Safety Recall P42/NHTSA 14V-481 Knee Airbag Module (P42)

SAFETY RECALL P42/NHTSA 14V-481 KNEE AIRBAG MODULE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

SERVICE INFORMATION

MODELS

2014 - 2015 (BF) Fiat 500L 

SUBJECT

The Knee AirBag (KAB) module on about 25, 400 of the above vehicles may have been manufactured with irregularities during the airbag folding process. These manufacturing irregularities may result in an increased chance of occupant injury during certain crash events.

The KAB in the involved vehicles may fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 - Occupant Crash Protection.

REPAIR

The KAB module must be replaced. Models

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number	Description
CBC0P421AA	Module, Knee AirBag

Each dealer  to whom vehicles in the recall were assigned will receive enough KAB modules to service about 20%  of those vehicles.

SPECIAL TOOLS

The following special tools are required to perform this repair: 

• NPN wiTECH VCI Pod Kit
• NPN Laptop Computer
• NPN wiTECH Software

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
2. Remove and save the fuse access cover from the steering column close-out panel (Figure 1).
3. Remove and save the two fasteners from the fuse access area (Figure 2).
4. Disconnect the data link connector from the close-out panel (Figure 3).
5. Carefully disengage the close-out panel clips and remove the closeout panel from the vehicle (Figure 4).
6. From below the instrument panel, remove the four screws that secure the Knee AirBag (KAB) module to the mounting bracket on the instrument panel support structure (Figure 5).
7. Lower the KAB module down from the mounting bracket and disconnect the electrical connection to the KAB module (Figure 6).
   NOTE: Pull the connector insulator straight out from the KAB module receptacle.
8. Remove and discard the KAB module from the vehicle.
9. Position the new KAB module below the instrument panel in a vertical orientation with the KAB module electrical connector receptacle facing upward.
10. Connect the KAB module-to-inflator electrical connector receptacle by pressing straight in on the connector (Figure 7).
    NOTE: To be certain that the inflator electrical connector is fully engaged in its receptacle. Listen carefully for a distinct audible click as the connector latches snap into place.
11. Carefully position the new KAB module and cover onto the mounting bracket on the instrument panel support structure.
12. Install and tighten the four screws that secure the KAB module and cover to the mounting bracket on the instrument panel support structure. Tighten the screws to 71 in. lbs. (8 N.m).
13. Install the steering column close-out panel.
    NOTE: Be sure the close-out panel clips are engaged.
14. Install the data link connector to the close-out panel (Figure 5).
15. Install the two close-out panel fasteners in the fuse access area.
16. Install the steering column fuse access cover onto the steering column close-out panel.
17. Connect the wiTECH scan tool to the vehicle and start a wiTECH session.
18. Use the following procedure to perform the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Verification Test:
    1. Verify that the diagnostic scan tool contains the latest version of the proper diagnostic software. Connect the scan tool to the 16-way Data Link Connector (DLC).
    2. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON"  position and exit the vehicle with the wiTECH scan tool.
    3. Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehicle, then reconnect the negative cable to the battery.
    4. Using the wiTECH scan tool, read and record Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
    5. Use the wiTECH scan tool, erase the stored DTC data.
    6. Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF"  for about 15 seconds, and then back to the "ON"  position. Observe the airbag indicator in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). It should light for four to six seconds and then go out. This indicates that the SRS is functioning normally and that the repairs are complete.
    7. Remove the wiTECH scan tool from the vehicle.
19. 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 Chrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

Use the following labor operation number and time allowance:

	Labor Operation Number	Time Allowance
Replace knee airbag module	23-P4-21-82	0.4 hours
Related Operation
Disposal of knee airbag module	95-42-42-01	$15.00

Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.

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 Chrysler 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.

Customer Services/Field Operations

Chrysler Group LLC

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

P42/NHTSA 14V-481 

This notice applies to your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx).

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Dear: (Name)

Chrysler has decided that some 2014 and 2015 model year Fiat 500L vehicles  fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 - Occupant Crash Protection.

The problem is... The Knee AirBag (KAB) module on your vehicle may have been manufactured with irregularities during the airbag folding process. These manufacturing irregularities may result in an increased chance of occupant injury during certain crash events. 

What your dealer will do... Fiat will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor).  To do this, your dealer will replace the Knee AirBag module. The work will take about 1/2 hour to complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on service schedules.

What you must do to ensure your safety...  Simply contact your Fiat studio  right away to schedule a service appointment. Ask the studio 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 Fiat Customer Assistance Center at 1-888-242-6342.

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. You may also update this information on the web at CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

If you have already experienced this condition and have paid to have it repaired, please send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement: Chrysler Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8007, Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Reimbursement. Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days.

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 call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.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

Chrysler Group LLC

Note to lessors receiving this recall: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.