August 2001

Distributor/Dealer Service Instructions for: Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors

Models

1999 (AB) Ram /Wagon NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 18, 1998 through January 29, 1999 (MDH 1218XX through 0129XX). 1999 (AN) NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 15, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0115XX). 1999 (DN) NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 18, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0118XX). 1999 (LH) Concorde, LHS and 300M and NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 19, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0119XX). 1999 (NS) Chrysler Town & Country, /Grand Caravan and Voyager/Grand Voyager NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 19, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0119XX). 1999 (WJ) Jeep௡ Grand Cherokee NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from December 6, 1998 through January 19, 1999 (MDH 1206XX through 0119XX).

IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in Distributor/ Dealer used vehicle inventory. Distributors/ Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Distributors/ Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.

Subject

One or both of the front seat belt retractor assemblies on about 150,000 of the above vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 209. An improperly manufactured internal lever may not lock the seat belt retractor. This could allow increased risk of injury to a front seat occupant in certain accident conditions. ஽Copyright 2001, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, All Rights Reserved Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −2−

Repair

The front seat belt retractor assembly(s) must be replaced.

Parts Information

No parts will be distributed initially for this recall. Distributors/Dealers should determine which Seat Belt Retractor package is required for each vehicle at the time appointments are scheduled to assure that the correct parts are available when the customer arrives. Each package contains a right and a left front seat belt retractor (except as noted). The retractor package 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 Distributors/Dealers); ● Using the VIN and part number list electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved Distributors/Dealers); or ● Entering the VIN into the DIAL VIP System (sales code information) along with the following table (all Distributors/Dealers): Vehicle Interior Color Sales Code Part Part Model Code Number DN Agate or Mist Gray −AZ or −C3 1 CCB29781 Camel/Tan −K9 2 CCA29782 WJ Taupe −L5 3 CCA29783 Agate −AZ 4 CCB29784 Camel −K5 5 CCA29785 NS Mist Gray −C3 6 CCD29786 Camel −K5 7 CCA29787 Silverfern −JK 8 CCB29788 Taupe −L5 9 CCA29789 (Left side only) AN Agate or Mist Gray −AZ or −C3 10 CCB2978A (Left side only) LH Agate or Medium Quartz −AZ or −D5 11 CCC2978B Lt. Pearl Beige −FK 12 CCA2978C Camel/Tan −K9 13 CCA2978D AB Mist Gray −C3 14 CCA2978E w/ Hinged Door Camel/Tan −K9 15 CCA2978F AB Mist Gray −C3 16 CCA2978G w/ Sliding Door (Right side only) Camel/Tan −K9 17 CCA2978H (Right side only) Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −3−

Service Procedure for AB /Wagons

IMPORTANT: Ram Vans/Wagons equipped with a sliding door require right (passenger side) front seat belt retractor assembly replacement only.

1. Open the passenger side doors.

2. Using a small flat blade, pry the turning loop cover open.

3. Remove the turning loop attaching bolt and disconnect the turning loop from the height adjuster (Figure 1).

FIGURE 1 1− ROOF RAIL 2− ADJUSTER 3− TURNING LOOP 4− RETRACTOR 5− SEAT RISER 6− TRIM PANEL

4. Remove the retractor/seat belt lower anchor bolt from the front seat riser (Figure 1).

5. Remove and discard the retractor assembly.

6. Install the new retractor assembly.

7. Install the retractor/seat belt anchor bolt. Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N· m). Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −4−

8. Install the turning loop anchor bolt. Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 9. Close the turning loop cover. 10. For vehicles equipped with dual hinged side doors, repeat Steps 1−9 for the driver’s side of the vehicle. Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −5−

Service Procedure for AN

IMPORTANT: Dakota trucks require left (driver side) front seat belt retractor assembly replacement only. 1. Open the driver’s side door. 2. Remove the driver’s door sill plate. 3. For Club Cab trucks, remove the cab back trim panel.

4. Using a small flat blade, pry the front seat belt turning loop cover open. 5. Remove the front seat belt turning loop attaching bolt and disconnect the turning loop from the height adjuster (Figure 2).

FIGURE 2 − Club Cab Model Shown 1− TRIM PANEL 2− TURNING LOOP 3− ADJUSTER 4− CONNECTOR 5− BELT ANCHOR 6− RETRACTOR

6. For Club Cab trucks, pry the rear seat belt turning loop cover open using a small flat blade.

7. For Club Cab trucks, remove the rear seat belt turning loop attaching bolt and disconnect the turning loop from the height adjuster (Figure 2). 8. Remove the quarter (B−Pillar) trim panel (Figure 2). Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −6−

9. Remove the lower seat belt anchor bolt (Figure 2). 10. Remove the anchor bolt that attaches the retractor to the B−pillar (Figure 2). 11. Disconnect the retractor electrical connector (if equipped). 12. Remove and discard the retractor assembly. 13. Install the new retractor assembly. 14. Install the retractor anchor bolt (Figure 2). Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 15. Connect the retractor electrical connector (if equipped). 16. Install the lower seat belt anchor bolt (Figure 2). Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 17. Install the quarter (B−pillar) trim panel (Figure 2). 18. For Club Cab trucks, install the rear seat belt turning loop anchor bolt. Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 19. Install the front seat belt turning loop anchor bolt. Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N· m). 20. Close the turning loop cover(s). 21. For Club Cab trucks, install the cab back trim panel.

