August 2014

Dealer Service Instructions for:

Customer Satisfaction Notification N45

Rear Structural Reinforcement
Models

1993 1998

(ZJ) Jeep Grand Cherokee

IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer vehicle

inventory. Dealers should complete this repair on these vehicles before retail
delivery. Dealers should also perform this repair on vehicles in for service.
Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.

Subject
To better manage crash forces and protect the fuel tank in low-speed impacts an
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) trailer hitch will be installed where
appropriate, on about 89 002 of the above vehicles.
Repair
Vehicles equipped with an aftermarket or factory installed trailer hitch must have
the hitch inspected and/or replaced. Vehicles without a trailer hitch must have a
trailer hitch installed to improve, incrementally, the performance of the vehicle in
certain types of low speed collisions.

Copyright 2014, Chrysler Group LLC, All Rights Reserved

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Parts Information
Part Number

Description

CBXTN453AA

Trailer Hitch Package (MSQ = 1)

Each package contains the following components:

Quantity

Description

1
Hitch, Trailer
4
Nut and Washer
4
Stud
2
Bolt, Hex Head
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were assigned will receive enough
Trailer Hitch Packages to service about 20% of those vehicles.
NOTE: A trailer hitch wiring harness is not included and/or part of the
installation of the trailer hitch assembly.

CBXTN452AA

Trailer Hitch Bolt Kit (bolts missing)

Each kit contains the following components:

Quantity
4
4
2

Description
Nut and Washer
Stud
Bolt, Hex Head

SPECIAL NOTE: There are a small number of trailer hitch packages

(CBXTN453AA) that may have been built without providing the necessary
bolts to install the trailer hitch. Order the above Trailer Hitch Bolt Kit
(CBXTN452AA) only if it is determined that the bolt package is missing from
the trailer hitch package.

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Parts Information

CBXTN454AA

Thread Repair Kit

Each package contains the following components:

Quantity

Description

1
1
2

Bit, 27/64 Cobalt Drill

Tap, 1/2 - 13 Taper
Bolt, Hex Head (1/2 13 x 1.625)

Part Number

Description

04318032

Compound, Thread Locking

0VU01159

(Canada) Compound, Thread Locking

NOTE: Thread Repair kit CBXTN454AA will be superseded to

CBXTN454AB in the near future. The original AA kit has bolts that do not
have thread locking compound on the bolts. The new AB kit will contain
bolts with thread locking compound already applied to the bolt threads.
If the AA kit is used, 04318032 thread locking compound must be applied to
the bolt threads. Thread locking compound is not required if the AB kit is
being used.
Part Number

Description

68264812AA

Bracket, 7-Pin Trailer Hitch Wiring Connector

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Special Tools
The following special tools are required to perform this repair:
2015800140

Clearance Gauge Set (Figure 1)

2019700230

Induction Heating Tool (Figure 1)

2019900230

Replacement Induction Heating Tool Coil Kit

NOTE: If a replacement coil is required, an induction heating tool coil kit can
be ordered at dealer expense. To order call: 855-298-2687 or go online to:
www.MoparEssentialTools.com and click on Equipment Catalog. Then enter
item number in the search box or go to Collision Repair / Miscellaneous.
NOTE: Each involved dealer received one Induction Heating Tool, free of
charge, through Mopar Essential Tools in July of 2014. Aditional Induction
Heating tools can be ordered at dealer expense.

Figure 1 Special Tools

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Service Procedure

A. Inspect Vehicle
1. Inspect the rear of the vehicle for collision damage:
If there is no collision damage, continue to Step 2 of this procedure.
If there is minor collision damage, but no apparent frame damage, continue
to Step 2 of this procedure.
If there is collision induced frame damage, the recall cannot be completed
until the collision damage is repaired. Continue with Section G. Document
Corrosion and/or Collision Damage.
NOTE: The cost of collision damage repair is the responsibility of the
vehicle owner.

2. Inspect for a trailer hitch:

If the vehicle is equipped with a factory installed trailer hitch (looks
identical to a CBXTN451AA replacement hitch), return the vehicle to the
customer.
If the vehicle is equipped with an aftermarket trailer hitch, continue with
Section B: Measure and Inspect Aftermarket Trailer Hitch.
If the vehicle does not have a trailer hitch, continue with Section C: Inspect
Frame Rails for Corrosion.

