Dakota 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1998)
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
Following the above procedures will expedite the processing of your claim.
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.
Dealer Service Instructions
IMPORTANT
DEALER SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS
Safety Recall # 746 -- Front Wheel Well Splash Shields
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This service requirement only applies to 1998 model year Dodge Dakota (AN) 2WD vehicles built through August 13, 1997 (MDH 081323).
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The front wheel well splash shields on the above listed vehicles, may contact the front brake hoses and/or the front ABS wheel speed sensor wires.
To correct this condition, the front wheel well splash shields must be modified and the front brake hoses and ABS sensor wires must be inspected and
replaced if necessary.
Parts Packages:
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No parts are required for the splash shield modification in this recall.
Owner Letter
SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT AND MODIFY YOUR VEHICLE'S FRONT WHEEL WELL SPLASH SHIELDS IF NECESSARY
Dear Dodge Dakota Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Chrysler Corporation has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1998 Dodge Dakota two wheel drive vehicles.
The problem is...
The front wheel well splash shields on your Dakota (identified on the enclosed form), may contact the front brake hoses. Prolonged brake hose contact
may cause the hose to rub through and leak, resulting in a partial brake system loss and increased stopping distance. The increased stopping distance
could result in an accident without prior warning.
If your vehicle is equipped with a four-wheel antilock brake system (ABS), the front wheel splash shields may also contact the ABS front wheel speed
sensor wires. Prolonged ABS sensor wire contact may cause a loss of the ABS function and illumination of the yellow ABS warning lamp (it is normal
for this lamp to illuminate for up to five seconds when the ignition key is turned to the ON position).
What Chrysler and your dealer will do...
Chrysler will repair your Dakota free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your dealer will inspect the front wheel well splash shields and modify them
as required. The front brake hoses and, if equipped, the ABS wheel speed sensor wires, will be inspected and replaced if necessary. The splash shield
modification will take less than 1/2 hour to complete. Brake hose and/or wheel speed sensor replacement, if necessary, may require another 1/2 hour.
However, additional time may be necessary depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed.
What you must do to ensure your safety...
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Simply contact your dealer right away to schedule a service appointment.
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Bring the enclosed Owner Notification Form with you to your dealer. It explains the required service to the dealer.
If you need help...
If you have trouble getting your vehicle repaired, please call the Chrysler Customer Center, toll free, at 1-800-992-1997. A representative will assist you
in getting your vehicle repaired. If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you may submit a
written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, or call the
Toll Free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393. (Washington, D.C. area residents may call 1-202-366-0123.)
We're sorry for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thanks for your attention to this important matter.
