Date: Wed, 19 Oct 94 23:59:13 CDT
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: "J. Walker" <JWALKER@ua1vm.ua.edu>
Subject: head torque on water-cooled engines: a recall
most of you old folks and gopher-able people may have seen this, but i
thought it might be worth posting to the list again. i was looking for
the head-torque on the water-cooled engines, and noticed the one about
the auxillary heater exhaust pipe that someone was talking about. so
everybody take a minute and look through here if you have a vanagon of
any year. you might find something.
>From National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393
-----------------------------------------
Information as of 06 May 1994
-----------------------------------------
1980 Vanagon Built from 1979 Jul to 1979 Dec
Campaign 79V270000 No. Recalled: 2,572
Campaign EN Notification Date: 800128
System: Suspension; Front Ball Joint Bolts
Description of Defect: The bolts which attach each left and right
side front ball joint to the upper wishbone,
may not have been sufficiently tightened
during assembly. This could cause the ball
joint to separate from the wishbone.
Consequence of Defect: Separation of the ball joint from the
wishbone could cause loss of vehicle control
and a vehicle accident.
Corrective Action: The dealer will tighten the ball joints to
the correct specifications at no cost to
owner.
-----------------------------------------
1980 Vanagon Built from 1979 Jul to 1980 Feb
Campaign 80V800000 No. Recalled: 2,287
Campaign ES Notification Date: 800729
System: Heating; Heater Exhaust Pipe
Vehicle Description: Vans equipped with auxiliary heaters
Description of Defect: The auxiliary heater's exhaust pipe is
mounted in a downward position toward the
ground.
Consequence of Defect: In the event the vehicle is parked in an
area with dry material (grass) beneath it,
the downflow of exhaust could reach the
material and possibly ignite it. A vehicle
fire and personal injury could result.
Corrective Action: Dealer will remove the existing pipe and
install a modified pipe with a shield over
the end, without charge to owner.
-----------------------------------------
1980 Vanagon and
1981 Vanagon Built from 1980 Apr to 1981 Apr
Campaign 81V076000 No. Recalled: 92
Campaign Notification Date: 810422
System: Pop Top
Vehicle Description: Campers (Van Conversion)
Description of Defect: During vehicle operation, the pop top
could loosen from its anchor due to wind
pressure. It could open and separate
entirely from the vehicle.
Consequence of Defect: Sudden opening of the pop top could be a
hazard to safe vehicle operation. Complete
separation could cause an accident and
personal injury to other drivers.
NOTE: Until the problem is corrected, owner
is advised to avoid excessive wind pressure
against the pop top by driving at moderate
speeds.
Corrective Action: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary,
modify anchorages to make sure pop top will
be secured under normal operating conditions.
-----------------------------------------
1981 Vanagon and
1982 Vanagon Built from to
Campaign 84V084000 No. Recalled: 16,000
Campaign NC Notification Date:
System: Door Latch.
Vehicle Description: Camper and Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicles.
Description of Defect: Spring, which holds the latch on the front
door locks, may break and door may open
unexpectedly.
Consequence of Defect: Door could open unexpectedly while the
vehicle is in motion; Occupants could be
ejected from vehicle and suffer serious
injury.
Corrective Action: Springs will be replaced on all affected
locks without charge.
-----------------------------------------
1983 Vanagon
No recall information on above vehicle(s).
-----------------------------------------
1984 Vanagon
No recall information on above vehicle(s).
-----------------------------------------
1985 Vanagon Built from 1984 Jul to 1985 May
Campaign 85V152000 No. Recalled: 16,328
Campaign Notification Date:
System: Door Look.
Vehicle Description: Van-type Wagon and Campers.
Description of Defect: The latch of the passenger sliding door may
become damaged if excessive force is used
to close the door. The damaged door lock
mechanism will not properly engage and the
door could open if vehicle is driven over
bumpy roads.
