Recall - Frame Weld Defect: Overview
No. 774March, 1998
To: All Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 774 -- Frame Welds
Models:
1997 Model Year Plymouth Prowler (PR) Vehicles Built Through December 10, 1997 (MDH 121008)
Some of the aluminum frame welds on about 262 of the above listed vehicles, may be missing. A missing weld at the steering gear attachment could cause the steering gear to separate from the frame. This may result in a loss of steering control and could cause an accident without prior warning. A missing frame weld at several other locations could weaken the frame and cause increased injury to occupants if the vehicle is involved in an accident. To correct this condition, each involved vehicle must first be inspected by a specialist from ALCOA. If any missing welds are identified, they must be added by a welding specialist from ALCOA.
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requirement to apply to used vehicle inventory. and should 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. 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 "ORD774"
Parts
No parts are required to perform the inspection of involved vehicles.
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 contact the Prowler Frame Hotline at 1-888-300-6237 to schedule an inspection appointment. The hotline representative will set up an appointment at the closest authorized Prowler dealer and arrange the inspection with the dealer and the ALCOA inspector. The owner will be instructed to bring their vehicle to that dealer for the inspection appointment or if they desire, arrangements will be made to have the vehicle picked up and returned to them. 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.