Recall - Trunk Lid Spring Replacement
FILE:SERVICE: GROUP 00 OF SERVICE INFORMATION BINDER
PARTS: GROUP I OF INFORMATION - PARTS & ACCESSORIES BINDER
Campaign No. 2004050015
August 2004
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:
MODELS 215.374/375/376, 220.170/175/174/176/183/184
MODEL YEARS 2003 AND 2004
(WITHOUT OPTION CODE 881: REMOTE TRUNK LID CLOSING)
REPLACEMENT OF BOTH TELESCOPING SPRINGS ON TRUNK LID
This Recall Campaign has been initiated because DCAG has determined that on affected vehicles (see VIN range below), the trunk lid springs could fail in the closed trunk lid position due to extensive exposure to very high temperatures. This failure only occurs in the closed position and causes the trunk lid to fail to spring open upon being unlocked, thereby providing notice to the customer of the broken spring condition. Nevertheless, if the trunk lid is manually lifted, it may not remain in the up position and could potentially cause injury if it comes down while someone is reaching into the trunk. We therefore advised customers in the Recall letter, to hold open the trunk lid, during use of the trunk, until the repair is completed. The recall will be conducted in order to replace both trunk lid springs with improved springs of increased strength.
Please review the Effective Serial Number Chart located below.
A sample copy of a letter which owners of the affected vehicles will receive is shown in this bulletin.
Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:
^ Please check VMI to insure the vehicle is involved and to determine if the vehicle has been previously repaired.
^ Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin.
Approximately 16,690 vehicles are affected.
Effective Serial Number Range
Procedure (replacement of both telescoping springs)
A. Removal of telescoping spring
1. Open trunk lid (9).
2. Insert trunk support tool (special tool: W170 589 04 6300). Do not tighten thumbscrew on support tool (slight movement of trunk lid is required for spring installation).
WARNING!:
When installing trunk support tool, ensure the top of tool (eyelet) is pointing up toward the trunk lid and weld on tool eyelet is facing left. Failure to install it properly could cause the trunk lid to fall unexpectedly potentially causing injury or result in damage to the vehicle.
3. Remove spring cover (1).
4. Pivot trunk lid (9) slightly downward until stop buffer (7) is accessible.
5. Unclip stop buffer (7) from right and left hinge lever.
6. Carefully open trunk lid (9) up to mechanical end stop (telescoping spring [2] is now free of tension).
7. Unlock retaining spring (6) on ball socket head (4).
8. Remove ball socket head (4) from hinge lever and unhook telescoping spring (2) at bottom, note position.
B. Installation of new telescoping spring
1. Unclip retaining spring (6) from side of ball socket (prior to installing telescoping spring).
Note:
The new telescoping spring is provided with a retaining spring preinstalled.
2. Hook new telescoping spring (2) in at bottom and press ball socket head (4) onto hinge lever (an audible click will be heard when ball socket is properly engaged).
3. Lock retaining spring (6) onto ball socket head (4).
Note:
Ensure that retaining spring of ball socket head (4) is fully engaged (an audible click will be heard).
Parts Information
Note:
The following allowable Labor Operations should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair.
Warranty Information
Operation: Telescoping springs (both) - trunk lid (includes adjustment), Replace (02-4336).
NOTE REGARDING CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT
Reimbursement to customers for repairs performed prior to this recall:
If the customer already paid to have this recall condition repaired and provides adequate documentation to support their claim of a non-warranty repair of this item, they may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
See Reimbursement to Customer for repairs performed prior to recall" in MBUSA's Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual.
Please note the claim submitted for customer reimbursement will not close the campaign (if still open).
If the customer is still in possession of the vehicle with an open campaign, please arrange to close the recall in the usual manner.