Roof Rail Lifting Answers

**rickaren** · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 07:53 PM

Roof Rail Lifting Answers

I suspect many have seen postings in other “Discussion Groups” like me stating that to correct Nitro roof rails (luggage rack) from lifting, breaking or rattling you should have your Dealership installed:

Part Numbers:
68032966AB rail
68032967AB rail
1JQ42RXFAB molding
1JQ43RXFAB molding

Answers:

• These above part numbers were Factory installed on ALL 2008 Dodge Nitros as well as late production 2007 like mine.

• There is no recall or TSB concerning replacing the previous used and Factory installed roof rails with the above numbers. However there is a “Service Directive” that allows a Dealership to check, using the vehicle VIN number to see if your Nitro has the latest designed rails. If not, and you have an issue, the above numbers can be installed under warranty.

• Warranty coverage on the roof rails are part of the basic warranty 3 years or 36,000 miles.

Conclusion: I spent about an hour with my Dealership’s Service Manager to understand why my Nitro could not receive the latest rails, having a loose left one. They appeased me by ordering only the left, since the right one is solid thus far, and since they had to remove it anyway to install new tape. Service Manager said he has not seen issues with 2008, but if my 2007 Nitro has the same moldings then maybe it is just a matter of time before they do! There is little doubt in my mind that the 2009 Dodge Nitro will go out of production in this model year or sooner. Keep in mind that they only built 100 before closing the plant for one month and last report they only have enough 2009 orders to run production for eight days! I told the Manager I wanted to keep mine with all the latest revisions and parts since I knew production would end. He agreed but said by law they must supply replacement parts for 10 years. Don’t think that is true anymore, and Chrysler may not be around a few years from now anyway.

So it looks to me that this issue may not be resolved and I don’t see Chrysler addressing it anymore than they have since the Nitro is a lame duck. I would recommend everyone to at least have your Dealer continue to repair themunder warranty. Hope this helps!

Bukal · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 08:29 PM

All cars go out of production. So saying this Chrysler does have to keep parts for ten years. And someone will still make parts even if they go out of business today.
Joe Bukal
Happy Dodge Owner

**rickaren** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bukal

All cars go out of production. So saying this Chrysler does have to keep parts for ten years. And someone will still make parts even if they go out of business today.
Joe Bukal
Happy Dodge Owner

Yes that may work out and with the Jeep Liberty being about the same that will help. My concern was if this was not a factory installed item it would not be available. As a past Chrysler Parts Manager I do know that not ALL body parts are available from Chrysler for 10 years after the model year. I'm a happy Dodge Nitro owner, just want to protect what I have. Thanks for your reply.