Recall - Sunroof Hinge
No. 477May, 1990
To: All Chrysler-Plymouth and Jeep/Eagle Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 477 -- Sunroof Hinge
Models:
1990 Model Year Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon Equipped With Optional Sunroof -- Build Dates From June, 1989 Through December, 1989
On listed model cars the sunroof glass panel, if operated in an unusual manner, may detach from the roof of the vehicle. Applying an upward and rearward load beyond the open latch position can cause this to occur. To prevent this possibility, revised front hinges must be installed.
Important:
Some of the involved cars may still be in dealer stock. Be sure to complete the service on these cars before retail delivery.
Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.
Vehicle List
Each dealer to whom involved cars were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same location) will receive a vehicle list with this letter 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 cars.
Each Chrysler Corporation dealer without a Vehicle List will receive an information copy of this letter by Compak Mail for use in performing the service on involved cars upon request.
Parts
Parts packages, PN C3940392, are being shipped free of charge to all involved dealers for service of affected cars. Each dealer to whom involved cars were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same location) will receive enough parts packages to service 100% of those cars.
Each recall parts package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
(2) Sunroof hinge
(1) Template
Also included in each package is an Instruction Sheet for convenient reference by the servicing technician.
Additional parts may be ordered without charge from Parts Depots if required. Order only as needed for scheduled repairs.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved car owners known to Chrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for the service with their dealers at the earliest possible date. A copy of the owner notification letter is included.
Enclosed with each owner notification is an Owner Recall Notification Form # 83-295-0019. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Service Procedure
1. With the sunroof latch released, press the spring-loaded inner latch arms together to separate the two-piece latch (Figure 1).
2. Disengage the wire security tether located on the passenger side of the sunroof.
3. Lift the rear edge of the sun roof glass panel and remove it by pulling rearward to disengage the hinges (Figure 2). Place the panel on a flat padded surface, hinge side up.
4. Note the direction of the curved hinge engagement tangs and remove both front hinges from the glass panel (2 screws per hinge).
5. Place the new, supplied hinges on the glass panel with the curved engagement tangs in the same direction as the removed hinges and loosely attach them with the original screws.
Note:
The new hinges are identified by the shallow notch (not deep notch) between the attachment slots (Figure 3).
6. Place supplied template on glass inside of rubber seal and align as shown in Figure 4. Position the rubber hinge spacer and hinge in the template cutout (Figure 4) and tighten the attachment screws to 24 inch-pounds. Repeat the procedure for the other hinge.
7. Reinstall the sunroof glass panel to the vehicle.
8. Check glass panel-to-roof panel fit and adjust if necessary.
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 the labor operation number and time allowance (see illustration).
Parts Return
Removed hinges must be returned to the Warranty Material Return Center.
Note:
See Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual, Chapter 6, Subsection H, for complete recall claim processing and material return instructions.
Vehicle Not Available
If a car is not available for this service for a known reason, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Vehicle Disposition Form portion of the Owner Recall Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
Chrysler Motors 416-15-19
Recall Coordination
P.O. Box 1919
Detroit, Michigan 48231-9986
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.
SAFETY RECALL -- SUNROOF HINGE
Dear Chrysler Motors Vehicle Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Chrysler Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1990 model Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon cars equipped with a sunroof. If the sunroof glass panel is pushed upward and rearward when it is in the open position, the hinges at the front of the panel could disengage and the glass panel could separate from the vehicle. This could be a hazard to occupants of other vehicles on the roadway, and might cause injury or an accident without prior warning.
Your car, whose Vehicle Identification Number is shown on the enclosed form, is one of the affected vehicles. For this reason we ask that you arrange for service to correct the condition without delay. The service and required parts as defined in this letter will be provided free of charge.
To ensure proper hinge engagement, revised sunroof hinges must be installed. This repair will take about one-half hour to complete. However, additional time may be required depending on how dealer service appointments are scheduled and processed. To obtain this free service:
^ Contact your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for the work to be done.
^ Take the enclosed Owner Recall Notification Form with you at the time of your appointment and give it to your dealer. The form shows the identification number for the vehicle which requires service.
If you have any problem obtaining the needed service, please contact the Chrysler Zone Service Office in your area. (It is listed under "Service Assistance" in your Operator's Manual.) A Zone representative will arrange for prompt servicing of your car.
We regret any inconvenience which this action may cause you. However, we believe that you understand our concern for motor vehicle safety, and for your continued satisfaction with our products. If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge within a reasonable time, you may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, or call the Toll Free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393. (Washington D.C. area residents may call 366-0123.)
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.