Consequence of Defect: If this occurs there is a possibility that
a passenger could fall out causing injury
or death.
Corrective Action: Modify the sliding door lock assembly so
door will properly engage.
-----------------------------------------
1985 Vanagon through
1991 Vanagon Built from 1985 Jul to 1992 Jun
Campaign 92V058001 No. Recalled: 340,000
Campaign SF Notification Date:
System: Fuel Lines.
Vehicle Description: Passenger Cars.
Description of Defect: The fuel hose attached to the fuel
distribution rail on the engine may shrink
beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose
clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence of Defect: Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can
cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes
in contact with a source of ignition.
Corrective Action: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel
rail and install a new spring type self-
tightening clamp.
NOTE: Volkswagen of America estimates the
new self-tightening fuel hose clamps will be
available in May of 1992.
Supplement 92V058001 Information has been added to this campaign.
-----------------------------------------
1986 Vanagon Built from 1985 Aug to 1986 Jul
Campaign 87V051000 No. Recalled: 339
Campaign PA Notification Date: 870414
System: Fuel Tank.
Vehicle Description: Van Type Vehicles.
Description of Defect: Fuel tank filler neck pipe may not seat
properly in the fuel tank opening. Also,
the sending unit cover may be deformed.
Consequence of Defect: Fuel could escape, creating the potential
for a fire.
Corrective Action: Install a redesigned filler neck pipe and
replace the sending unit gasket.
-----------------------------------------
1986 Vanagon through
1991 Vanagon Built from 1985 Aug to 1991 Jun
Campaign 93V175000 No. Recalled: 29,500
Campaign SU Notification Date:
System: Air Conditioner hose; Duct; Air.
Vehicle Description: Vans equipped with factory air conditioning.
Description of Defect: The plastic material of the center air flow
duct, which is fastened by two mounting
screws to the ceiling of the passenger
compartment, can crack and eventually break.
Consequence of Defect: If the plastic breaks where it is held at
the two mounting screws, the center air flow
duct can separate from its supports and
cause injury to the passengers sitting in
the center seat of the vehicle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a reinforcement plate
at the connections of both the center and
rear air flow ducts.
-----------------------------------------
1986 Vanagon and
1987 Vanagon Built from 1985 Oct to 1986 Oct
Campaign 88V038000 No. Recalled: 12,000
Campaign Notification Date:
System: Fuel in line filter.
Vehicle Description: Van type vehicles.
Description of Defect: In line fuel filter located between the fuel
tank and fuel pump could seep fuel at the
seam of the plastic casing.
Consequence of Defect: Should seepage occur, leaking fuel can cause
a risk of fire in the presence of an
ignition source.
Corrective Action: The in line fuel filter will be replaced
with a straight fuel hose.
-----------------------------------------
1986 Vanagon and
1987 Vanagon Built from 1985 Aug to 1987 Jan
Campaign 87V052000 No. Recalled: 15,500
Campaign PB Notification Date: 870414
System: Fuel tank.
Vehicle Description: Van type vehicles.
Description of Defect: Usage of fuel with Reid pressure up to
14 psi could, under high engine load and
high ambient temperatures, lead to stalling.
Consequence of Defect: Fuel flow could become restricted and cause
the engine to stall.
Corrective Action: Instll a new fuel tank, containing a
redesigned fuel filter, as well as modified
control units.
-----------------------------------------
1987 Vanagon and
1988 Vanagon Built from 1987 Apr to 1987 Nov
Campaign 88V076000 No. Recalled: 130
Campaign Notification Date:
System: Wheels/Tires.
Vehicle Description: Van and Camper type vehicles.
Description of Defect: Due to improper mounting process, Semperit
tires 205/70R14 mounted on alloy wheels
size 6Jx14 could experience tiny cracks in
the bead area.
Consequence of Defect: Tires could lose air, creating potential
for loss of vehicle control.
Corrective Action: Replace tires as necessary.
