SUBJECT: Safety Recall #676 ­­ Engine Wiring Harness Routing
NO: 676
GROUP:
DATE: February, 1996
MODELS:
1996 Model Year Dodge and Plymouth Neon (PL) Vehicles Built at the Toluca Assembly Plant ('T' in the 11th VIN Position) Through November 23, 1995 (MDH 112310)
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The portion of the engine wiring harness which connects to the power distribution center (PDC) and the powertrain control module (PCM) may be improperly routed. A mix­routed harness may short circuit due to contact with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) tube. Shorting of the harness may cause various electrical malfunctions, including engine die­out. To correct this condition, the wiring harness must be properly routed and any damaged wiring must be repaired.
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.
DISCUSSION:

Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.

Service Procedure Videotape

No videotape of the service procedure for this recall will be provided.

Dealer Notification & Vehicle List

Involved dealers: Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter and a list of the involved vehicles by first class mail.

The Vehicle List is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (YIN) sequence. Owners known to Chrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.

All other dealers: Each Dodge and Chrysler­Plymouth dealer who does not receive a Vehicle List will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail.

DIAL System Function 70

All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Function 70 at the time of recall implementation for dealer inquiry by VIN as needed.

Parts

No parts are required for this service.

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 schedule appointments for the service with their dealers. A copy of the owner notification letter is attached.

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.

Service Procedure

A. Inspect Engine Wiring harness for Proper Routing:

1. Locate the portion of the engine wiring harness which connects to the two (2) 10way connectors on the bottom of the power distribution center (PDC) and to the 40­way connector on the powertrain control module (PCM) (Figure 1).

2. Remove the PDC from its mounting bracket.

3. Inspect the harness routing as follows:

a. The take­outs for the two 10way PDC connectors must be routed above the heater hoses and EGR tube and secured in the clip located on the inboard side of the PDC (Figure 2).

b. The take­out for the 40­way PCM connector must be attached to the speed control servo bracket (if equipped) or the transmission mount support bracket (Figure 3).

NOTE: On DOHC engines, the heater hoses are located below the EGR tube.

If the wiring harness is not routed as described above, continue with Step B. If the wiring harness is routed correctly, reinstall the PDC and no further action is necessary.

B. Reroute the Engine Wiring Harness:

1. With the ignition key in the OFF position, disconnect the battery.
Note: To enhance customer satisfaction, remember to record all radio settings before disconnecting the battery and to reset all electronic memory (clock, radio settings, etc.) when you have completed the service procedure.
2. Disconnect the two 1 0­way connectors from the bottom of the PDC (Figure 3)
3. Remove the disconnected end of the wiring harness from below the heater hoses and EGR tube.
4. Inspect the wiring harness for damage and repair as needed.
NOTE: Wiring repairs should be completed following normal service procedures. Any damaged wiring insulation which exposes the wiring must be completely covered with high quality electrical tape.
5. Inspect the two PDC 1 0­way connectors to ensure that all wire terminals are fully seated into the connector.
6. Rotate the heater hose spring clamps inboard to ensure that they do not contact the wiring harness.
7. Route the wiring harness so that the take­out for the two 1 0­way PDC connectors, is routed ABOVE the heater hoses and EGR tube, but below the speed control and main throttle cables (Figure 2).
8. The wiring take­out for the two 1 0­way PDC connectors should be routed in an upward, then forward direction from the 40­way connector harness as shown in Figure 2. Connect the two 1 0­way connectors to the bottom of the PDC (Figure 3)
NOTE: These connectors have a connector position assurance (CPA) feature which provides for a fully mated, positive engagement of the connector. Return the red slider to its original position after engaging the harness connector into its mating connector. If the red slider will not return to its original position, the connector is not fully engaged.
9. Route the PDC connector take­out through the clip molded on the inboard end of the PDC (Figure 3).
10. Snap the PDC into its mounting bracket.
11. Attach the locator clip on the 40­way PCM take­out to the speed control bracket (if equipped) or to the transmission mount support bracket, if necessary (Figure 1).
12. Reconnect the battery.

Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles which have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by Chrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:

Labor Operation Number Time Allowance
Inspect wiring harness routing 08676181 0.2 hours
Inspect, reroute and, if necessary, tape the wiring harness 08676182 0.2 hours

Note: See Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual, Chapter 6, Subsection H for complete recall claim processing instructions.

Parts Return
Not applicable.

Vehicle Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service for a known reason, let us know by filling out the pre­addressed Vehicle Disposition Form portion of the Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:

Chrysler Corporation
CIMS 482­00­85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326­2757

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.