Recall - Radiator Fan relay: Overview
No8252
October 1999
Models
1996 (NS) Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan, Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country
Emissions Recall No. 8251 (Vehicles Located Out of California)
Emissions Recall No. 8252 (Vehicles Located in California)
Radiator Fan Relay
Subject
The radiator fan relay on about 635,000 of the above vehicles may not turn on the radiator fans. This may cause the engine to overheat. In addition, radiator fan relay operation is monitored by the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. Failure of an OBD monitored component violates U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission regulations.
Repair
The radiator fan relay must be replaced.
Dealers are encouraged to consider alternative scheduling and servicing approaches for this recall. This repair does not require hoists or other full service facility special equipment and is a DaimlerChrysler Mobile Service approved repair.
Parts Information
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive enough radiator fan relay packages to service 25% of those vehicles.
Part Number Description
CLX38250 Radiator Fan Relay Package
Each repair package contains one radiator fan relay and two relay mounting screws.
Dealers servicing vehicles registered in the state of California (Recall No.8252) must also order the required Authorized Modifications Label, PN 94275086, as necessary to support scheduled repairs.
Service Procedure
A. Replace Radiator Fan Relay
1. With the ignition key in the OFF position, disconnect the negative battery cable.
NOTE:
To enhance customer satisfaction, remember to record all radio settings before disconnecting the battery and to reset all electronic memory (clock, radio settings, etc.) when you have completed the service procedure.
2. On 3.OL, 3.3L and 3.8L engines, remove the two (2) screws that attach the air inlet resonator to the upper radiator support.
3. Disconnect the upper and lower air inlet hoses from the resonator and remove the resonator.
4. Remove the air cleaner housing.
FIGURE 1
5. Locate the radiator fan relay on the left front inner frame rail just behind the radiator (Figure 1).
6. Disconnect the radiator fan relay wiring connector.
7. Remove the radiator fan relay. Discard the relay and the attaching screws.
8. Clean the left frame rail where the old relay was mounted with a clean cloth.
9. Install the new radiator fan relay using the supplied screws. Tighten the screws to 35 in-lbs (4 N.m).
CAUTION:
Do not over torque screws. To ensure heat transfer and proper operation, the new radiator fan relay must be installed using both of the provided screws.
10. Connect the radiator fan relay electrical connector. Slide the red latch to the locked position.
11. Install the air cleaner housing.
12. Install the resonator assembly and connect the upper and lower air inlet hoses.
13. Install the resonator to upper radiator support screws. Tighten the screws securely.
14. Connect the negative battery cable.
B. Install the Authorized Modifications Label:
FIGURE 2
Type or print (with a ballpoint pen) the necessary information shown in Figure 2 onto the Authorized Modifications Label. Then attach the label near the VECI label.
C. Complete Proof of Correction Form for California Residents:
This recall is subject to the State of California Registration Renewal/Emissions Recall Enforcement Program. Complete a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No.81-016-1053) and supply it to vehicle owners residing in the state of California for proof that this recall has been performed when they renew the vehicle registration.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles which 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 following labor operation number and time allowance:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Replace radiator fan relay 08825182 0.4 hours
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, and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future. 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 DaimlerChrysler 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 are 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 "0RD8251" (vehicles located out of California) or "0RD8252" (vehicles located in California).
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 notification letter is attached.
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.
Vehicle Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service for a known reason, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.