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Service Procedure (Continued)

B: Measure and Inspect Aftermarket Trailer Hitch

1. Lift the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
2. Using Special Tool 2015800140 labeled ZJ, measure the clearance between the
fuel tank and the aftermarket trailer hitch in the three locations referenced in
Figure 2:
If there is adequate clearance between the fuel tank and the aftermarket
trailer hitch (Figure 2), continue with Step 3 of this procedure.
If there is inadequate clearance between the fuel tank and the aftermarket
trailer hitch, continue with Section C: Inspect Frame Rails for Corrosion.

TRAILER HITCH
CROSSBAR

CHECK FOR CLEARANCE

BETWEEN THE TRAILER HITCH
CROSSBAR AND FUEL TANK IN
THESE LOCATIONS (NOTE:
THAT THE TOOL ENDS ARE
MARKED TO INDICATE WHICH
END TO USE IN A GIVEN
LOCATION)

CLEARANCE GAUGE
(SPECIAL TOOL 2015800140)
FUEL TANK

Figure 2 Check Clearance between the Aftermarket Trailer Hitch and Fuel Tank

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Service Procedure (Continued)

3. Inspect the aftermarket trailer hitch for sharp edges and/or corners that could
puncture the fuel tank in the event of a rear end collision (Figure 3):
If there are no obvious sharp edges and/or corners on the aftermarket trailer
hitch, return the vehicle to the customer.
If there are sharp edges and/or corners on the aftermarket trailer hitch,
continue with continue with Section C: Inspect Frame Rails for
Corrosion.

TRAILER HITCH
CROSSBAR

FUEL
TANK

INSPECT THE AFTERMARKET TRAILER

HITCH FOR SHARP EDGES IN THESE
AREAS BETWEEN THE TRAILER HITCH
CROSSBAR AND THE FUEL TANK

Figure 3 Inspect Aftermarket Trailer Hitch

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Service Procedure (Continued)

C: Inspect Frame Rails for Corrosion

1. Lift the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
2. Inspect the rear right and left frame rails for corrosion (Figure 4):
If there is little or no corrosion of the frame rails (level 1 or 2), continue with
Section D. Install Trailer Hitch.
If there is light (level 3) to medium (level 4) corrosion of the frame rails
(Figures 5 and 6), but no perforation of the frame rail metal, continue with
Section D. Install Trailer Hitch.
If there is heavy corrosion and/or perforation through the frame rail(s)
(level 5 corrosion), the recall cannot be completed until the corrosion
damage is repaired (Figure 4). Continue with Section G. Document
Corrosion and/or Collision Damage.
NOTE: The cost of the corrosion damage repair is the responsibility of
the vehicle owner.

CORRODED FRAME
RAIL SURFACE

Figure 4 Heavily Corroded Frame Rail (Level 5 Corrosion)

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Service Procedure (Continued)

FRAME
RAIL

Figure 5 Level 4 Corrosion

FRAME
RAIL

Figure 6 Level 3 Corrosion

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Service Procedure (Continued)

D. Install Trailer Hitch

1. If equipped, remove and
discard the aftermarket trailer
hitch.
2. If equipped, remove and
discard the recovery bracket
and/or shipping bracket located
on the right and/or left rear
frame rail (Figure 7).
3. Using two 12 mm x 1.75 nuts,
double nut each of the four
original studs and remove the
studs from the right and left
frame rail (Figure 8).

RECOVERY
BRACKET

Figure 7 Recovery Bracket

NOTE: If any studs and/or bolts are corroded in place, use the induction
heating tool (special tool 2019700230) to heat the bolt/stud to aid in
removal. Follow the instructions provided with the induction heating tool
to operate the induction heating tool safely and effectively.
4. Using Mopar Penetrating spray,
apply penetrating spray to the
six trailer hitch mounting
bolt/stud holes on the frame
rails.

TWO REAR-MOST
LOCATIONS

FRAME RAIL

5. Using a 12 mm x 1.75 tapered

tap, chase the threads in all six
trailer hitch mounting bolt/stud
holes on the rear frame rails.
CAUTION: Be sure to
lubricate the thread tap with
cutting-oil.

TOP NUT

BOTTOM
NUT

WRENCH ON TOP NUT TO

REMOVE, ON THE
BOTTOM NUT TO INSTALL

STUD
FLAT END
DOWN

6. Install new studs in the two

Figure 8 Frame Rail Studs (left side shown)
rear-most mounting holes in the
right and left frame rail (Figure 8).

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Service Procedure (Continued)

7. Using the double nut method,
tighten the four studs to
80 ft. lbs. (108 Nm).

TRAILER HITCH

8. With the help of an assistant,

place and secure the new trailer
hitch onto a transmission jack.
9. Using the transmission jack,
raise the trailer hitch into
position (Figure 9).
10. Install the four trailer hitch
mounting nuts onto the studs,
hand tight.

