Recall - Install Vacuum By Pass Kit: Overview
Recall CircularCode: UF
Subject:
INSTALL VACUUM BY-PASS KIT
1998-99 Model Volkswagen Passat 1.8L 5V Turbo Automatic Transmission Vehicles
1998-99 Model Passat 2.8L 5V V6 Standard/Automatic Transmission Vehicle
Dear Volkswagen Dealer:
This is to inform you of the initiation of a voluntary safety recall involving 1998-99 model Volkswagen Passat 1.8L 5V Turbo automatic transmission vehicles and Passat 2.8L 5V V6 standard/automatic transmission vehicles. The recall involves the installation of a brake vacuum by-pass kit.
Problem Description
Volkswagen has found that at ambient temperatures of below -4°F under certain driving conditions a control valve in the brake booster vacuum system may not fully open. Should this happen, it could result in insufficient vacuum being provided to the brake power assist unit. Although the problem does not occur at temperatures above -4°F, we recommend that the recall work be performed also on vehicles which are not regularly operated in the colder regions of the country. (See copies of customer notification letters, attached for additional information).
Vehicle Identification Number Range
The vehicles affected by the recall action are within the following vehicle identification number ranges:
Please note that the above VINs represent the lowest and highest serial numbers of affected vehicles. Use of the OTIS campaign inquiry system will allow you to determine whether or not a particular vehicle, within the above VIN ranges, requires the corrective work.
NOTE:
Volkswagen will not reimburse under this recall any duplicate recall repair work or a repair outside the VIN ranges.
Remedial Action
Install a brake power assist unit vacuum by-pass kit.
IMPORTANT:
Please Provide A Copy To All Personnel With Campaign-Related Responsibilities!
Owner Notification Mailing
Volkswagen of America, Inc. will mail first class notification letters to all known owners of affected vehicles on or about September 21, 1999. Copies of the (4) owner letters are enclosed in this circular.
Vehicle Allocation
By separate mail, we will furnish to you (2) separate computer lists containing information for vehicles of 1.8L 5V Turbo and 2.8L 5V V6 owners who may reside within your area of responsibility.
Dealer Inventory Vehicles
Section 154(d) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle 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 dealer new or used car inventory, and showing the UH code in the OTIS system, is updated with the installation of a vacuum by-pass kit prior to sale.
Parts Availability
Vacuum kits, 058 198 751, are en-route to your dealership and repair appointments can be scheduled for 1.8L 5V Turbo vehicles. However, vacuum kits 078 198 998N/M and P for the 2.8L 5V V6 vehicles will only be available on or about October 15, 1999. Prior to the availability of these kits at your dealership, appointments should not be scheduled.
Parts Information
Prior to owner notification, we will automatically ship to you an initial supply of required vacuum by-pass kits based on your vehicle allocation count. Additional required parts must be ordered by you from your facing parts depot. Please refrain from over-ordering this kit; you may be required to return excess inventory.
The parts required are as follows:
Work Procedure
For vehicles with a 1.8 Liter 5 valve turbo engine with automatic transmission, go to Section A.
For vehicles with a 2.8 Liter 5 valve V6 engine with standard/automatic transmission, go to Section B.
Time Requirements/Reimbursement
Additional Applicable Codes
Recall Verification
For verification, always check the OTIS campaign inquiry system. The OTIS system is the only binding campaign inquiry and verification system; other systems are not valid.
Dealer Obligation
To ensure customer 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 for the recall repair service of the vehicle. Every effort should be made to reduce any inconvenience to customers.
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 parts and accounting personnel.
Thank you for your cooperation.