-----------------------------------------
1987 Vanagon through
1989 Vanagon Built from 1987 Aug to 1988 Dec
Campaign 89V067000 No. Recalled: 300
Campaign Notification Date:
System: Cruise Control.
Vehicle Description: Van Camper type vehicle.
Description of Defect: When using the cruise control, the
accelerator cable tension may allow the
cable to sag and become entangled with the
water pipe bracket impeding its return to
idle position.
Consequence of Defect: Failure to return to idle position could
lead to an accident.
Corrective Action: The present accelerator cable bracket will
be replaced.
-----------------------------------------
1987 Vanagon Built from 1986 Aug to 1987 Mar
Campaign 87V085000 No. Recalled: 1,600
Campaign PG Notification Date: 870608
System: Shift locking pawl.
Vehicle Description: Van type vehicles with automatic
transmissions.
Description of Defect: Pin in shift locking pawl may not be
properly welded to the pawl.
Consequence of Defect: If pin separates from pawl, driver would be
able to move the shift lever during driving
into any position without pressing safety
release button.
Corrective Action: Replace shift locking pawl.
-----------------------------------------
1987 Vanagon Built from 1986 Aug to 1987 Feb
Campaign 87V083000 No. Recalled: 2,397
Campaign PF Notification Date: 870608
System: Rearward passenger seat.
Vehicle Description: Van type vehicles.
Description of Defect: Seat brackets which anchor rearward
passenger seats may not engage properly.
Consequence of Defect: Seat could break loose during acceleration
and cause injury to the seat occupant.
Corrective Action: Assure that seat brackets are properly
engaged.
-----------------------------------------
1988 Vanagon Built from 1987 Jul to 1988 Mar
Campaign 88V056000 No. Recalled: 600
System: Additional equipment.
Vehicle Description: Van
Description of Defect: Improper jack furnished with vehicles
Consequence of Defect: The jack may not reach far enough into
the jackets provided on both sided of the
vehicle. If the improper jack is used, it
could slip and possibly injure a person
standing too close to the vehicle.
Corrective Action: Replace jack with the proper type for
vehicle.
-----------------------------------------
1988 Vanagon Built from 1987 Apr to 1987 Nov
Campaign 88V076000 No. Recalled: 130
System: Wheels/tires
Vehicle Description: Van camper type vehicles.
Description of Defect: Due to improper mounting process, semperit
tires 20570R14 mounted on alloy wheels size
6J x 14 could experience tiny cracks in the
bead area.
Consequence of Defect: Tires could lose air, creating potential for
loss of vehicle control.
Corrective Action: Replace tires as necessary.
========================================================================
Vanagon, Vanagon Campers, Vanagon Syncros
-----------------------------------------
Volkswagen Recall Campaigns
Affected From VIN - Date
Year Models To Vin Issued Code Description
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1980 Vanagon - 1980/01 EN Front ball joint bolts
need tightening.
-------------------------------
1980 Vanagon - 1980/07 ES Aux. heater exhaust
w/ aux heater pipe replaced.
-------------------------------
1980 Camper - 1981/04 ?? Pop top anchors may
1981 Camper need modification.
-------------------------------
1981 Vanagon WV2*A025*BH003450 - 1981/?? MD Check/replace fuel
WV2*A025*BH098864 expansion tank.
