Equipment Safety Recall VA4 / NHTSA 19E-062 Passenger Airbag Module - Mopar

09/13/2019
_____________________________________________________________________
New Safety Recall Advanced Communication – VA4
FCA US LLC (FCA US) has announced an equipment safety recall on certain Mopar Passenger Airbag Modules (PAB) (part number 68335088AA) intended for 2019 Model Year (LD) Dodge Charger vehicles.
REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL
Suspect Passenger Airbag Modules (PAB), part number 68335088AA, were shipped to dealers prior to development testing completion. Suspect PABs without developmental testing completed may not perform as expected when commanded to deploy in a vehicle crash. A PAB that does not perform as expected may increase the risk of injury to a front seat passenger when commanded to deploy in a vehicle crash.
SERVICE ACTION
FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall to replace suspect PABs with the correct PABs. The remedy for this condition is not currently available. Dealers will be notified of the launch of this safety recall by way of established communication methods. This recall is estimated to launch in 3rd Quarter of 2019.
We ask that you please take the time to ensure that your personnel are aware of this communication and are prepared to execute a customer friendly process for inquiries regarding involved vehicles.
Customer Services Field Operations
FCA US LLC

 Copyright 2019, FCA US LLC, All Rights Reserved (srg)
September 2019
Dealer Service Instructions for:
Equipment Safety Recall
VA4 / NHTSA 19E-062
Passenger Airbag Module
FCA US has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in
certain Passenger Airbags (PABs). Some PABs, part number 68335088AA,
intended for 2019 Model Year (LD) Dodge Charger vehicles, were shipped to
dealers prior to development testing completion. Suspect PABs without
developmental testing completed may not perform as expected when commanded
to deploy in a vehicle crash. A PAB that does not perform as expected may
increase the risk of injury to a front seat passenger when commanded to deploy in a
vehicle crash.
Replace suspect PAB with the correct PAB.
Subject
Repair
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 2
Replacement airbags can only be ordered through [email protected]
Please provide the VIN, Mileage, Dealer Code, and Serial Number of removed
airbag. The Supply Chain team will order the replacement airbag.
No parts return required for this campaign.
Dispose of all non-deployed airbags in a manner consistent with state, local, and
federal regulations. Refer to the Hazardous Substance Control System for proper
disposal.
The following special tools are required to perform this repair:
 NPN wiTECH micro pod II
 NPN Laptop Computer
 NPN wiTECH Software
Parts Information
Parts Return
Special Tools
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 3
A. Replace Passenger Airbag Module
WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with
airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting
any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact sensor
or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system
capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is
the only sure way to disable the SRS.
Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag
deployment. At no time should any source of electricity be permitted near the
inflator on the back of a non-deployed airbag or seat belt tensioner.
When carrying a non-deployed airbag, the trim cover or airbag cushion side
of the unit should be pointed away from the body to minimize injury in the
event of an accidental deployment.
1. Disconnect IBS sensor, if equipped,
then isolate the battery negative cable
then remove the two Airbag Module
fuses from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC), see the PDC cover for
the fuse locations. Wait two minutes
for the system capacitor to discharge
before further service (Figure 1).
WARNING: Wait two minutes for
the airbag system reserve capacitor
to discharge before beginning any
airbag system or component
service. Failure to do so may result
in accidental airbag deployment,
personal injury or death.
Service Procedure
BATTERY NEGATIVE
PDC
Figure 1 - Battery Negative
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 4
2. Use the following steps to remove
the glove box from the instrument
panel.
a. Remove the right side
instrument panel end cap.
b. Remove right side sill plate
(Figure 2).
c. Remove the three pushpins that
secure the instrument panel
silencer to the instrument panel
(Figure 2).
d. Disconnect the harness
connector(s) and remove the
right side instrument panel
silencer (Figure 2).
e. Open the glove box door.
f. Remove the two side screws
from the glove box
compartment (Figure 3).
g. Remove the six screws from the
glove box compartment
(Figure 3).
h. Disconnect the wiring harness
connectors and remove the
glove box compartment.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 2 – Instrument Panel Silencer
Figure 3 – Glove Box Compartment
SILL PLATE
INSTRUMENT
PANEL SILENCER
LED HARNESS CONNECTOR
SIDE
SCREWS
SCREWS
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 5
3. Disconnect all of the electrical connectors from the Body Control Module
(BCM) receptacles.
4. Remove and save the two fasteners at the bottom of the BCM (Figure 4).
5. Loosen the top fastener. This fastener only has to be loosened to allow removal
of the BCM. It does not need to be completely removed in order to remove the
module (Figure 4).
.
