Recall - Steering Column Coupling Bolt
No. 538February, 1992
To: All Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 538 - Steering Column Coupling Bolt
Models:
The Following 1992 Model Year Vehicles Built In the U.S. and Canada in Early October, 1991 and Still In Dealer Inventory:
^ Plymouth Acclaim and Dodge Spirit (AA-Body)
Note:
Excludes Dodge Spirit R/T and Chrysler LeBaron Sedan
^ Dodge Dynasty and Chrysler New Yorker Salon (AC-Body)
^ Dodge Daytona (AG-Body)
^ Chrysler LeBaron Coupe/Convertible (AJ-Body)
^ Plymouth Sundance and Dodge Shadow (AP-Body)
Note:
Excludes Dodge Shadow Convertible
^ Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager, Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan/Caravan C/V and Chrysler Town & Country (AS-Body)
^ Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue and Imperial (AY-Body)
Upper steering column coupling bolts on the involved vehicles must be visually inspected to determine if they are bright (zinc plated) or black (phosphate coated). The bright bolts may be broken or may break on initial driving of the vehicle. Failure of the bolt will cause loss of steering control.
All bright plated bolts must be replaced before retail
Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.
Note:
No videotape of the service procedure for this recall will be provided.
Vehicle List
Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same location) will receive with this letter a vehicle list arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. The listed vehicles are those still in dealer stock according to our latest records. The lists are for dealer reference in performing the required service before retail delivery.
Parts
Dealers must order one Steering Column Coupling Bolt, Part No. 6502413, for each involved vehicle in dealer stock. Bolts will be supplied at dealer cost.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
Not applicable.
Service Procedure
Important:
Each involved vehicle in dealer stock must receive this recall service before retail
A. Bolt Inspection
1. Turn the steering wheel until the upper steering column coupling bolt head is visible. It is located near the floor, just above the steering column cover and shield -- Figure 1.
2. Inspect the bolt to determine if it is bright (zinc plated) or black (phosphate coated):
^ If the bolt is black coated, it is OK and no other service is required. These vehicles may be delivered to customers without further delay.
^ If the bolt is bright plated, it is suspect and must be replaced before retail delivery of the vehicle. Proceed with the following steps.
B. Bolt Replacement
1. Remove the ignition key and lock the steering column.
2. Remove the retaining pin from the bolt (Figure 1).
3. Loosen the nut (integral with the coupling) and remove the bolt.
Note:
It the bolt is broken, tag it with the VIN and give it to the Zone Service Representative for return to Chrysler. If the bolt is not broken, discard it.
4. Install a new bolt, PN 6502413.
5. Tighten the nut to 250 in.lbs. (28 N-m) torque.
6. Reinstall the retaining pin.
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 labor operation numbers and time allowances (see illustration).
Note:
See Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual, Chapter 6, Subsection H for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not required unless bolt is broken -- see Service Procedure step B3.
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.
No. 538
February, 1992 SUPPLEMENT
To: All Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers General Field Service & Parts Sales Managers Zone Service & Parts Sales Managers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 538 -- Steering Column Coupling Bolt SUPPLEMENT -- OWNER NOTIFICATION
Models:
This Supplement Applies to the Following 1992 Model Year Vehicles Built in Early October, 1991 and Delivered to Retail Buyers
^ Plymouth Acclaim and Dodge Spirit (AA-Body)
^ Dodge Dynasty and Chrysler New Yorker Salon (AC-Body)
^ Dodge Daytona (AG-Body)
^ Chrysler LeBaron Coupe/Convertible (AJ-Body)
^ Plymouth Sundance and Dodge Shadow (AP-Body)
^ Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager, Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan/Caravan C/V and Chrysler Town & Country (AS-Body)
^ Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue and Imperial (AY-Body)
Reference: Safety Recall # 538 notification February, 1992
Owners of affected model vehicles will now be notified to schedule appointments for the subject recall service requirement. A copy of the owner notification letter is included.
An initial supply of the bolts required for repair of these vehicles (PN 6502413) is being shipped to dealers at this time, at dealer cost. Enough bolts will be provided to repair 50% of involved vehicles invoiced to each dealer. Order more as needed.
For all other details of this service requirement, refer to the original dealer notification letter of February, 1992 -- copy included:
^ Vehicle models, repair procedure, and completion reporting and reimbursement requirements are the same as stated in the original letter.
^ Important: Bolts found to be broken must be returned to your Zone Service Representative, as explained in the flyer.
SAFETY RECALL - STEERING COLUMN COUPLING BOLT
Dear Chrysler Corporation Vehicle Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Chrysler Corporation has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1992 model vehicles. A bolt used to fasten the upper steering shaft coupling to the lower steering shaft may break. This could cause a loss of steering control and possibly result in an accident without prior warning.
The following vehicle models are involved:
^ Plymouth Sundance, Acclaim, Voyager and Grand Voyager
^ Dodge Shadow, Daytona, Spirit, Dynasty, Caravan, Grand Caravan and Caravan C/V
^ Chrysler LeBaron Coupe/Convertible, New Yorker Salon, Fifth Avenue and Imperial, and Town & Country
Your vehicle, identified on the enclosed form, is affected. For this reason we ask that you arrange for service to correct the condition without delay. The service and required replacement part as described in this letter will be provided free of charge.
To prevent bolt breakage, your dealer will replace the suspect bolt with an improved bolt.
The work will take about one-half hour to complete. However, additional time may be required depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed. To obtain this free service:
^ Contact your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for the service.
^ Take the enclosed Owner Recall Notification Form with you at the time of your appointment and give it to your dealer. The form identifies the vehicle and the service that is required.
If you have any problem obtaining the needed service, please contact the Chrysler Zone Service Office in your area. (It is listed under "Service Assistance" in your Owner's Manual.) A Zone representative will arrange for prompt servicing of your vehicle.
We regret any inconvenience which this action may cause you. However, we believe that you understand our concern for motor vehicle safety, and for your continued satisfaction with our products. If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, or call the Toll Free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393. (Washington D.C. area residents may call 366-0123.)
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.