Recall - Lower Control Arm Reinforcement: Overview
February 2000SAFETY RECALL NO. 837
Lower Control Arm Reinforcement Brackets
MODELS
1993-1995 (LH) Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde, New Yorker and LHS
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built through October 31, 1994 (MDH 1031XX).
IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used
vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.
SUBJECT
The lower control arm attaching brackets on about 560,000 of the above vehicles may crack and separate from the engine cradle. If this occurs the transmission half-shaft may pull out of the transaxle and cause a loss of power. This will increase the risk of an accident in certain situations.
REPAIR
Reinforcement brackets must be installed over the lower control arm attaching brackets.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description
CBXR8370 Reinforcement Bracket Package
Each package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
1 Upper Bracket - Left
1 Upper Bracket - Right
1 Lower Bracket - Left
1 Lower Bracket - Right
8 Bolts
8 Nuts
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive enough Reinforcement Bracket Packages to service about 25% of those vehicles.
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive enough cutter Bits, Recall P/N CBXR8371, to service about 25% of those vehicles. Additional cutter bits should be ordered as necessary.
IMPORTANT: Each cutter bit is capable of servicing about eight (8) vehicles.
SPECIAL TOOL REQUIREMENT
Use of a special hole saw tool that consists of a cutter adapter and a replaceable cutter bit is required for completion of the service procedure.
All Chrysler/Plymouth, Dodge and Eagle dealers received two (2) Cutter Adapters (Miller Tool # 8553 (quantity of 1) or # 8553-PKG (package of 2)) in January 2000 free of charge. Additional adapters may be purchased from Miller Tool. Additional adapters are not reimbursable by DaimlerChrysler.
COMPLETION REPORTING AND REIMBURSEMENT
Claims for vehicles that 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 the following labor operation number and time allowance:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Install lower control arm 02837182 0.9 hours
reinforcement brackets
Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim. For hole saw cutter bit reimbursement, add a charge of $6.00 for "NPN" to your claim. Do NOT enter the cutter bit part number on the claim.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
PARTS RETURN
Not applicable.
DEALER NOTIFICATION AND 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 DCMMS, and the MD52 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 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 "0RD837".
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 attached.
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.
VEHICLE 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.