Safety Recall N52 Engine Balance Shaft Module (RC-N52-13)

SAFETY RECALL N52 ENGINE BALANCE SHAFT MODULE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

MODELS

2013 - 2014 (JS) Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 

(JC) Dodge Journey 

(MK) Jeep Compass and Patriot 

(JF) Fiat Freemont 

SUBJECT

The engine balance shaft module on about 47 of the above vehicles may cause a loss of engine oil pressure during normal operation. A loss of oil pressure will cause the engine to fail. An engine failure during certain driving conditions could cause a crash without warning.

REPAIR

The engine balance shaft module must be replaced.

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number	Description
68127987AB	Balance Shaft Module Package

Each package contains the following components:

Quantity	Description
1	Balance Shaft Module
8	Balance Shaft Module Bolts

Part Number	Description
04884665AE	Pan, Engine Oil
68082860AA	Sealant, Engine RTV
68218890AA	Oil, Engine (MS-6395)
04892339AA	Filter, Engine Oil

SPECIAL TOOLS

No special tools are required to perform this service procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove and save the engine oil dipstick.
3. Lift the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
4. Remove and save the right front tire/wheel assembly.
5. Remove and save the right side engine splash shield (Figure 1).
6. Remove the engine oil pan drain plug and drain the oil from the engine crankcase.
7. Remove and discard the original engine oil filter (Figure 2).
8. Install a new engine oil filter (Figure 2).
9. Install the engine oil pan drain plug.
10. Remove and save the air conditioning compressor lower mounting bracket (Figure 2).
11. Remove and save the engine oil pan bolts.
12. Carefully remove the engine oil pan from the engine block.
    CAUTION: If the oil pan bends during the removal process, replace the engine oil pan.
13. Bar the engine over and align the timing mark on the crankshaft accessory belt pulley with the "T" on the timing chain cover (Figure 3).
14. Verify that the mark on the balance shaft module chain sprocket aligns with the mark on the balance shaft module housing (Figure 4).
    NOTE: Do not use the colored chain links to time the balance shaft assembly.
15. Install one air conditioning bracket bolt into the engine block oil pan rail as shown in Figure 5.
16. Using a screwdriver, collapse the balance shaft module drive chain tensioner (Figure 6).
17. Hold the collapsed balance shaft module drive chain tensioner in the collapsed position while tightening the plastic tie strap as shown in Figure 5.
18. Remove and save the four balance shaft module mounting bolts.
19. Carefully remove and discard the balance shaft module from the engine.
20. Thoroughly clean the oil pan mounting surface on the engine block.
21. The balance shaft kit comes with four 180 mm and four 185 mm balance shaft module mounting bolts. Use the four bolts that match the bolt length removed from the engine.
22. Verify that the timing marks on the balance shaft module chain sprocket align with the mark on the balance shaft housing and install the new balance shaft module to the engine (Figure 4).
23. Install the four balance shaft module mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to the following three step torque sequence (a, b, c) and in the order shown (1, 2, 3, 4) in Figure 7:
24. Remove the plastic tie strap and ensure that the balance shaft module drive chain tensioner is tight against the chain.
25. Remove and discard the balance shaft module timing pin (Figure 8).
26. If the original engine oil pan is being reused, clean the oil pan rail thoroughly.
    NOTE: Be sure that there is no oil residue on the oil pan rail by spraying brake clean on a rag and wipe the oil pan rail to ensure that there is no oil residue on the oil pan rail surface.
27. Apply RTV engine sealant to the oil pan rail.
28. Spray brake clean onto a rag and wipe the engine oil pan mounting surface on the engine block to ensure that there is no oil residue on the engine block.
29. Install the engine oil pan and air conditioning compressor lower mounting bracket onto the engine block. Tighten the engine oil pan bolts to 105 in. lbs. (12 N.m). Tighten the two long oil pan bolts to 195 in. lbs. (22 N.m).
30. Install the right side engine splash shield.
31. Install the right front tire/wheel assembly. Tighten the lug nuts to:
    • 100 ft. lbs. (135 N.m) for JC and JS models.
    • 92 ft. lbs. (125 N.m) for MK models.
32. Lower the vehicle from the hoist.
33. Install the engine dipstick.
34. Fill the vehicle with 5 quarts of engine oil.
35. Start the engine and allow engine oil pressure to build. Turn off engine after engine oil pressure has stabilized.
36. Recheck the engine oil level and add engine oil as required. An extra quart of engine oil may need to be added to bring the oil level to the full mark on the engine dipstick.

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.

Use the following labor operation number and time allowance:

	Labor Operation Number	Time Allowance
Replace engine balance shaft module	09-N5-21-82	1.3 hours

Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.

OWNER NOTIFICATION AND SERVICE SCHEDULING

All involved vehicle owners should be notified of the service requirement by their Distributor/Dealer. Owners are requested to schedule appointments for this service. A sample copy of the owner notification letter is attached.

VEHICLE LISTS, GLOBAL RECALL SYSTEM, VIP AND DISTRIBUTOR/DEALER FOLLOW UP

All involved vehicles have been entered into the Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for Distributor/Dealer inquiry as needed.

GRS provides involved Distributors/Dealers with an updated  VIN list of their incomplete  vehicles. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.

Distributors/Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery.  Distributors/Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your International Service and Parts Manager.

Global Service and Parts - International

Chrysler Group LLC

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

N52 

Dear Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Fiat Vehicle Owner:

Chrysler has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in some 2013 and 2014 model year Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey, Chrysler 200, Jeep Compass/Patriot and Fiat Freemont vehicles  equipped with a 2.4 liter engine.

The problem is  ... The engine balance shaft module may cause a loss of engine oil pressure during normal operation. A loss of oil pressure will cause the engine to fail. An engine failure during certain driving conditions could cause a crash without warning. 

What your dealer/distributor will do  ... Chrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor).  To do this, your dealer will replace the balance shaft module. The work will take about 1.5 hours to complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on service schedules.

What you must do to ensure your safety  ... Simply contact your distributor/dealer  right away to schedule a service appointment. Ask the distributor/dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to order them before your appointment. Please bring this letter with you to your distributor/dealer. 

If you need help  ... If you have trouble getting your vehicle serviced, please contact the Chrysler Distributor/Dealer  nearest your location. A representative will assist you in getting your vehicle serviced. This information can be found in the Customer Assistance section of your Owner's Manual.

We apologize for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Global Service & Parts - International

Chrysler Group LLC

Notification Code N52

Engine Balance Shaft Module