-------------------------------
1981 Vanagon WV2**02**BH143904 - 1984/09 NC Replace front door
1982 Vanagon WV2**02**CH154356 lock springs
-------------------------------
1985 Vanagon WV2*A025*FH000001 - 1986/04 NR Check/modify sliding
1985 Camper WV2*A025*FH115553 door striker plate
-------------------------------
1986 Vanagon WV***02**GG000001 - 1987/11 PA Replace gasoline
Syncro WV***02**GG118815 filler neck, sending
unit, and gasket
-------------------------------
1986 Vanagon WV***02**GH000001 - 1987/08 PB Replace fuel tank
1987 Vanagon WV***02**HH064100
includes Syncro. see Campaign details.
new part: 251-201-019
1986 Syncro WV***02**GG000001 - 1987/08 PB Replace Idle Control
1987 Syncro WV***02**HG031747 Unit
1986 Vanagon WV***02**GH000001 - 1987/08 PB Replace Idle Control
1987 Vanagon WV***02**HH038717 Unit
includes Syncro. see Campaign details.
new part: 251-907-393B (green dot)
1986 Syncro WV***02**GG000001 - 1987/08 PB Replace Control Unit/
1987 Syncro WV***02**HG031747 Digifant
1986 Vanagon WV***02**GH000001 - 1987/08 PB Replace Control Unit/
1987 Vanagon WV***02**HH041180 Digifant
includes Syncro. see Campaign details.
new part: 025-906-022 (yellow dot)
1986 Syncro WV***02**GG000001 - 1987/08 PB Remove Restrictor
1987 Syncro WV***02**HG031747 Valve
1986 Vanagon WV***02**GH000001 - 1987/08 PB Remove Restrictor
1987 Vanagon WV***02**HH029602 Valve
includes Syncro. see Campaign details.
1986 Vanagon WV***02**GH000001 - 1987/08 PB Re-route Hose (plug
1987 Vanagon WV***02**HH029602 air filter connection
does NOT affect Syncros to active charcoal
filter)
-------------------------------
1986 Vanagon - 1988/?? ?? In line fuel filter
1987 Vanagon replaced by straight
fuel hose.
-------------------------------
1987 Vanagon - 1988/?? ?? Alloy wheels 6Jx14 and
1987 Camper Semperit tires, size
1988 Vanagon 205/70R14 don't work
1988 Camper together. replace tires.
ONLY models with Alloy wheels
-------------------------------
1987 Vanagon - 1987/12 PF Reward passenger seat
brackets may not engage
-------------------------------
1987 Vanagon WV**B02**HH036719 - 1987/12 PG Replace shift lever
WV**B02**HH082874 pawl (automatic
transmission)
-------------------------------
1988 Vanagon WV2**025*JH000001 - 1988/?? ?? Improper jack supplied
WV2**025*JH003998 with vehicle.
-------------------------------
1987 Vanagon WV2**025*HH051294 - 1988/12 PL Inspect/seal water
WV2**025*HH999999 inlet seal on camper
1988 Vanagon WV2**025*JH000001 -
WV2**025*JH003998
-------------------------------
1986 Vanagon WV2**025*GH000001 - 1989/05 PW Replacement of fuel
thru WV2**025*KH019148 filter & hose in engine
1989 Vanagon does NOT affect Syncros compartment
-------------------------------
1990 Vanagon WV2**02**LH000001 - 1991/07 QY Modification to
WV2**02**LH044564 headlight switch
CANADIAN models ONLY
-------------------------------
1986 Vanagon WV2**02**GH000001 - 1994/02 SU Modification to
1991 Vanagon WV2**02**MH999999 overhead ducts for
Does NOT affect Campers or air conditioning to
Models without air conditioning add reinforcement
-------------------------------
1985 Vanagon - 1992/?? SV Replace clamps on
1991 Vanagon WV2**02**MH999999 fuel distribution rail
to prevent leaks and
possible fire.
-------------------------------
1990 Vanagon WV2**02**LH000001 - 1994/03 RV Replace fuel injector
1991 Vanagon WV2**02**MH999999 seals (leaking)
-------------------------------
========================================================================
Volkswagen United States, Inc.
888 W. Big Beaver
P. O. Box 3951
Troy, Michigan 48007-3951
Tel. (313) 362-7200
WU Telex - 230 628
June 1990
Subject: Service Action QL
Dear Volkswagen Owner:
We are writing to inform you that Volkswagen has introduced a service
action program designed to protect the engine in your VW Vanagon,
Camper or Syncro vehicle from possible early expensive repairs. In
order for you to take full advantage of this program, we ask that you
make an appointment with your authorized VW dealer for the purpose of
retorqueing the cylinder head nuts of the engine in your car.