6. Pull the module away from the side bulk head and down and remove and save
the module.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 4 – Body Control Module
TOP FASTENER LOCATION
BCM BOTTOM
FASTENERS
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 6
7. Disconnect the electrical connector from the HVAC module, located on the air
inlet housing (Figure 5).
NOTE: It is not necessary to fully remove the two front HVAC module
retaining screws. The front HVAC module retaining tabs are slotted to aid
in module service.
8. Release the wire harness connectors from the bracket (Figure 5).
9. Loosen the two screws that secure the front of the HVAC module to the air inlet
housing (Figure 5).
10. Remove the one screw that secures the rear of the HVAC module to the air inlet
housing (Figure 5).
11. Slide the HVAC module rearward to disengage the module from the two front
retaining screws and remove the module.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 5 – HVAC Module
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
HVAC MODULE
WIRE HARNESS CONNECTORS
BRACKET
REAR SCREW
FRONT SCREW LOCATIONS
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 7
12. Reach through the instrument panel glove box opening to access and disconnect
the two instrument panel electrical connectors from the two Passenger Airbag
(PAB) initiators (Figure 6).
13. Reach through the instrument panel glove box opening to access and remove
and save the two screws that secure the PAB lower bracket to the instrument
panel structural support (Figure 6).
14. Remove and save the four screws that secure the two upper PAB mounting
brackets to the U-nuts on each side of the PAB retainer or chute on the
underside of the instrument panel cover (Figure 6).
15. Remove the PAB module from the instrument panel cover.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 6 – Passenger Airbag
SCREWS
PASSENGER AIRBAG
SCREWS
SCREWS
INSTRUMENT
PANEL
STRUCTURAL
SUPPORT
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
CONNECTOR
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 8
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, the passenger airbag door
must never be painted. Replacement passenger airbag units are serviced with
doors in the original colors. Paint may change the way in which the material
of the airbag door responds to an airbag deployment. Failure to observe this
warning could result in occupant injuries upon airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, use extreme care to prevent
any foreign material from entering the passenger airbag, or becoming
entrapped between the passenger airbag cushion and the passenger airbag
door. Failure to observe this warning could result in occupant injuries upon
airbag deployment.
16. Carefully position the NEW PAB module into the PAB retainer receptacle.
17. Install and tighten the four screws that secure the PAB upper mounting brackets
to the U-nuts on the retainer. Tighten the screws to 27 in. lbs. (3 N·m).
18. Reach through the instrument panel glove box opening to install and tighten the
two screws that secure the PAB lower bracket to the instrument panel structural
support. Tighten the screws to 106 in. lbs. (12 N·m).
19. Reach through the instrument panel glove box opening to access and connect
the two instrument panel wire harness connectors to the two PAB initiators, one
at each side of the PAB inflator canister. Be certain the connectors are each
fully engaged and locked.
20. Position the HVAC module to the air inlet housing and engage the module to
the two front retaining screws.
21. Loosely install the screw that secures the rear of the HVAC module to the air
inlet housing.
22. Tighten all the screws that secure the HVAC module to the air inlet housing to
2 N·m (17 in. lbs.).
Service Procedure (Continued)
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 9
23. Connect the wire harness connector to the HVAC module.
24. Secure the wire harness connectors to the bracket.
25. Slide the BCM into position so that the top mounting tab on the BCM is
properly aligned to the mounting weld stud and the lower mounting tabs slide
into their respective mounting weld studs.
26. Install the two lower fasteners, and tighten securely.
27. Tighten the upper fastener securely.
28. Connect the electrical connectors to the BCM receptacles.
29. Connect the electrical connectors to the glove box.
30. Install the glove box into the instrument panel. Tighten all eight fasteners
securely.
31. Connect the electrical connectors to the instrument panel silencer.
32. Secure the instrument panel silencer to the instrument panel.
33. Install the right side sill plate.
34. Install the right side instrument panel end cap.
35. Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. Continue with
Section B. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Verification Test.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 10
B. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Verification Test
NOTE: During the following test, the negative battery cable remains
disconnected and isolated during steps 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) Verification Test.
NOTE: The wiTECH scan tool must be used to perform this recall. The
wiTECH software is required to be at the latest release level before
performing this procedure.
1. Connect the wiTECH micro pod II to the vehicle data link connector located
under the steering column.
2. For vehicles equipped with a keyed ignition switch, turn the ignition switch to
the “ON” position and exit the vehicle then continue with Step 4.
3. For vehicles equipped with keyless ignition node, check to be certain that
nobody is in the vehicle connect the IBS connector then connect the battery
negative cable(s) and turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position then
continue with Step 5.
4. Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehicle, connect the IBS connector
then connect the battery negative cable(s).