22. Install the door sill plate. Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −7−

Service Procedure for DN Vehicles

1. Open the driver’s door. 2. Using a small flat blade, pry the turning loop cover open. 3. Remove the turning loop attaching bolt and disconnect the turning loop from the height adjuster (Figure 3).

FIGURE 3 FWD FORWARD 1− TURNING LOOP 2− ADJUSTER 3− B-PILLAR 4− ANTI-RATTLE CUP 5− ANCHOR BOLT 6− LOWER B-PILLAR TRIM 7− RETRACTOR 8− UPPER B-PILLAR TRIM

4. Remove the lower seat belt anchor bolt from the driver’s seat (Figure 3). 5. Remove the driver’s door sill plate. 6. Remove the upper B−Pillar trim panel (Figure 3).

7. Remove the lower B−Pillar trim panel (Figure 3).

8. Disconnect the retractor electrical connector. 9. Remove the anchor bolt that attaches the retractor to the B−pillar (Figure 3). Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −8−

10. Remove and discard the retractor assembly. 11. Remove the anti−rotation tab from the new retractor assembly and then install the new retractor assembly. 12. Install the retractor anchor bolt (Figure 3). Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 13. Connect the retractor electrical connector. 14. Install the lower B−pillar trim panel (Figure 3). 15. Install the upper B−pillar trim panel (Figure 3). 16. Install the driver’s door sill plate. 17. Install the lower seat belt anchor bolt (Figure 3). Tighten the bolt to 17 ft−lbs (23 N·m). 18. Install the turning loop anchor bolt. Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 19. Close the turning loop cover. 20. Repeat Steps 1−19 for the passenger side of the vehicle. Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −9−

Service Procedure for LH Vehicles

1. Using a small flat blade, pry the turning loop cover open.

2. Remove the turning loop attaching bolt and disconnect the turning loop from the height adjuster (Figure 4).

FIGURE 4 1− FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR 2− TURNING LOOP ADJUSTER 3− B-PILLAR UPPER 4− TURNING LOOP ADJUSTER KNOB

3. Remove the seat belt/retractor lower anchor bolt (Figure 4).

4. Remove the upper B−Pillar trim panel (Figure 4).

5. Remove the lower B−Pillar trim panel (Figure 4).

6. Remove and discard the retractor assembly (Figure 4).

7. Install the new retractor assembly.

8. Install the lower B−pillar trim panel (Figure 4).

9. Install the upper B−pillar trim panel (Figure 4). Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −10−

10. Install the seat belt/retractor lower anchor bolt (Figure 4). Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 11. Install the turning loop anchor bolt. Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 12. Close the turning loop cover. 13. Repeat Steps 1−12 for the other side of the vehicle. Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −11−

Service Procedure for NS

IMPORTANT: Town & Country minivans equipped with a taupe−colored leather interior require left (driver side) front seat belt retractor assembly replacement only.

1. Using a small flat blade, pry the turning loop cover open.

2. Remove the turning loop attaching bolt and disconnect the turning loop from the height adjuster (Figure 5).

FIGURE 5 FWD FORWARD A− VIEW A 1− B-PILLAR TRIM LOWER 2− BELT 3− 30° OUTBOARD 4− FLOOR ANCHOR 5− B-PILLAR TRIM UPPER 6− HEIGHT ADJUSTER 7− KNOB 8− B-PILLAR TRIM LOWER 9− FLOOR ANCHOR 10− RETRACTOR

3. Remove the upper B−Pillar trim panel (Figure 5).

4. Remove the seat belt floor anchor bolt (Figure 5). Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −12−

5. Remove the lower B−Pillar trim panel (Figure 5). (On three door models, remove the upper bolster from the left quarter trim panel, remove the five screws across the top and three screws at the front of the trim panel and then pull the front of the quarter trim panel back far enough to access the retractor assembly.) 6. Remove the anchor bolt that attaches the retractor to the B−pillar (Figure 5). 7. Disconnect the retractor electrical connector, if equipped, and then remove and discard the retractor assembly. 8. Connect the retractor electrical connector, if equipped, and then install the new retractor assembly. 9. Install the retractor anchor bolt (Figure 5). Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 10. Install the lower B−pillar trim panel (or left quarter trim panel on three door models) (Figure 5). 11. Install the seat belt floor anchor bolt (Figure 5). Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). Make sure that the floor anchor is properly oriented (30° outboard). 12. Install the upper B−pillar trim panel (Figure 5). 13. Install the turning loop anchor bolt. Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 14. Close the turning loop cover. 15. Repeat Steps 1−14 for the other side of the vehicle if necessary. Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −13−

