Recall - Child Seat Belt Extension: Overview
No. 791November, 1998
To: All Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 791 -- Child Seat Belt Extensions
Models:
1996 and 1997 Model Year Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan; Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager; and Chrysler Town & Country (NS) Minivans Equipped With Integrated Child Seats (Sales Code -- CYK or CYR)
Effective immediately, this recall (# 791) cancels and supersedes Customer Satisfaction Notification # 721 -- Child Safety Seat Video and Harness Clips.
Debris in the latch plate area of the integrated child seats on about 159,000 of the above listed vehicles, may cause the retractor to remain locked when the buckle is unlatched. A locked retractor could make it difficult to remove a child from the seat. To correct this condition, child seat belt extensions must be installed and a child seat owner manual addendum card provided to the owner. In addition, the latch plate of each child seat must be inspected for proper operation and cleaned if necessary.
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 as determined by using the DIAL VIP System.
Dealer Notification & Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. 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 Chrysler 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 will be entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP at the time of recall implementation 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 is 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 "ORD791".
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 Child Seat Belt Extension Packages, Recall PN CCNK7910, to service about 10% of those vehicles.
Each parts package contains the components as shown.
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 this 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 child seat belt extensions and inspect 23791182 0.6 hours
both latch plates
Install child seat belt extensions and clean 23791183 0.8 hours
and lubricate one child seat latch plate
Install child seat belt extensions and clean 23791184 1.0 hours
and lubricate both child seat latch plates
Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances, if an owner requests latch plate cleaning at some time in the future after the seat belt extensions have already been installed:
Clean and lubricate one child
seat latch plate 23791185 0.3 hours
Clean and lubricate both
child seat latch plates 23791186 0.5 hours
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.