TRANSMISSION
JACK

Figure 9 Install Trailer Hitch into Position

11. Install the two mounting bolts and tighten them to 65 ft. lbs. (88 Nm).
CAUTION: If either of the two trailer hitch mounting bolt holes strip-out
before reaching the proper tightening specification, continue with
Section E. Thread Repair.
If all bolts achieve the proper tightening specification without stripping
out, continue with Step 12 of this procedure.
12. Tighten the mounting stud nuts to 55 ft. lbs. (74 Nm).
13. Remove the transmission jack.
14. For vehicles with trailer hitch wiring, continue with Section F. Trailer Hitch
Wiring.
15. Return the vehicle to the customer.
NOTE: Refer to Service Administration Bulletin 2014-15 for details on
documentation that must be provided to the customer with their vehicle.

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Service Procedure (Continued)

E. Thread Repair
1. Remove and discard the original
bolt(s) that stripped-out.

27/64 INCH
DRILL BIT

2. Using the 27/64 inch drill bit

provided in the thread repair kit,
drill out the weld nut(s) threads
(Figure 10).
3. Using the thread tap provided in
the thread repair kit, tap new
threads into the weld nut(s)
(Figure 11).
CAUTION: Be sure to
lubricate the thread tap with
cutting-oil.

Figure 10 Drill out Weld Nut(s) Threads

4. For thread repair kit CBXTN454AA only, install the provided conical
washer onto the bolt with the crowned side towards the bolt head.
5. For thread repair kit CBXTN454AA only, apply three drops of thread
locking compound to the bolt threads.
6. Install the provided oversized
bolt(s) into the oversized hole
and
tighten
to
65 ft. lbs.
(88 Nm).

- 13 THREAD
TAP

7. Tighten the mounting stud nuts

to 55 ft. lbs. (74 Nm).
8. Remove the transmission jack.
9. For vehicles with trailer hitch
wiring, continue with Section F.
Trailer Hitch Wiring.
Figure 11 Trailer Hitch Mounting Bolts
(left side shown)

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10. Return the vehicle to the customer.

NOTE: Refer to Service Administration Bulletin 2014-15 for details on
documentation that must be provided to the customer with their vehicle.

F. Trailer Hitch Wiring

NOTE: The following procedure is only to be performed on vehicles that had
trailer hitch wiring previously installed. Vehicles that did not have a trailer
hitch and/or trailer hitch wiring are not eligible for this procedure. If the
customer requests trailer hitch wiring, the cost to install wiring is the vehicle
owners responsibility.
1. For vehicle equipped with a 4-pin electrical connector, secure the wiring as
required with plastic tie straps.
2. For vehicles equipped with a 7-pin electrical connector, use the following
procedure to install a 7-pin electrical connector bracket:
NOTE: The installation instructions below are basic guidelines to install a
7-pin connector bracket (P/N 68264812AA) to the trailer hitch. Deviation
to these instructions may be required for proper installation.
a. Place the bracket against the bottom of the hitch cross car beam and position
approximately 6 - 8 to the left of the hitch receiver and the mounting tab
pointing towards the front of the vehicle
b. Using the bracket mounting holes as a template, mark the centers of the holes
using the scribe.
c. Using the centering punch, create a divot at the scribe marks for the drill to
center on.
d. Using the hand drill and #27 drill bit, create two through holes for the
mounting screws.
e. Mount the bracket to the hitch using 2 tapping screws ( hex socket) tighten
until secure.
CAUTION: Do not over tighten the tapping or machine screws and nut.
Use hand driver and sockets. The maximum torque should not
exceed 26 in. lbs. (3 Nm).
f. Secured to the 7-way connector to the bracket using 4 screws and 4 nuts
included in the kit.

Customer Satisfaction Notification N45

3.

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Return the vehicle to the customer.

NOTE: Refer to Service Administration Bulletin 2014-15 for details on
documentation that must be provided to the customer with their vehicle.

G. Document Corrosion and/or Collision Damage

NOTE: The following procedure is only required if the inspection performed
in Section A or Section C determines that the vehicle cannot have a
trailer hitch installed.
Refer to Service Administration Bulletin 2014-15 for procedure and claiming
details as well as documentation that must be provided to the customer.
For assistance with Level 5 Corrosion or Damage assessments, please contact
Chrysler Canada Dealer Technical Support.

