In the event of a vehicle crash, if a SABIC does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury to the rear seat occupant.
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ram 1500 Quad Cab trucks manufactured August 26, 2013, to August 8, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) that may not fully overlap the C-pillars in the event of a vehicle crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, “Ejection Mitigation.”
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the right and left side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) for proper orientation and a foil patch will be installed on both sides of the headliner. One or both of the air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC) will be replaced if necessary. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R47.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built through August 08, 2015 (MDH 080808).
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. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.
Subject
The right and left Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) on about 188,000 of the above vehicles may not deploy as intended. An improperly deployed SABIC, during certain crash events, could allow additional injuries to rear seat occupants.
The above vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 226, “Ejection Mitigation”.
Repair
A foil patch will be in stalled on each side of the headliner and the right and left Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains will be inspected for proper orientation. In a small number of cases, one or both of the Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains may need to be replaced.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
CBPFR473AA
Kit, Foil Patch (order one kit per vehicle)
Each package contains the following components:
Quantity
Description
2
Foil Patch
Parts Return
No parts return required for this campaign.
Special Tools
The following special tools are required to perform this repair:
WARNING: To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before performing this service procedure.
In Step 6 of this Service Procedure, you must disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing this procedure. 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. 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.
CAUTION: Hands should be clean or clean cloth gloves used when handling the headliner to avoid damage to the headliner.
Using a small flat-bladed tool, carefully open the two fastener covers located in the left Apillar trim panel (Figure 1).
Partially remove the left door seal.
Remove and save the two bolts that secure the left A-pillar trim panel to the left A-pillar and remove the trim panel (Figure 1).
Figure 1 – A-Pillar Trim
Repeat steps 1 through 3 for the right A-Pillar.
Position the front seats to the full forward position with the seat backs fully forward.
Separate the left lower C-pillar trim retaining clips from the left lower C-pillar and the left rear door scuff plate (Figure 8).
Figure 8 – Left Lower C-Pillar Trim
Remove the left seat belt from the hole in the lower C-pillar and remove the left lower C-pillar trim.
Separate the left rear turning loop cover and remove the left rear turning loop bolt (Figure 9).
Figure 9 – Left Rear Turning Loop
Partially remove the left door seal (Figure 10).
Remove the left C-pillar upper trim screw and remove the left C-pillar upper trim (Figure 10).
Figure 10 – Left Upper C-Pillar
Remove the left front door cowl trim panel (Figure 11).
Figure 11 – Left Front Door Cowl Trim
Release the retaining clips and remove the left lower B-pillar trim panel (Figure 12).
Figure 12 – Left Lower B-Pillar Trim
Separate the left B-pillar turning loop cover and remove the turning loop bolt (Figure 13).
Using a small flat-bladed tool, carefully open the two fastener covers located on the left grab handle (Figure 13).
Figure 13 – B-Pillar Turning Loop
Remove and save the two fasteners that secure the left grab handle to the B-pillar (Figure 14).
Using a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent, disengage the retaining clips that secure the left upper B-pillar trim to the pillar and remove the trim panel (Figure 14).
Figure 14 – Grab Handle
Repeat steps 8 through 19 for the right side of the vehicle.
Remove and save the two CHMSLattaching screws and pull the CHMSL from the cab (Figure 15).
As viewed through the opposite side door opening, inspect the anti-twist stripe on the inboard side for twisted cushions.
NOTE: Early builds have a black anti-twist stripe on both SABICs. Latebuilds have a red anti-twist stripe on the right side SABIC and a blueanti-twist stripe on the left side SABIC.
Vehicles that have the anti-twist stripe visible on one or both SABICs continue with Step 2 of this procedure (Figure 20 and 21).
Figure 20 – Passed Inspection: Anti-Twist Stripe Position (Red or Blue Stripe for Late Builds)
Figure 21 – Passed Inspection: Anti-Twist Stripe Position (Black Stripe for Early Builds)
Figure 22 – Failed Inspection: Anti-Twist Stripe Position (Red or Blue Stripe for Late Builds)
Figure 23 – Failed Inspection: Anti-Twist Stripe Position (Black Stripe for Early Builds)
Inspect the airbag ramp retaining clip on the right and left side SABIC modules. Ensure the airbag ramp retaining clip is fully engaged to the inner roof rail hole (Figure 24).
CAUTION: The airbag ramp retaining clip must be fully engaged to the roof rail hole on both sides.
Figure 24 – Airbag Ramp Position (Left Side Shown)
Inspect the airbag ramp position on the right and left side SABIC modules. The airbag ramp should be located below the airbag with the J-hook end in the down position and the wrap must not be torn.
Vehicles that do not have either airbag ramp out of position or the wrapis not completely torn on either side, continue with Section D. Install Foil Patches (Figure 25).
Figure 25 – Passed Inspection: Airbag Ramp and Wrap
NOTE: Replace the specific SABIC that fails the inspections outlined inSection B. SABIC part numbers: 68161580AJ (right side SABIC) and68161581AJ (left side SABIC).
NOTE: If a side airbag inflatable curtain is being removed, but has not been deployed, the headliner does not have to be removed from the passenger compartment. Lowering the headliner and resting it on the seat backs will allow enough clearance to remove the side airbag inflatable curtain from the vehicle. However, if either side airbag inflatable curtain has been deployed, the headliner must be removed from the passenger compartment and replaced with a new unit.
Remove the four bolts that secure the side airbag inflatable curtain to the inner roof rail (Figure 27).
