Recall - Front Suspension Lower ball Joints: Overview
March 2003Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. C03
Front Suspension Lower Ball joints
Models
1997-2000 (PR) Plymouth Prowler
2001-2002 (PR) Chrysler Prowler
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 VIP inquiry process.
Subject
The front suspension lower ball joints on about 11,000 of the above vehicles may allow dirt and/or water to enter the ball join. This could result in premature ball joint wear and cause the ball joint to separate. Ball joint separation can result in a loss of steering control and cause an accident without warning.
Repair
The left and right front lower ball joints must be replaced.
Parts Information
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced will receive enough Ball Joint Packages to service about 10% of those vehicles.
Special Tools
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 the labor operation number and time allowance shown.
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
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. DealerCONNECT(R) and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future. Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced 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.
DealerCONNECT Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow Up
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The owner's name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.
To use this system, click on the "Service" tab and then click on "Global Recall System." Your dealer VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: unsold vehicles, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also use the Global Recall System VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.
Global Recall System VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
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 included.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation