RAM 2500 Truck 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1997)
Technical Service Bulletin # 973W
Date: 010401
Recall - Secondary Hood Latch Lubrication
April 2001
Interim Customer Notice Safety Recall No. 973W
Lubricate Secondary Hood Latch
Models
1994-1999 (BR/BE) Dodge Ram Pick-Up Truck
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above trucks built at the:
^
Warren Assembly Plant ("S" in the 11th VIN position) built through May 7, 1999 (MDH 0507XX).
^
Saltillo Assembly Plant ("G" in the 11th VIN position) built through April 14, 1999 (MDH 0414XX).
^
Lago Alberto Assembly Plant ("M" in the 11th VIN position) built through April 21, 1999 (MDH 0421XX).
^
St. Louis North Assembly Plant ("J" in the 11th VIN position) built through May 10, 1999 (MDH 0814XX through 0510XX).
NOTE:
Only the above vehicles sold or currently registered in "Salt Belt" states (where large amounts of road salt are used for snow and ice removal) are
involved.
(See "Owner Notification & Service Scheduling" section for a listing of salt belt states.)
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this service on these vehicles before retail delivery.
Dealers should also lubricate the secondary hood latch on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP
System.
Subject
The secondary hood latch on about 793,000 of the above trucks may stick in the open position. This could allow the hood to open unexpectedly while
driving if the primary (main) latch mechanism is not engaged.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of its intent to conduct a safety recall to replace the
secondary hood latch with a new secondary hood latch. The parts to implement this recall will not be available for many months. Customers have been
sent an interim notice informing them of the future recall. The interim notice further requests that they ensure the primary hood latch is engaged and
provides instructions to lubricate the secondary latch. Customers have been advised that they may have the secondary latch lubricated at dealerships.
This notification provides the instructions for that lubrication.
Repair
DaimlerChrysler is working to obtain the parts to correct this condition as quickly as possible. However, it may take many months to complete the
tooling, make and validate the parts and then deliver them to dealers. When the parts are available, another notification will be sent asking customers to
bring their truck to their dealer to have this condition repaired.
In the interim, customers may schedule appointments to have the secondary hood latch lubricated. Combined with ensuring that the primary hood latch is
engaged, lubrication will ensure that the hood remains latched during vehicle operation
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
04318066
Mopar Spray White Lube (Lithium Grease)
NOTE:
There is enough lubricant in each can of spray white lube to lubricate approximately 20 secondary hood latches.
DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP
All involved vehicles have been entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP for dealer inquiry as needed.
