2014 Ram 3500 Tradesman on 2040-cars

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Ram issues recall on heavy-duty pickup transfer cases

UPDATE: A previous version of this story said the issue only occurred in four-wheel drive. This is incorrect – issues are only exhibited in two-wheel drive. The Basics: Ram is recalling 930 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy-duty pickups from model year 2016. The affected 3500s were built between July 24, 2015 and January 7, 2016, while the larger 4500/5500 trucks were screwed together between July 24, 2015 and October 8, 2015. The Problem: According to the official NHTSA bulletin, the "transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture." If this happens, the vehicle could lose power. The driver might not be able to select park, either. Injuries/Deaths: FCA isn't aware of any injuries or deaths related to the issue. The Fix: Dealerships will replace the transfer case on affected trucks. If you own one: You probably don't. According to FCA spokesman Eric Mayne, dealers haven't delivered the majority of the affected trucks to customers. But if you really do own one, Mayne added that the issue only occurs in two-wheel drive. We'd advise keeping it in four-wheel drive until you can report to your local dealer. FCA kicked the recall off on August 10, so expect a mailed notification soon. Related Video:

NHTSA is investigating FCA shifters for roll-away accidents again, this time the rotary units

It seems FCA's shifter troubles aren't over yet. Now, just a few months after issuing a recall to resolve user-related issues with its monostable shifters, the company is again under investigation by NHTSA. The issue is related to the potential for cars to roll away when the rotary-style shifter is not properly placed in park. Two FCA models are the subject of this investigation: the 2013–2016 Ram 1500 and the 2014–2016 Dodge Durango. NHTSA estimates about 1,000,000 vehicles would be affected if a recall is issued. The investigation was started following 43 complaints of vehicles rolling away while supposedly being in "park." Among the complaints were reports of 25 crashes and 9 injuries. NHTSA does point out that in every incident, the parking brake was not engaged. A representative from FCA also gave us an official statement regarding the investigation: "FCA US is cooperating fully with NHTSA's investigation, the scope of which is limited. Other vehicles equipped with rotary shifters are not included. In accordance with prudent practice, the Company joins NHTSA in urging all drivers to use their vehicles' parking brakes." View 35 Photos As mentioned above, other Chrysler products with rotary shifters, such as the Pacifica minivan and 200 sedan, are not involved in this investigation. One of the key differences, as the representative told us, is that these vehicles have electronic parking brakes that automatically engage if the driver does not select park and then opens the door with the seatbelt unbuckled. The Ram 1500 and Durango feature mechanical, manually operated parking brakes and therefore cannot activate the brake automatically. Because this is currently an investigation, an exact cause for the incidents has yet to be determined, and none of the vehicles have been recalled. It's possible there could be a mechanical defect. However, the issue could be a confusing interface causing user error, as was the case with FCA's monostable shifters, where drivers think they've put the car in park but actually haven't. Something that indicates it could be a case of confused users is that NHTSA also opened an investigation into 2012–2014 Jaguar XF and Land Rover Range Rover Evoques for similar issues. Both vehicles use a rotary shifter and have had roll-away complaints levied as well. Even if it is a case of user error, FCA and Jaguar Land Rover may still have to recall their vehicles.

2017 Ram Power Wagon starts at $53,015

Ram has finally released pricing for the new 2017 2500 Power Wagon, and it won't come cheap, starting at $53,015. The good news is that you still get plenty of hardware and appearance upgrades. The better news is that there's also a way to get the same capability for a discount. Every Power Wagon model still gets a bevy of off-roading features, including Bilstein shocks, 33-inch tires, locking front and rear differentials, electronically disconnecting sway bars, chassis armor, and a 12,000-pound Warn winch. Each one also comes with the Ram 2500's 410-horsepower V8. This year, the standard grade Power Wagon also gets a much more aggressive exterior thanks to the Ram Rebel-style black front grille and trim. The black trim is complemented by a retro Power Wagon stripe just behind the rear doors, as seen on late '70s Power Wagons and the recent Macho Power Wagon SEMA concept. Inside, the Power Wagon also gets seats with embossed tire tread patterns, like the Ram Rebel. Buyers who want to be coddled on the trail can then upgrade their Power Wagons with the Leather and Luxury package for $4,495, which adds satellite radio, UConnect, heated leather seats and steering wheel, and voice control, among other things. With the introduction of the Leather and Luxury package, Ram will also phase out the fancy, $59,465 Laramie Power Wagon trim. However, if you don't need the extra style of the Ram Power Wagon, there's a cheaper way to get the substance. The way to do this is to order a Ram 2500 Tradesman in crew cab, four-wheel-drive configuration, and then choose the $8,450 Power Wagon package. When added to the Tradesman's $39,865 starting price, you'll have a Power Wagon for $46,995 provided you don't add anymore options. That's a substantial savings of just over $6,000. Now you won't get the fancy interior or the Rebel-style exterior appointments, but all of the important mechanical bits are the same. In a way, it's the off-road version of a " sleeper." So whether you want style or savings, there's a Power Wagon for you. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon: Chicago 2016 View 18 Photos Image Credit: Ram RAM Truck power wagon ram 2500 power wagon