5. Install the airbag module fuses, if applicable.
6. Open the wiTECH Diagnostic application.
7. Starting at the “Select Tool” screen, select the row/tool for the wiPOD device
you are using, then select “Next”.
8. Enter your “User id” and “Password”, then select “Finish”.
NOTE: If wiTECH is unable to identify the connected vehicle, click on the
Launch DRB III button and use the DRB III Emulator tool.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 11
9. Clear all DTC’s in all modules using either the wiTECH or the DRB III mode.
NOTE: Any active Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s) may require an
additional key cycle from “ON” to “OFF” to change DTC status from
“active” to “stored”.
10. Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position for about 15 seconds, and then
back to the “ON” position. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument
cluster.
 The airbag indicator in the instrument cluster should illuminate for six to
eight seconds, and then go out. This indicates that the SRS is functioning
normally and that the repairs are complete. Turn the ignition to the
“OFF” position.
 If the airbag indicator fails to light or the light and stays ON, there is still
an active SRS fault or malfunction. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic
information to diagnose the problem.
11. Close the hood and remove the wiTECH micro pod II.
12. Return the vehicle to the customer.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 12
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the
DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims paid
will be used by FCA to record recall service completions and provide dealer
payments.
Use the following labor operation number and time allowance:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Replace Passenger Airbag Module 08-VA-41-82 0.8 hours
NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing
Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
To view this notification on DealerCONNECT, select “Global Recall System” on
the Service tab, then click on the description of this notification.
All involved vehicle owners known to FCA are being notified of the service
requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this
service with their dealers. A generic copy of the owner letter is attached.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Dealer Notification
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
Safety Recall VA4 – Passenger Airbag Module Page 13
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall
System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete
vehicles. The owner’s name, address and phone number are listed if known.
Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim
submission.
To use this system, click on the “Service” tab and then click on “Global Recall
System.” Your dealer’s VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those
vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip
code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery.
Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule
appointments for this repair.
Recall VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that
was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information
is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please
contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Services / Field Operations
FCA US LLC
Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow Up
Additional Information
VA4/NHTSA 19E-062
YOUR SCHEDULING OPTIONS
1. RECOMMENDED OPTION
Call your authorized Chrysler /
Dodge / Jeep® / RAM Dealership
2. Call the FCA Recall Assistance
Center at 1-800-853-1403. An
agent can confirm part availability
and help schedule an appointment
3. Visit recalls.mopar.com or
download the Mopar Owner’s
Companion App.
Get access to recall notifications, locate
your nearest dealer, and more through
this website or Mopar Owner’s
Companion App. You will be asked to
provide your Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) to protect and verify
your identity.
DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTIONS
Please reference Safety Recall VA4.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Passenger Airbag Module
Dear [Name],
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
FCA has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Mopar
Passenger Airbag modules.
It is extremely important to take steps now to repair your vehicle to ensure the safety of you and
your passengers.
WHY DOES MY VEHICLE NEED REPAIRS?
FCA records indicate that you may have purchased a Passenger Airbag (PAB) for your
vehicle [1]. Some PABs, part number 68335088AA, were shipped to dealers prior to
development testing completion. Suspect PABs without developmental testing completed may
not perform as expected when commanded to deploy in a vehicle crash. A PAB that does
not perform as expected may increase the risk of injury to a front seat passenger
when commanded to deploy in a vehicle crash.
HOW DO I RESOLVE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE?
FCA will repair your PAB [2] free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your dealer will replace
suspect PABs with the correct PABs. We recommend that you schedule a service appointment
to minimize your inconvenience. The estimated repair time is two hours. In addition, your dealer
will require your vehicle for proper check-in, preparation, and check-out during your visit, which
may require more time. Please bring this letter with you to your dealership.
TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE REPAIR,
CALL YOUR CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP OR RAM DEALER TODAY
WHAT IF I ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THIS REPAIR COMPLETED?
If you have already experienced this specific condition and have paid to have it repaired, you
may visit www.fcarecallreimbursement.com to submit your reimbursement request online. [3]
Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within
60 days. If you have had previous repairs performed and/or already received reimbursement,
you may still need to have the recall repair performed.
We apologize for any inconvenience, but are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you
for your attention to this important matter.
Customer Assistance/Field Operations
FCA US LLC
[1] If you no longer own this vehicle, please help us update our records. Call the FCA Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403 to update your information.
[2] 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, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590, or you can call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-
9153), or go to safercar.gov.
[3] You can also mail in your original receipts and proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement consideration: FCA Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8004,
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Recall Reimbursement.
Note to lessors receiving this recall notice: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.
Mr. Mrs. Customer
1234 Main Street
Hometown, MI 48371