Problem Description
It is possible that the cylinder head nuts of some of the affected
vehicles may lose some of their tightening torque. If this happens,
engine coolant could enter the combustion chamber causing the engine
to overheat. If not corrected, the engine could be damaged,
necessitating expensive repairs.
Description of Repair
While Volkswagen vehicles normally do not require the inspection or
maintenance of cylinder head nuts, we want to make sure as a precaution
that the cylinder head nuts of your engine are properly torqued.
Therefore, your dealer will check the torque and, if necessary, tighten
the nuts to specifications. This work will take approximately two hours
and will, of course, be done free of charge to you.
Your Action
Please contact the Service Department of your authorized Volkswagen
dealer for an appointment to have the necessary work performed.
Precaution
Prior to having your vehicle corrected, we suggest that you observe the
temperature gauge while driving. In the event that the indicator
reaches the "Red Mark", we ask that you stop your vehicle and contact
your Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen hopes you will take advantage of this program as it is part
of our commitment to maintain the reliability of our products and the
value of your investment.
Sincerely,
Folker G. Rieflin
Product Compliance Manager
========================================================================
Volkswagen United States, Inc.
888 W. Big Beaver
P. O. Box 3951
Troy, Michigan 48007-3951
Tel. (313) 362-7200
WU Telex - 230 628
April, 1989
Subject: Recall Campaign PW
Dear Volkswagen Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Volkswagen has determined
that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in 1986
through early 1989 Volkswagen Vangaon and Camper vehicles. Our records
show that your car is one of these vehicles involved.
Defect Description
Volkswagen 1986 and 1987 model Vanagon and Camper vehicles are equipped
with an in-line fuel filter which is located between the fuel tank and
fuel pump.
We have found this fuel filter, which is encased in a plastic container,
could allow fuel to seep at the seam of the casing. We have also found
that under certain climatic and driving conditions the engine's right
side fuel return hose in ALL affected vehicles could become brittle and
subsequently leak fuel.
Leaking fuel could present a risk of fire in the presence of an ignition
source.
Remedy
The in-line fuel filter was intended to filter production residue from
the fuel tank. It has therefore served its function in the 1986 and
1987 model vehicles and is no longer needed. As part of the repair
your dealer will remove the fuel filter, if applicable, and replace it
with a straight hose. Your dealer will also replace the right side fuel
return hose on your engine and then pressure check the complete fuel
system. This work will take approximately up to one and one half hours
and will, of course, be free of charge.
Your Action
Please contact the Service Department of your authorized Volkswagen
dealer for an appointment. The necessary parts will be available at
your dealer by April 28, 1989.
Precaution
Prior to having your vehicle corrected, please be alert to any gasoline
odor. Should you detect any, please contact your dealer immediately.
Service Problem Help
If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy the defect free of charge
within a reasonable time, you may call or write to:
Volkswagen United States, Inc.
Attn: Customer Relations
888 W. Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI 48099
Telephone: (800) 822-8987
If you still cannot obtain satisfaction, you submit a complaint to:
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.
20590. Telephone: (800) 424-9393; (Washington, D.C. area: 426-0123).
We regret any inconvenience this matter may cause; however, we are
confident that you would want to have your vehicle corrected as soon as
possible.
Sincerely,
Folker G. Rieflin
Customer Services Manager
========================================================================
Volkswagen United States, Inc.
888 W. Big Beaver
P. O. Box 3951
Troy, Michigan 48007-3951
Tel. (313) 362-7200
WU Telex - 230 628
Subject: Recall Campaign PB
Dear Volkswagen Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Volkswagen has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle
safety exists in 1986 and some early production 1987 model Volkswagen
Vanagon, Camper and Syncro vehicles. Our records show that you are the
owner of one of these vehicles.
