Recall - Oxygen Sensor (Turbo California )
No. 533June, 1992
To:
All Chrysler-Plymouth and Jeep/Eagle Dealers
Subject:
California Emissions Recall # 533 -- Oxygen Sensor
Models:
1991 & 1992 Model Year Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon (BD-Body) Vehicles Equipped With a 2.0L Turbocharged Engine and California Emission Control System -- Vehicles Built Before September 6, 1991
Oxygen sensors on the listed vehicles may experience silicon contamination caused by heat decomposition of an internal spacer. This can cause hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels in the engine exhaust to exceed allowable limits. It can also result in the illumination of the "Check Engine" light, causing a high oxygen sensor replacement rate. To correct the problem, the sensor must be replaced.
Important:
This recall is subject to the new State of California Registration Renewal/Emissions Recall Enforcement Program implemented in 1992.
Since involved vehicles must have the recall service completed before registration renewal, dealers should provide prompt service to prevent possible registration delays.
The servicing dealer must provide a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No. 81-016-1053) to each owner upon completion of the recall service, for use as proof in renewal of the vehicle registration. Blank forms have been supplied separately to all California dealers by Compak Mail for this purpose.
Some of the involved vehicles may still be in dealer stock. Be sure to complete the service on these vehicles before retail delivery.
Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.
Note:
No videotape of the service procedure for this recall will be provided.
Vehicle List
Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same location) will receive with this letter a vehicle list 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, Each Dodge, Chrysler-Plymouth and Jeep/Eagle dealer without a Vehicle List will receive an information copy of this letter by Compak Mail for use in performing the service on involved vehicles as necessary.
Parts
Important
A quantity of parts will be distributed initially and billed to all involved dealers. This quantity will cover a portion of the total vehicles involved. 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 location), will receive enough Oxygen Sensor Parts Packages, Recall PN C3940480, at dealer cost to service 50 % of those vehicles.
Each parts package contains the following items:
Quantity Description
(1) Oxygen sensor
(1) Recall completion label
Also included in each package is an instruction summary for convenient reference by the servicing technician.
Additional parts may be ordered as needed.
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 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. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Service Procedure
A. Replace Oxygen Sensor
1. Disconnect the oxygen sensor electrical connector (Figure 1).
2. Apply Mopar Rust Penetrant PN 4318039 (or equivalent) to the oxygen sensor to ease removal.
3. Using special tool MD998748 and an offset box-end wrench, remove the oxygen sensor (Figure 2).
4. Install the supplied oxygen sensor using the special tool. Torque to 33 ftlbs (45 N-m).
5. Connect the oxygen sensor electrical connector.
6. Disconnect the battery negative cable for more than ten seconds to erase any diagnostic codes.
7. Reconnect the battery negative cable.
B. Install Recall Completion Label
1. With a ball point pen, print your dealer code (5 digits) on the supplied Recall Completion Label.
2. Peel the label from its backing and apply it near the Vehicle Emission Control Information Label.
C. Complete Proof of Correction Form
1. Complete a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form and supply it to the vehicle owner.
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 following labor operation number and time allowance:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Remove and replace oxygen sensor 25533182 0.2 Hour
and install recall completion label
Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
Note:
See Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual, Chapter 6, Subsection H for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not required.
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 Recall Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
Chrysler Corporation 415-03-18
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.
EMISSIONS RECALL --
1991 AND 1992 PLYMOUTH LASER AND EAGLE TALON WITH A 2.0 LITER TURBOCHARGED ENGINE AND SOLD IN CALIFORNIA
Dear Chrysler Vehicle Owner:
It has been determined that the oxygen sensor on your 1991 or 1992 vehicle with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, may be susceptible to failure. Failure of the oxygen sensor may cause your vehicle to be in violation of California Emissions Standards. Hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels in the engine exhaust could be above the allowable limits, which were established to protect the public health from the dangers of air pollution. For this reason, we are asking you to return your vehicle -- identified by the Vehicle Identification Number on the enclosed form -- to your dealer for a special service repair. This service will be provided free of charge.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE THIS RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. For this reason we request that you consider the following information and then have your vehicle repaired.
Why should I have my vehicle repaired?
Your vehicle may exceed the California Emissions Standard for hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). HC emissions consist of unburned fuel that is released into the atmosphere. HC in combination with oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight, can cause the formation of ozone. Carbon monoxide emissions are formed by the incomplete combustion of fuel. These pollutants are the primary components of smog.
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.
What will the dealer do to my vehicle?
At no charge to you, the dealer will replace the oxygen sensor.
How long will it take?
The service will take about one-half hour but additional time may be required depending on how service work is scheduled and processed.
How will this repair affect my vehicle's engine performance and fuel economy?
The repair will not hurt your engine performance or fuel economy.
How can I obtain the repair?
Contact your dealer as soon as possible to make an appointment for the free service.
Take the enclosed Owner Recall Notification Form with you at the time of your appointment and give it to your dealer. The form identifies the vehicle and recall for which service is required.
How will the state know that the recall has been performed on my vehicle?
State of California regulations require Chrysler 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 after 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.
What if I no longer own the vehicle?
Please let us know by filling out the prepaid and addressed Vehicle Disposition Form portion of the enclosed Owner Recall Notification Form.
What should I do if I have trouble obtaining the free service?
If you experience any difficulty in obtaining the corrective service, please contact the Chrysler Zone Office in your area. (It is listed under 'Service Assistance' in your Owner's Manual.) The Zone Office will take the necessary action to ensure prompt correction of your vehicle.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause, but trust you understand our interest in clean air and in your continued satisfaction with our products. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.