Recall - Steering Gear Reinforcement: Overview
No. 688November, 1996
To: All Dodge Truck Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 688 -- Steering Gear Attachment Reinforcement
Models:
^ 1988 Through 1990 Model Year Dodge Dakota (AN) 2WD Standard Cab Vehicles Equipped With a 3.9L V-6 Engine ("X" in the 8th VIN Position)
^ All 1990 Model Year Dodge Dakota (AN) 2WD Club Cab Vehicles
The rack and pinion steering gear on the above listed vehicles, may separate from the vehicle frame and cause a loss of steering control. To correct this condition, the frame crossmember must be reinforced at the steering gear attachment locations.
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service as determined by using DIAL System Function 70.
Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.
Service Procedure Videotape
No videotape of the service procedure for this recall will be provided.
Dealer Notification & Vehicle List
Involved dealers: Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter and a list of the involved vehicles by first class mail.
The Vehicle List is 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.
All other dealers: Each Dodge Truck dealer who does not receive a Vehicle List will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail.
DIAL System Functions 53, 70 and VIP
All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Functions 53, 70 and VIP at the time of recall implementation for dealer inquiry by VIN as needed.
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 street address), will receive enough Reinforcement Packages, Recall PN CBNT688O, to service about 25% of those vehicles.
Each parts package contains the following components:
Quantity Description Quantity Description
2 Reinforcement Plates 2 Steering Gear Mounting Bolts
2 Weld Nuts 2 Washers
1 Instruction Sheet
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. A copy of the owner notification letter is included.
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.
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 one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Install front crossmember steering gear 13688182 0.7 hours
attachment reinforcement plates
Install front crossmember steering gear 13688183 0.8 hours
attachment reinforcement plates and
new weldnuts
Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
Note:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section 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 Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
Chrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
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.