The problem
On certain vans, a capacitor within the electronic control unit for the air bag can crack and the air bag may not activate as designed. This condition is signaled to the driver by the srs-warning lamp.
The risk
The air bag may not deploy correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to a seat occupant.
The fix
Dealers will replace the electronic control unit for the air bag. Owner notification began on april 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler international at 1-704-655-1052.
Contacts
Daimlerchrysler recall no. C14. Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Sprinter dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V082000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.