Recall - Lower Steering Column Coupler: Overview
No. 741October, 1997
To: All Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 741 -- Lower Steering Column Coupler
Models:
1995 Model Year Dodge and Plymouth Neon (PL) Vehicles
The lower steering column coupler on about 355,000 of the above listed vehicles, may separate as a result of a hard undercarriage impact and cause a loss of steering control. To correct this condition, the lower steering column coupler must be replaced.
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 DIAL System Function 70.
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, 70 and VIP
All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Functions 53, 70 and VIP at the time of recall implementation for dealer inquiry as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number is listed if known. Parts information is also provided. 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 ORD741".
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 Steering Coupler Packages to service about 25% of those vehicles.
Dealers should determine which parts package is required for each vehicle at the time appointments are scheduled to assure that the correct parts package is available when the customer arrives. The appropriate steering coupler for the vehicle to be serviced may be determined by:
^ Using the part code in the third column of the VIN list along with the following table (involved dealers);
^ Using the VIN and part number list electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved dealers); or
^ Entering the VIN to DIAL System Function 69 or VIP (sales code information) along with the following table (all dealers).
Each parts package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
1 Steering Coupler
1 Coupler Seal
1 Roll Pin
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.