Service Procedure for WJ Vehicles

1. Open the driver’s door.

2. Using a small flat blade, pry the turning loop cover open.

3. Remove the turning loop attaching bolt and disconnect the turning loop from the height adjuster.

4. Remove the lower seat belt anchor bolt (Figure 6).

FIGURE 6 1− B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM 2− ACCESS COVER 3− B-PILLAR LOWER TRIM

5. Remove the driver’s door sill plate.

6. Remove the lower B−Pillar trim panel (Figure 6).

7. Remove and discard the retractor assembly (Figure 6). Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −14−

8. Install the new retractor assembly. 9. Install the lower B−pillar trim panel (Figure 6). 10. Install the driver’s door sill plate. 11. Install the lower seat belt anchor bolt (Figure 6). Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 12. Install the turning loop anchor bolt. Tighten the bolt to 30 ft−lbs (41 N·m). 13. Close the turning loop cover. 14. Repeat Steps 1−13 for the passenger side of the vehicle. Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −15−

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 Distributor/Dealer payments.

Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:

Labor Time Operation Allowance Number ¼ Replace ONE front seat belt retractor AB Van/Wagon – with sliding door 23−97−81−82 0.2 hours AN Trucks – All 23−97−81−82 0.4 hours NS Minivans – with Taupe interior (Sales Code –L5) 23−97−81−82 0.4 hours ¼ Replace BOTH front seat belt retractors AB Van/Wagon – with Dual Hinged doors 23−97−81−83 0.3 hours DN Vehicles – All 23−97−81−83 0.7 hours LH Vehicles – All 23−97−81−83 0.7 hours WJ Vehicles – All 23−97−81−83 0.7 hours NS Minivans ● With driver side sliding door (Sales Code GKD) 23−97−81−83 0.7 hours but without Taupe interior (w/o Sales Code –L5) ● Without driver side sliding door 23−97−81−84 0.8 hours (without Sales Code GKD)

Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable Distributor/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. Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −16−

Distributor/Dealer Notification and Vehicle List

Regional offices will receive an electronic list of involved vehicles. The Vehicle List is arranged by Distributor/Dealer code and in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. The lists are for Distributor/Dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.

DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP

All involved vehicles have been entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP for Distributor/Dealer inquiry as needed.

Function 53 provides involved Distributor/Dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. 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 “ORD978”.

Owner Notification and Service Scheduling

All involved vehicle owners should be notified of the service requirement by their Distributor/Dealer. Owners are requested to schedule appointments for this service. A sample copy of the owner notification letter is attached.

Distributor/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. Safety Recall No. 978 − Front Seat Belt Retractors −17−

Vehicle Not Available

If a vehicle is not available for service for a known reason, let us know by describing the reason on a postcard and mail to:

DaimlerChrysler Corporation CIMS 482−00−85 800 Chrysler Drive East Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326−2757

Please include the VIN number, campaign number and current owner information, if available.

Following the above procedures will expedite the processing of your claim.

Additional Information

If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your International Service and Parts manager.

International Service and Parts DaimlerChrysler Corporation SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE YOUR VEHICLE’S FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES

Dear DaimlerChrysler Vehicle Owner: DaimlerChrysler Corporation has determined that some 1999 model year , LHS, 300M and Town & Country; and Grand Voyager; Dodge Intrepid, Caravan, Grand Caravan, Dakota, Durango and Ram Van/Wagon and Jeep௡ Grand Cherokee vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209 – Seat Belt Assemblies.

The problem is... One or both of the front seat belt retractor assemblies on your vehicle may not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 209. An improperly manufactured internal lever may not lock the seat belt retractor. This could allow increased risk of injury to a front seat occupant in certain accident conditions. What DaimlerChrysler DaimlerChrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and and your dealer will labor). To do this, your dealer will replace one or both of the front seat do... belt retractor assemblies depending upon your vehicle model. The work will take about one hour to complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed. What you must do to Simply contact your dealer right away to schedule a service appointment. ensure your safety... Ask the dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to order them before your appointment. If you need help... If you have trouble getting your vehicle repaired, please contact the DaimlerChrysler Distributor nearest your location. A representative will assist you in getting your vehicle repaired. This information can be found in the Customer Assistance section of your Owner’s Manual.

If you have already experienced the problem described above and have paid to have it repaired, contact the DaimlerChrysler Distributor nearest your location for reimbursement procedures. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

International Service and Parts DaimlerChrysler Corporation 978 Buckle up for Safety

஽Copyright 2001, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, All Rights Reserved