer Notification & Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. 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 Chrysler 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 "ORD785".
Parts
IMPORTANT:
A quantity of parts will be distributed initially and billed to all involved dealers. Additional parts may be ordered as needed to support customer demand.
Each involved dealer, to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address), will receive enough Rivet Packages, Recall PN CEA07850, to service 100% of those vehicles. Each parts package contains a quantity of eighteen (18) 1/4" structural rivets (2 spares are included).
Power Rivet Gun Requirement
A special air/hydraulic power set riveter tool is required for installation of the rear crossmember structural rivets. ALL Chrysler-Plymouth and Dodge dealers received ONE (1) W-AK175ACH Power Set Riveter, free of charge, through Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) in December 1998. Additional power riveters may be ordered through PSE at dealer cost by calling 1-800-223-5623 or faxing 1-800-734-4334. Additional power riveters are NOT reimbursable by Chrysler.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to Chrysler 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.
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 recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Inspect lateral link plate welds 02785181 0.2 hours
Inspect and rivet rear crossmember 02785182 0.7 hours
lateral link plates
Inspect and rivet rear crossmember lateral 02785183 1.5 hours
link plates using fixture and align rear wheels
Add the cost of the recall parts package(s) 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 applicable.
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 48326-2757
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.