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Recall - Sliding Door Key Cylinder Link Replacement: Overview

June 2001

Product Improvement Action No. 987
Sliding Door Key Cylinder Links

Models

2001 (RS) Chrysler Voyager, Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan

NOTE:
This action applies only to the above vehicles that are NOT equipped with Remote Keyless Entry (Sales Code "GXR") built at the:

^ St. Louis South Assembly Plant ("B" in the 11th VIN Position) through May 24, 2001 (MDH 052401).

^ Windsor Assembly Plant ("R" in the 11th VIN Position) through May 24, 2001 (MDH 052405).

IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer vehicle inventory.

Dealers should complete this product improvement on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this improvement on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.

Subject

Based on the results of high speed vehicle crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DaimlerChrysler has concluded that the sliding door latches on about 105,000 of the above minivans may release during certain severe accident conditions that involve the sliding door. This could allow the sliding door to partially open. This product improvement action is designed to enhance occupant safety in the event of such an accident.

Improvement

Both sliding door key cylinder-to-bellcrank links must be replaced.





Parts Information

Each package contains a right and a left key cylinder-to-bellcrank link.

Each dealer to whom vehicles in this action were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive enough Key Cylinder Link Packages to service about 10% of those 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 claim submission. To use this system, type "53" at the "ENTER FUNCTION" prompt, then type "0RD987".

Owner Notification and Service Scheduling

All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of this product improvement action by mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A copy of the owner letter is included.

Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and notification number are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.

Dealers are encouraged to consider alternative scheduling and servicing approaches for this product improvement action. This service does not require hoists or other full service facility special equipment and is DaimlerChrysler Mobile Service approved.

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.