We have determined that if these vehicles are operated with fuel of a
higher "Reid" pressure, fuel vapors could form during hot weather and
become trapped in the fuel filter located inside the fuel tank
(Volkswagen Vanagon and Camper vehicles only). If this occurs, the fuel
flow to the engine could be restricted and the vehicle could stall. We
have also found that the usage of high "Reid" pressure fuel could, under
high engine load adn high ambient temperatures, lead to engine stalling
since the main and idle control units are programmed on the basis of
fuel with lower vapor pressure (Vanagons, Campers, including Syncros).
Both conditions present a safety risk, especially in heavy traffic, and
could result in an accident or cause injury.
We urge you to arrange an appointment with your authorized Volkswagen
dealer as soon as possible. Your dealer will install a new fuel tank
containing a redesigned fuel filter and replace the control unit with a
modified unit IF APPLICABLE. We estimate that it will take approximately
3 hours to complete the work. All work will, of course, be free of
charge. Parts will be available at your dealer on or about May 11, 1987.
If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy the defect free of charge
within a reasonable time, you may call or write the nearest Customer
Assistance office listed in the enclosure. If you still cannot obtain
satisfaction, please call or write to:
Volkswagen United States, Inc. or Administrator, National Highway
888 W. Big Beaver Road Traffic Safety Administration
P. O. Box 3951 U.S. Department of Transportation
Troy, MI 48099 Washington, D.C. 20590
Attn: Customer Assistance Toll-Free Auto Safety Hotline
Telephone: (313) 362-6488 Telephone: (800) 424-9393
(Washington, D.C. area: 426-0123)
We regret any inconvenience this matter may cause; however, we are
confident that you would want to have the corrections made without delay.
Sincerely,
VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.
Rainer Dumke
Consumer Services Manager
========================================================================
Volkswagen United States, Inc.
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tel. (313) 340-5000
February 1994
Subject: Recall Campaign SU
Dear Volkswagen Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Volkswagen has determined
that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some
1986-1991 model Volkswagen Vanagon and Snycro <sic> vehicles equipped
with factory-installed air conditioning.
Our records show that your vehicle is affected by this voluntary recall
action.
Defect Description
Volkswagen has determined that the operation of vehicles on rough roads
could, over time, cause breakage of the plastic material used to attach
the air conditioning flow ducts to the roof. If this happens, the
center air flow duct could separate from its attachment and fall down,
which could cause injury to passengers sitting in the center seat of
the vehicle. It could also distract the driver.
Remedy
Your Volkswagen service technician will secure the air flow ducts by
installing a reinforcement bracket. Brackets are available at Volkswagen
repair facilities.
Your Action
Please contact the Service Department of your authorized Volkswagen
retailer for an appointment to have the necessary work performed as soon
as possible. The repair will take less than one hour and will, of
course, be free of charge.
Precautions
If you notice that the air flow duct mounted to the ceiling is loose,
please contact your authorized Volkswagen retailer immediately and make
sure than no passenger is seated in the center seat below the air duct
until the repair is performed.
Service Problem Help
If your authorized Volkswagen retailer fails or is unable to rememdy
the defect free of charge within a reasonable time, please call or
write to:
Volkswagen United States, Inc.
Attn: Customer Relations 3F02-SU
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2855
Toll-free Telephone: (800) 822-8987
If you still cannot obtain satisfaction, you may file a complaint with:
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, US
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, D.C.
20590. Telephone: 800-424-9393; (Washington, DC area: 202-366-0123).
We regret any inconvenience this matter may cause; however, as part of
our commitment to ensure your safety and maintain your satisfaction with
our product, we would like to repair your vehicle as soon as possible.
Thank you for driving a Volkswagen.
Sincerely,
Andreas H. Steglich
Product Compliance Manager
