RAM 2500 Truck 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1997)
Technical Service Bulletin # 727
Date: 970601
Recall - Paint Chipping
No.: 727
June, 1997
To: All Dodge Truck Dealers
Subject:
Customer Satisfaction Notification # 727 -- Severe Paint Chipping
Models:
1997 Model Year Dodge Dakota (AN) and Ram (BR) Pickup Trucks With Radiant Red Metallic Paint (Sales Code PRF) Built Through March 23, 1997
(MDH 032300) at the Dodge City Assembly Plant ("S" in the 11th VIN position).
The above vehicles may have been painted without using a full body powder anti-chip primer in the painting process. Without this anti-chip primer,
severe and excessive paint chipping from normal stone contact may occur. To correct this condition, each vehicle must first be inspected. If the anti-chip
primer was not applied, the vehicle must be completely stripped and repainted at a "PPG" approved repair facility. The Chrysler "Paint Resolution Group
at 1-800-215-6230 will coordinate the repair. Owners of vehicles that do not meet the paint inspection criteria will be given three options: repainting,
vehicle replacement, or repurchase.
Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.
Service Procedure Videotape
No videotape of the service procedure for this notification will be provided.
Dealer Notification & Vehicle List
All dealers:
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer notification letter by first class mail. No VIN lists will be provided for this notification.
DIAL System Functions 53, 63, 70 and VIP
VIN's for all involved vehicles will be activated on DIAL System Functions 53, 63, 70 and VIP at the time of notification mailing for dealer inquiry as
needed.
Parts
No parts are required for this service action. "Paint thickness gauges were previously distributed to certain dealers for inspecting unsold vehicles. No
additional paint thickness gauges are available.
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
Chrysler "Paint Resolution Group at 1-800-215-6230 to locate the nearest dealer for the inspection. Owners will be instructed to make an appointment
with that dealer for an inspection. A copy of the owner notification letter is included.
Enclosed with each owner notification is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and notification are identified on the form for owner or
dealer reference as needed.
Service Procedure
The paint thickness on each involved vehicle is to be measured at four locations (the roof panel, the cab outer rocker panel, the pickup bed floor, and the
rocker panel of the pickup box) and each measurement recorded on DIAL function 63 per Warranty Bulletin D-97-08 (included) even if the paint
thickness is acceptable.
1.
Using the provided magnetic induction paint thickness gauge (Elcometer), measure the paint thickness on the roof panel and record the
measurement on the ""Paint Inspection" form (included).
2.
Measure the paint thickness of the cab rocker panel outer surface (outside of door opening) and record on the "Paint Inspection" form.
3.
Measure the paint thickness on the floor of the pickup bed and record on the "Paint Inspection" form. This may require lifting up the bedliner to
measure the paint thicknesses if equipped.
