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04/16/96 - 12:27 AM ET - Click reload often for latest version

Chrysler sets recall for ABS flaw

Chrysler soon will recall 350,000 1990-93 vehicles for potentially faulty
anti-lock brake systems (ABS). 

The recall begins late this spring after dealers get diagnostic gear that can
predict which systems will fail. 

The recall should end an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration into more than 1,300 complaints about the Chrysler ABS. That's
an extraordinary number. NHTSA typically gets dozens of complaints or fewer. 

"Chrysler finally is doing what we asked it to a year ago," says Center for
Auto Safety's Clarence Ditlow. 

Potentially faulty parts are a hydraulic pump and a seal. If they fail, the
brakes still work, but there is no anti-lock pumping action to prevent skids.


Chrysler will replace problem ABS parts free, extend ABS warranties to
100,000 miles or reimburse owners who've paid for repairs. 

Involved: 275,000 1991-93 Plymouth, Dodge and Chrysler minivans; 67,000
1990-93 Chrysler New Yorkers, Chrysler Imperials and Dodge Dynasties; 4,000
'91-92 Eagle Premier and Dodge Monaco sedans; 4,000 exports. 

By Jayne O'Donnell and James R. Healey, USA TODAY 

_______________________________________________________________________________


From the Weekly Automotive Report:

   Chrysler is recalling 321,000 minivans and mid-sized and large cars
   due to potential anti-lock brake system failures.

   The vehicles affected include 1990-93 Chrysler Imperial, New Yorker
   and Dodge Dynasty models; 1991-92 Dodge Monacos and Eagle Premiers;
   and 1991-93 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan,
   Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager minivans. Dealers will test the ABS
   components and replace worn parts if needed.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Date: Wed, 15 May 1996 18:27:00 -0600
From: Simelton, Benard LtCol HQ\TS 
To: charl 
Subject: CC Reimbursements for Anti-Lock Repair

Hello Charlene,

Have you received any mail from anyone who has actually received 
reimbursements for the anti-lock brake work that they paid for out of their 
pockets.  I spoke with CC last week and they stated that they did not have 
the Recall letters out to the individuals, but that individuals could send 
in their original receipts and that CC would reimburse them.  However, the 
person I spoke to indicated that CC would only reimburse for the Anti-lock 
pump motor and that she was not sure about the Hydraulic Assembly.  In my 
case they replaced both parts because the service manager stated that in 
order to get the warranty and to properly repair the system that both sub 
systems )anti-lock pump motor and hydraulic assembly) would have to be 
replaced.  Also I am a little concerned about sending them my original 
receipt.
Also do you know anyone who has actually received a recall letter, if so it 
would be good to put a copy of the letter on the net?

Charlene I think you have done a super job in being the honcho for this 
effort and not giving up when so many of us were willing to give up easily. 
 I am glad I found that flyer on my van.  If I am reimbursed, I will gladly 
donate a portion of it to CAS.  If you ask me to donate to NHTSA, I think I 
would have to think twice.  LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

Thanks Again,
B. Simelton

P.S.  I have not seem any press coverage concerning CC's recall like I have 
for Ford's recall.  Have you?

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From: cblak1@osf1.gmu.edu (Charlene M Blake)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.makers.chrysler
Subject: Re: ABS Recall real?
Date: 31 May 1996 04:39:21 GMT
Organization: George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA

Sanford Silverman (silvermans@pt.cyanamid.com) wrote:
: Just called the US auto safety # published in the NY Times in an 
: article on brakes (800-424-9393).  I was told that within three weeks or 
: so I would be informed by Chrysler of a recall on '91-'93 Voyager ABS 
: brake systems.  Anyone have confiming evidence of this potentially good 
: news?
: -- 
-	This is what CC says, but note the irony of its position re: the 
Class Action Lawsuit on the ABS matter (see my recent post).  I am
still unclear why they consider such a suit "frivolous" when indeed their
is a known problem as indicated by both a NHTSA engineering analysis (via
a formally opened investigation) and CC itself.  So far, I have heard from
a couple of owners re: the dealerships position on this.  Some dealerships
are still saying they know *nothing* about such a eminent recall.  And,
the infamous "800 Customer Service #" staff told one owner that CC would
only cover the cost of the ABS pump *not* the hydraulic assembly.  You will
note that the pump replacement costs owners roughly $600 while the 
hydraulic assembly replacement cost owners $1500......easy to see *why*
CC will only cover the pump?  But, wait....the defect is associated with
the hydraulic assembly portion...there is pressure loss in this component.
The ABS pump only burns out *after* it runs constantly to keep up the 
pressure in the hyd. assy.  When CC claims they will "repair and reimburse"
owners, they did not *qualify* the extent of the reimbursement, however.
Since this is a recall, I would assume they should cover the entire repair
cost??  
	Be advised by some owners, also, that CC is telling owners they
will not make any adjustments if the vehicles are showing the intermittent
symptoms which are *characteristic* of the early failure in the system.
This is one of those "unable to duplicate" sort of situations, it seems.
Also, CC is requesting the *originals* for reimbursement requests.  They
are not guaranteeing full reimbursement but they still are telling owners
to send in the original repair orders.  Why is this necessary?  The
repair history should be documented in CC's computer....a copy should be
all that is necessary.  I personally would not send in *my* original
repair orders, esp. without any guarantee of full reimbursement.
	One owner has voiced concerns after a CC dealership keeps topping
off the brake fluid in a temporary effort to ward off the system failure.
OTOH, they are unwilling to accept any liability for future function in
the system.  This is a "bandaid" treatment if there ever was one.  Someone
tell me why this "piston seal kit" repair cannot be done when an owner
complains of the intermittent problem??  After several years of documentation,
isn't this enough of an indication that the problem is in the early stages?
I *thought* this fix was found so why are owners being turned away when
signs and symptoms are noted by owners??  Thanks for any light you might
be able to shed on this matter!:-
Charlene Blake
Springfield, VA
email: cblak1@osf1.gmu.edu
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