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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.
Parts listed on any campaign are required for the repair but may not always be
eligible for reimbursement. As stated in the Service Administration Manual;
Normal shop supplies, such as general-purpose cleaners, solvents, lubricants, etc.
submitted on claims are subject to non-payment or chargeback.

Use the following labour operation numbers and time allowances:

Labour Operation Time
Number
Allowance
Inspect the vehicle for a trailer hitch,
frame corrosion and/or collision damage

13-N4-51-81

0.4 hours

Inspect the vehicle for a trailer hitch,

frame corrosion and/or collision damage,
install a new trailer hitch

13-N4-51-82

0.9 hours

Inspect the vehicle for a trailer hitch, frame

corrosion and/or collision damage, remove
aftermarket trailer hitch, install a new trailer
trailer hitch

13-N4-51-83

1.0 hours

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Related Operation
Repair one, two, or three threaded hole(s)

13-N4-51-50

0.2 hours

Repair four, five, or six threaded holes

13-N4-51-51

0.4 hours

Extract bolt(s)/stud(s) with induction

heating tool

13-N4-51-52

0.2 hours

Document vehicles with Level 5 frame

corrosion and/or collision damage

13-N4-51-53

0.1 hours

Install 7-Pin Electrical Connector Bracket

13-N4-51-54

0.2 hours

Refer to Service Administration Bulletin SAB 2014-15 for additional requirements

for this Recall including:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Documentation that must be supplied to the customer

Level 5 Corrosion / Collision Form
Processing the Recall Claim and requirements
Support and FAQ

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Owner Notification and Service Scheduling

All involved vehicle owners known to Chrysler are being notified of the service requirement by
mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A copy of
the owner letter is attached.
Enclosed with each owner letter is a Service Authorization Card 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 studio inquiry as needed.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The
owners 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
studios VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at
recall launch, those with a phone number, city, Postal Code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers should 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.
VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information. Use of this
information is permitted for this notification 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.
Chrysler Canada Inc.

J.D. Kiritsis
National Service and Parts Manager

Chrysler Canada Inc.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION N45

REAR STRUCTURE REINFORCEMENT
Dear Chrysler Canada Vehicle Owner:
At Chrysler Canada Inc. we recognize that the success of our business depends on the satisfaction of our
customers. We are constantly monitoring the quality of our products and looking for opportunities to improve our
vehicles even after they are sold. Because your long-term satisfaction is important to us, we are contacting you
on important improvements we would like to make to your vehicle.

We are recommending the following improvements be performed on certain 1993 through 1998 model year
Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.

Recommended
Service :

To better manage crash forces and protect the fuel tank in low-speed impacts,
Chrysler recommends an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) trailer hitch be
installed where appropriate.

What your dealer

will do :

Chrysler will inspect your vehicle and install an (OEM) trailer hitch where
appropriate, free of charge (parts and labor), to better manage crash forces in lowspeed impacts. If your vehicle already has an original factory installed Chrysler OEM
trailer hitch, the area surrounding the hitch will be inspected for damage.
If your vehicle has an aftermarket (Non OEM) trailer hitch, the trailer hitch and the
surrounding area will be inspected for any evidence of sharp edges or other risks
that could damage the fuel tank. If any such evidence is identified, the aftermarket hitch
will be removed and a Chrysler OEM trailer hitch will be installed free of charge, provided
the condition of the vehicle can support proper removal of the existing hitch and installation
of a Chrysler OEM trailer hitch.
If it is determined that the condition of the vehicle does not allow the installation of a
Chrysler OEM trailer hitch, your vehicle will be returned and you will be advised what, if
any, repairs are needed before the installation can be performed.

Chrysler recommends the removal of the ball & ball mount whenever
the vehicle is not towing.

What you should

do :

Contact an authorized Chrysler dealer to schedule a service appointment and provide

them with your vehicle identification number (VIN), shown on the enclosed Service
Authorization Card.

If you need help :

If you require additional assistance or information, please contact the Chrysler Canada
Customer Care at 1-800-465-2001 (English) or 1-800-387-9983 (French) or by email:
www.chryslercanada.ca/en/contact_us.php (English) or
www.chryslercanada.ca/fr/contact_us.php (French).

If you already have an OEM/Mopar trailer hitch you will still be required to have the recommended service
performed by an authorized Chrysler dealer at no charge to you.
If your name and address shown on the enclosed Service Authorization Card is incorrect or if you no longer own
the vehicle, please contact us at the above phone number, email address or fill in the prepaid post card.
We apologize for any inconvenience this service may cause. Chrysler is committed to providing our customers
with world class quality products.

Yours very truly,

Chrysler Canada Inc.
National Service and Parts Manager