Chrysler recalling 67k trucks with manual transmissions
Tue, Dec 30 2014
The recall affects Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups, as well as the Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider. The issue is relevant only to those trucks fitted with manual transmissions, from the 2006 and 2007 model years and manufactured between July 1, 2005, and July 31, 2006.
Since a broken spring could, according to statements issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and FCA US LLC (previously known as the Chrysler Group) prevent the vehicle from starting, or cause it to move unintentionally once the ignition kicks over, the automaker will begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles just before Valentine's Day to bring their trucks into their local dealers to have the clutch ignition interlock switch replaced.
FCA emphasizes, however, that the unintended movement would only occur "in rare cases" and only "if recommended starting procedures are not followed." Only one such case is known to have occurred, but it did regrettably result in a fatality.
Statement: Clutch Ignition Interlock Switch
December 29, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is launching a voluntary global recall of an estimated 66,819 older-model pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions. The Company will replace their clutch ignition interlock switches at no charge to customers.
An investigation by FCA US engineers discovered switches in certain model-year 2006 and 2007 pickups may be equipped with spring wire that differs from wire used in previous switches. The alternate wire may break and, as a result, the vehicles may not start. In rare cases, a vehicle may – if recommended starting procedures are not followed – exhibit unintended movement when its ignition key is turned.
The Company is aware of one fatality related to this campaign. It stemmed from the single known accident involving this population of vehicles.
The recall covers certain Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mitsubishi Raider pickups. Switches with the alternate wire were not used in any vehicles produced before July of 2005, or after June of 2006. The Dakota and Raider are no longer in production. (The latter was built for Mitsubishi under terms of an assembly contract.)
An estimated 54,558 vehicles are in the U.S.; 4,356 are in Canada; 7,648 are in Mexico and 257 are outside the NAFTA region.
Notification of affected customers is expected to begin Feb. 13. In the interim, customers are advised to follow recommended procedures for starting their vehicles. These procedures include activating the vehicle's parking brake, placing its shift lever in the neutral position and pressing the clutch pedal before turning the ignition key.
Customers with additional concerns or questions may call 1-800-853-1403.
December 29, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is launching a voluntary global recall of an estimated 66,819 older-model pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions. The Company will replace their clutch ignition interlock switches at no charge to customers.
An investigation by FCA US engineers discovered switches in certain model-year 2006 and 2007 pickups may be equipped with spring wire that differs from wire used in previous switches. The alternate wire may break and, as a result, the vehicles may not start. In rare cases, a vehicle may – if recommended starting procedures are not followed – exhibit unintended movement when its ignition key is turned.
The Company is aware of one fatality related to this campaign. It stemmed from the single known accident involving this population of vehicles.
The recall covers certain Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mitsubishi Raider pickups. Switches with the alternate wire were not used in any vehicles produced before July of 2005, or after June of 2006. The Dakota and Raider are no longer in production. (The latter was built for Mitsubishi under terms of an assembly contract.)
An estimated 54,558 vehicles are in the U.S.; 4,356 are in Canada; 7,648 are in Mexico and 257 are outside the NAFTA region.
Notification of affected customers is expected to begin Feb. 13. In the interim, customers are advised to follow recommended procedures for starting their vehicles. These procedures include activating the vehicle's parking brake, placing its shift lever in the neutral position and pressing the clutch pedal before turning the ignition key.
Customers with additional concerns or questions may call 1-800-853-1403.
- News Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, FCA
By Noah Joseph
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