Recall - Steering Wheel Hub Separation: Overview
October 2001Safety Recall No. 897 Steering Wheel Anti-Separation Plate
Models
1993-1994 (AS) Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan, Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager, and Chrysler Town & Country
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a 4-spoke steering wheel built through September 1, 1993 (MDH 0901XX), a 2-spoke steering wheel built at the Windsor Assembly Plant through June 1, 1993 (MDH 0601XX) or a 2-spoke steering wheel built at the St. Louis Assembly Plant through July 22, 1994 (MDH 0722XX).
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 steering wheel armature on about 674,400 of the above vehicles may crack due to fatigue and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
Repair
All vehicles must be inspected for armature cracks, and all cracked steering wheels must be replaced. An anti-separation plate must be installed on all steering wheels without cracks, to prevent separation if future armature cracking occurs.
Alternate Transportation
If inspection determines that steering wheel replacement is required and the vehicle must be held overnight, dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle.
Parts Information
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive enough Anti-Separation Plate Packages to service about 15% of those vehicles.
NOTE:
The same anti-separation plate and steering wheel retaining nut is available in package CBXS7080. However, disregard the vehicle model year application shown on the instruction sheet provided in this package.
If a steering wheel is cracked and requires replacement, order the appropriate part from the table shown:
NOTE:
Steering wheels should be ordered only after inspection determines that replacement is required. Very few vehicles are expected to require a new steering wheel.
Due to the small number of involved vehicles expected to require steering wheel replacement, no steering wheels will be distributed initially.
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 one of the labor operation numbers and time allowances as shown:
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts return
Not required.
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 MDS2 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 "0RD897".
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 letter is shown.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form (not shown). 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.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation