FCA recalling 33k vans and SUVs for TPMS problems in two campaigns

Thu, 30 Oct 2014

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is issuing two, separate recalls covering a total of 33,443 examples in the US of the 2014 Ram ProMaster, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan and 2014 Chrysler Town & Country because of potential problems with the tire pressure monitoring system in the vehicles.

The first campaign is for 23,053 units of the 2014 Ram ProMaster. It's possible for the TPMS to not recognize the location of the data coming from the sensors in the wheels. If this happens, then the low tire pressure warning light comes on and potentially gives the driver a false positive. If the warning isn't cleared, and drivers keep going, they might not be aware of another tire that actually has low pressure. This fix for this is a software update.

The second recall covers 10,390 examples of the 2014 Wrangler, Grand Caravan and Town & Country. According to FCA, it's possible that a test mode for the TPMS is still on since being shipped from the supplier. On affected vehicles, it could cause inaccurate pressure readings. The repair involves disabling that mode on the TPMS module.

Neither issue is responsible for known injuries or accidents, and affected customers should be advised by mail in November. Scroll down to read FCA's statement about both recalls and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report for the ProMaster campaign. The agency has not yet published a similar announcement for the other repair.

RECALL Subject : TPMS may not Locate Sensors/FMVSS 138

Report Receipt Date: OCT 08, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V633000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 23,053
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
RAM PROMASTER 2014
Details

Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC

SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Ram ProMaster vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 22, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may fail to learn the locations of the individual sensors while the vehicle is being driven. As a result, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate, despite the the tire pressures being within specification. Should one of the tires lose air pressure, the driver would not be notified of the change in air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

CONSEQUENCE:
If the TPMS light illuminates because the sensors cannot be located, it could mask an actual low tire pressure condition, possibly resulting in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the TPMS module with new software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P62.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Statement: Tire Pressure Monitors

October 30, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group is voluntarily recalling an estimated 33,443 light trucks in two separate campaigns to prevent false warnings from Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) systems.

The Company is unaware of any injuries or accidents associated with either.

One campaign will upgrade software that helps TPM sensors recognize from which tire pressure data is coming. Absent such capability, a warning light may falsely signal that tire pressure is low. And if the light is already activated, the system may not properly alert vehicle occupants if tire pressure actually becomes low.

Affected are an estimated 23,053 Ram ProMaster full-size vans from model-year 2014. All are in the U.S.

The second campaign will reconfigure a TPM module to disable a test mode that was inadvertently left on following shipment from the supplier. When installed in a vehicle, a TPM module configured this way may not get accurate tire-pressure readings, which could result in a false warning.

Affected are an estimated 10,390 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country minivans from model-year 2014. All are in the U.S.

Owners of all vehicles implicated in the two recalls will be notified next month and advised when they may schedule service, the cost of which will be borne by Chrysler Group.

Customers with questions may call Chrysler Group's Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.

By Chris Bruce