Recall - Modify Engine Cooling System: Overview
RECALL CIRCULARApril 1999
CODE: UE
SUBJECT:
Modify Engine Coolant System
MODELS:
1992-94 Volkswagen Corrado Vehicles Equipped With VR6 Engines
Dear Volkswagen Dealer:
This is to inform you of a voluntary safety recall campaign involving 1992-94 model year Volkswagen Corrado vehicles equipped with VR6 engines. This recall involves modification of the engine coolant system.
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
Volkswagen has determined that the malfunction of a coolant system component such as the thermostat, fan belt, thermo switch, fan motor or water pump, if not serviced in a timely manner, could cause the coolant temperature and pressure to increase significantly. An increase in pressure could result in coolant leakage, including leakage from the heat exchanger, in particular in high mileage vehicles. Leakage of hot coolant from the heat exchanger could cause injury to the feet of the driver or steam up the interior of the vehicle and temporarily impair the driver's visibility.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER RANGE
The vehicles affected by this recall are within the following vehicle identification number range:
WVWEF450_NKOOOOO1 - WVWEF450_RK003774
Please note that the above VINs represent the lowest and highest serial numbers of affected vehicles. Use of the V-Crest campaign inquiry system will allow you to determine whether or not a particular vehicle, within the above VIN range, requires the corrective work.
MODEL NUMBERS
REMEDIAL ACTION
Install a coolant pressure throttle unit and perform a functional check of the cooling system.
OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING
Volkswagen of America will mail first class notification letters to all known owners on or about April 1, 1999. A copy of the owner letter is included in this circular.
VEHICLE ALLOCATION
Enclosed with this circular is a computer list containing information for vehicles of owners who may reside within your area of responsibility.
Important Note:
The above-mentioned listing includes owner names and addresses obtained from state motor vehicle registrations. Under the law of some states, including regulations set forth by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, vehicle registration information may only be used for recall purposes. Use for other reasons may constitute a violation of state law.
LIMITATION ON SALE OR LEASE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES
Section 154 (d) of the National Traffic and Motor Safety Act of 1966 mandates that dealers correct, prior to delivery for sale or lease, any vehicle which fails to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or which contains a defect relating to motor vehicle safety. It is, therefore, imperative that any vehicle in your used car inventory which is affected by this recall and shows the UE code in the V-Crest campaign inquiry system is corrected prior to sale.
PARTS INFORMATION
Prior to owner notification, we will automatically ship to you an initial supply of required parts based on your vehicle allocation count. The parts are as follows:
Additional required parts must be ordered by you from your facing parts depot.
Please refrain from over-ordering the pressure throttle kit; otherwise, you may be required to return excess inventor.
REPLACEMENT TIME/REIMBURSEMENT
To ensure reimbursement, the V-Crest recall inquiry system must show the UE code. Recall claims will only be paid for vehicles which show the recall code UE in the V-Crest system at the time of the repair work.
UE DATA ENTRY PROCEDURE
The system automatically enters the part numbers and labor applicable to the above listed code.
For all vehicles which, according to your information are unreachable, please enter into the system one of the codes indicated as applicable.
HEAT EXCHANGER REPLACEMENT REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORK PERFORMED DURING OR AFTER RECALL
It is possible that a heat exchanger may have a coolant seepage when the vehicle comes in for the recall service or sometime after the recall work has been performed. Volkswagen sill replace this heat exchanger free of charge to the customer. Claims are to be entered into the system with code ZE12, as indicated in the Data Entry Procedure below:
ZE DATA ENTRY PROCEDURE
The system automatically enters the part numbers and labor applicable to the above listed code(s).
ADDITIONAL CAMPAIGNS
Some of the affected vehicles may also be involved in additional corrective actions. Please access the V-Crest campaign inquiry system so that any additional work can be done simultaneously.
RECALL VERIFICATION
For verification, always check your V-Crest recall inquiry system. The V-Crest system is the only campaign verification system; other systems are not valid.
DEALER OBLIGATION
To ensure satisfaction as well as minimize inconvenience to your customers, you are urged to service each vehicle at the scheduled service appointment time, offer and supply a loaner vehicle for the day, if necessary, and make sure that each vehicle is returned to the customer washed and cleaned inside. Do not let any customer wait longer than necessary during the recall service of the vehicle. Every effort should be made to reduce inconvenience to customers.
This recall service must be performed by the servicing dealer irrespective of mileage, age of the vehicle or selling dealer.
SERVICE HELP
If you have any questions regarding this or any other recall or service action, please call (248) 340-4734 or (248) 340-4858.
DEALER PERSONNEL INFORMATION
PLEASE INFORM AND/OR PROVIDE A COPY OF THIS COMMUNICATION TO EVERY PERSON IN YOUR DEALERSHIP WHO HAS CAMPAIGN-RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES, INCLUDING ACCOUNTING PERSONNEL.
Thank you for your cooperation.