2002 Dodge Caravan recall

I just got a letter from Chrysler concerning what is to me a strange
recall.

I've got the short wheelbase 2002 Caravan with the standard radio.

The recall claims that condensation can form on a rear A/C duct,
dripping onto one of the rear stereo speakers, possibly causing a
fire.

Seems to me that even dunking one of the speakers in water wouldn't
cause a fire. It might be hell on the fidelity but wouldn't cause a
fire. Perhaps they are worried that dead shorting a speaker would
cause the radio's audio output transistor or module to blow and cause
excessive current flow? Even that is highly unlikely....

Their solution is to put some kind of a shield over the speaker.
The dealer doesn't have the part in stock. I doubt that there is much
hurry. I've got 50K on this vehicle without incident.

Anyone have knowledge of this recall?

Doug

 

From the NHTSA website. Capitals are theirs.

Summary:
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, CONDENSATION FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AIR
CONDITIONING DUCTS MAY DROP THROUGH VENT HOLES IN THE TOP OF THE RADIO AND
RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT SUBSEQUENTLY SENDS DIRECT CURRENT TO THE REAR
SPEAKERS.
Consequence:
THIS COULD RESULT IN A SPEAKER FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL ADD A SPECIAL TAPE TO THE TOP OF THE RADIO TO
PREVENT THE POTENTIAL OF WATER INTRUSION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 31,
2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes:
DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. D48. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT
1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

 

We are supposed to put some kind of tape over the radio, moisture from the
a/c ducts may get into the vent slots of the radio, the vents have to be
covered up to prevent this from causing a speaker fire in the rear, I
havent had to perform one of these recalls yet. Hmmmm I wonder what this
does to the radio now that it isnt being cooled properly

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

Another plot to force people to turn off Howard Stern; no more hot radio.

Richard.

 

Hey Glen the recall does call for aluminum foil "conductive"tape,maybe they
think the tape will conduct the heat from the radio????,aren't there vents
on the bottom too?

Kevin Thune
Chrysler Service Advisor

 

Im not sure about the bottom of the radio, It sure is strange that they are
recalling these vehicle but the 2004 vehilces have a TSB out for the same
problem 08-014-04 Intermittent radio inop.......the bulletin involes putting
a label over the slots in the radio top cover

 

OK thanks for the info.
The above is clearer than Chrysler's letter

Doug