Interpretation ID: nht74-5.13

DATE: 03/12/74

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Lawrence R. Schneider; NHTSA

TO: McIntosh & Boynton

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of February 19, 1974, forwarding to us for approval a draft notification letter regarding the Checker front seat adjuster (CIR-727).

The one remaining problem we have with your letter is in the second paragraph. Because Checker is a manufacturer of motor vehicles, the appropriate determination by Checker pursuant to @ 577.4(b)(1) is that the defect exists in the motor vehicles in question. Your second sentence should be changed, and may be changed to read, "The Checker Motors Corporation has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1972 model Checker vehicles manufactured from December 9, 1971, through April 5, 1972, and results from improperly installed front seat adjuster assemblies."

We have decided to accept notification letters in which the reference to "some" vehicles (@ 577.4(b)(2)) is placed in the sentence required by @ 577.4(b)(1).

SINCERELY,

Dear Checker Owner:

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

The Checker Motors Corporation has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the front seat adjuster. This defect exists in some 1972 model Checker vehicles manufactured from December 9, 1971 through April 5, 1972 and results from improperly installed front seat adjuster assemblies.

Your vehicle is equipped with an adjuster assembly which allows selective fore and aft positioning of the front seat (see attached illustration). The seat is secured at the selected position by the engagement of a pawl and notch on the right and left hand seat adjuster track. The right hand pawl is engaged by a spring and disengaged by a wire attached to both the left and right hand pawl. If tension was introduced in the wire during installation, it may not allow full engagement of the pawl and notch at the right hand seat adjuster track. If a vehicle with only partial engagement between the pawl and notch is involved in an accident or is suddenly decelerated, the seat could slide forward and cause injury to the front seat occupants from impact with the vehicle interior (windshield, dashboard and steering column).

You are urged to take your vehicle to a Checker dealership to have the front seat adjuster installation checked for proper operation. Should your seat adjuster require repair, your Checker dealer will at "no cost" to you:

1. Using the prescribed template, drill four (4) 3/16 diameter holes through the center section of the seat frame.

2. Install a new pawl actuator wire.

3. Anchor the pawl actuator wire with a 1/8 x 1 cotter pin at the hole which removes the minimum amount of slack necessary to accurate the right hand pawl.

In the majority of cases, the actual work described above will take less than 30 minutes, however, prior to taking your vehicle to a Checker dealership, it is suggested that you contact the dealer's service department and determine when service time will be available. The necessary parts and instructions will be available at Checker dealerships by March 1, 1974. Presentation of this letter will assist you in obtaining this service.

CHECKER MOTORS CORPORATION