Figure 27 – Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain Bolt Locations
Disengage the plastic push-in retainer that secures the side airbag inflatable curtain front tether to the assist handle bracket on the inner Apillar (Figure 28).
Figure 28 – Plastic Push-in Retainers
Disengage the two plastic push-in retainers that secure the side airbag inflatable curtain to the inner roof rail (Figure 29).
Figure 29 – Plastic Push-in Retainers
Remove the side airbag inflatable curtain front tether retaining bolt (Figure 30).
Figure 30 – Tether Retaining Bolt
Slide the inflator rearward far enough to disengage the T-tab at the front of the inflator bracket from the keyed slot in the inner roof rail over the rear door opening (Figure 31).
Remove the left side airbag inflatable curtain from the vehicle as a unit.
Check to be certain that the four spring nuts are properly installed in the inner roof rail and that they are in good condition.
Position the new side airbag inflatable curtain into the vehicle as a unit.
Insert the T-tab at the front of the inflator bracket into the keyed slot in the inner roof rail over the rear door opening and slide the inflator forward to engage it (Figure 31).
Figure 31 – Inflator T-Tab
Connect the body wire harness electrical connector for the side airbag inflatable curtain to the connector receptacle at the back of the inflator. Be certain that each connector is fully engaged in its receptacle by listening carefully for a distinct, audible click as each connector latch snaps into place (Figure 29).
Align the two plastic push-in retainers that secure the side airbag inflatable curtain with the holes in the inner roof side rail and push it straight in until they are fully seated (Figure 29).
Working from rear to front, install and tighten the four bolts that secure the side airbag inflatable curtain to the spring nuts in the inner roof rail. Tighten to 70 in. lbs. (8 N·m) (Figure 27).
Engage the plastic push-in retainer that secures the side airbag inflatable curtain front tether to the assist handle bracket on the inner A-pillar (Figure 28).
Install the front tether retaining bolt. Tighten to 70 in. lbs. (8 N·m) (Figure 30).
On the right side of the headliner, measure 3 1/2 inches (90mm) from the C-Pillar edge of the headliner and mark the headliner for the rear edge of the foil patch (Figure 32 and 33).
Measure 3/8 inch (10mm) from the outer edge of the headliner and mark the headliner for the outboard edge of the foil patch (Figure 32 and 33).
Remove the backing from the foil patch.
Figure 32 – Mark 3 ½ inches (90mm) Location on Headliner
Figure 33 – Mark 3/8 inch (10mm) Location on Headliner
Figure 34 – Foil Patch Installed (Right Side Shown)
Install the foil patch to the headliner using the markings as a guideline and smooth the foil patch edges (Figure 34).
NOTE: If the headliner wire harness is positioned under the foil patch, smooth the foil patch around the wire harness.
NOTE: Assure the speaker wire pigtail is not positioned under the foil patch. See Figure 34 for proper speaker wire orientation.
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 on the left side of the headliner.
F. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Verification Test
NOTE: During the following test, the airbag fuses in the Power Distribution Center remain disengaged during steps 1 through 3 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.
Connect the wiTECH VCI pod to the vehicle data link connector located under the steering column.
Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and exit the vehicle and close the doors.
Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehicle, then engage the two red 10A airbag fuses in the Power Distribution Center (F85 and F86).
Open the wiTECH Diagnostic application.
Starting at the “Select Tool” screen, select the row/tool for the wiPOD device you are using, then select “Next”.
Enter your “User id” and “Password”, then select “Finish”.
Clear all DTC’s in all modules using the wiTECH scan tool.
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”.
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, remove the wiPOD and return the vehicle to the customer.
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.
Close the hood, remove the wiTECH VCI pod.
Return the vehicle to the customer.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims submitted will be used by FCA to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:
Labor Operation Time
Labor Operation
Number
Time
Allowance
Inspect Right and Left Side SABICs and Install Two Foil Patches
23-R4-71-82
2.5 hours
Inspect Right and Left Side SABICs, Replace One SABIC and Install Two Foil Patches
23-R4-71-83
2.7 hours
Inspect Right and Left Side SABICs, Replace Two SABICs and Install Two Foil Patches
23-R4-71-84
3.0 hours
NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Dealer Notification
To view this notification on DealerCONNECT, select “Global Recall System” on the Service tab, then click on the description of this notification.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
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.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification postcard to allow owners to update our records if applicable.
Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow Up
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.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
This notice applies to your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx).
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Dear: (Name)
FCA has decided that certain 2014 through 2015 model year RAM Quad Cab Pickup trucks fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No.226 – Ejection Mitigation.
The problem is…
The right and left Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) may not deploy as intended. An improperly deployed SABIC, during certain crash events, could allow additional injuries to rear seat occupants.
What your dealer will do…
FCA will repair your vehicle free of charge. A foil patch will be installed on both sides of the headliner. Your dealer will also inspect the right and left Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains for proper orientation. In a small number of cases, one or both of the Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains may need to be replaced. The work will take about 2 hours to complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on service schedules.
What you must do to ensure your safety…
Simply contact your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM dealer right away to schedule a service appointment. Ask the dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to order them before your appointment. Please bring this letter with you to your dealer.
If you need help…
If you have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the FCA Group Recall Assistance Center at either fcarecalls.com or 1-800-853-1403.
Please help us update our records by filling out the attached prepaid postcard if any of the conditions listed on the card apply to you or your vehicle. If you have further questions go to fcarecalls.com.
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 or you can mail 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. Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days. If you’ve had previous repairs and/or reimbursement you may still need to have the recall repair performed on your vehicle.
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.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Customer Services / Field Operations
FCA US LLC
Note to lessors receiving this recall: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.