WHEN TRYING TO USE THE HORN, YOU HAVE TO PUSH SO HARD THAT IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET IT TO WORK WITHOUT GOING OFF THE ROAD. THE RUBBER COVERING THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER IS WAY TO HARD TO OPERATE THE HORN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OTHER PEOPLE WITH '98 DODGE TRUCK, RAMS THAT THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO INSTALL A '99 RA…
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WHEN TRYING TO USE THE HORN, YOU HAVE TO PUSH SO HARD THAT IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET IT TO WORK WITHOUT GOING OFF THE ROAD. THE RUBBER COVERING THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER IS WAY TO HARD TO OPERATE THE HORN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OTHER PEOPLE WITH '98 DODGE TRUCK, RAMS THAT THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO INSTALL A '99 RAM AIRBAG ASSEMBLY. I AM GOING TO BE GOING TO MY DEALER IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND I AM GOING TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT WOULD MAKE IT A LOT EASIER IF THE NHTSA WOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE HEARD THAT DEALERS REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IN MANY CASES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #702923
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Air BagsElectrical System
HORN VERY HARD TO OPERATE ,AIR BAG COVER GETS TOO HARD IN COLD WEATHER
NHTSA ODI #702801
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 1999
Electrical System
HORN IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO BLOW, YOU HAVE TO TAKE EYES OFF THE ROAD TO FIND HORN BUTTON
NHTSA ODI #702283
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 1999
Electrical System
HORN IS EXTREMELY HARD TO BLOW. ECCESSIVE PRESSURE REQUIRED. ESTIMATED 25 - 30 POUNDS.
NHTSA ODI #702281
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 1999
Electrical System
THE HORN ON THE DODGE RAM P/U IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO ENGAGE OR SOUND. A PERSON HAS TO PUSH THROUGH THE AIRBAG TO MAKE THE HORN SOUND. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS AND HAVE SEEN THE PROBLEM IN SEVERAL VEHICLES. ANY HELP YOU CAN GET DODGE TO DO IN REPLACING THE HORN WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
NHTSA ODI #702243
Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 1998
Electrical System
THE HORN IS VERY HARD TO PUSH TO MAKE IT SOUND. IN AN EMGERENCY SITUATION IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE DEALER IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #831664
Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 1998
Electrical System
HORN BUTTON HARD TO PUSH IN PANIC SITUATION. MUST USE EXTREAM PRESSURE TO ENGAGE.
NHTSA ODI #700880
Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 1998
Electrical System
THE TRUCK WE PURCHASED HAD A TOWING PACKAGE AS ORDERED. WHAT THEY DIDN'T TELL US IS THAT THE WIRING ISN'T HEAVY ENOUGH FOR PROLONGED USE. WE TOW A 50' TRAILER WITH OUR TRUCK FOR A LIVING. RIGHT AFTER WE PURCHASED IT WE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRAILER RELAY SWITCH AND THEN MANY, MANY FUSES. THEN WE STARTED SMELLING HOT WIRING. TH…
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THE TRUCK WE PURCHASED HAD A TOWING PACKAGE AS ORDERED. WHAT THEY DIDN'T TELL US IS THAT THE WIRING ISN'T HEAVY ENOUGH FOR PROLONGED USE. WE TOW A 50' TRAILER WITH OUR TRUCK FOR A LIVING. RIGHT AFTER WE PURCHASED IT WE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRAILER RELAY SWITCH AND THEN MANY, MANY FUSES. THEN WE STARTED SMELLING HOT WIRING. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS HOT AND LIGHTS INSIDE STARTED GOING LIGHT TO DARK. THEN THEY WENT OUT COMPLETELY. WE LOST ALL TRUCK LIGHTS AND TRAILER LIGHTS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MILES AN HOUR. WE TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE MAIN TRUCK WIRING HARNESS AND THE LIGHT SWITCH AND THE SHORT PIGTAIL BETWEEN THEM. DODGE KNOWS THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM WITH RAMS USED FOR TOWING. THE CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING WIRING PROBLEM ( NOT HEAVY ENOUGH WIRES) WITH ALL THREE VEHICLES OWNED. *YH
NHTSA ODI #700293
Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 1998
Electrical System
I THINK THAT A HORN THAT REQUIRES SO MUCH EFFORT THAT IT IS USELESS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH THE DEALER AND THE COMPANY DISTRICT REPRESENTITIVE SAY THAT THE ALL OF THE 1998 HORNS ARE LIKE THAT. SOMETHING CAN BE DONE. CHRYSLER SAYS IN THEIR SPECS THAT THE HORN SHOULD OPERATE AT 2 LBS OF PRESSURE NOT, THE 10 LBS OR MORE THAT…
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I THINK THAT A HORN THAT REQUIRES SO MUCH EFFORT THAT IT IS USELESS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH THE DEALER AND THE COMPANY DISTRICT REPRESENTITIVE SAY THAT THE ALL OF THE 1998 HORNS ARE LIKE THAT. SOMETHING CAN BE DONE. CHRYSLER SAYS IN THEIR SPECS THAT THE HORN SHOULD OPERATE AT 2 LBS OF PRESSURE NOT, THE 10 LBS OR MORE THAT THEY REALLY TAKE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY, IF THERE IS NO PROBLEM (THEY CLAIM) DID THEY FIX IT FOR 1999. SAME STEERING WHEEL AND PAD BUT IT NOW WORKS.
NHTSA ODI #700182
Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 1998
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
CONSUMER RECIVED A LETTER FROM DEALER SAYING THAT THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE ENIGINE COMPUTER, RECALL #799, AND ALSO A RECALL ON A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP, RECALL #788. CONSUMER SAYS THAT THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE PARTS YET . *AK
ON CERTAIN VAN AND WAGON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS), AFTERMARKET BATTERIES MAY LEAK ELECTROLYTE ONTO THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR, WHICH CAN COMPROMISE SEALING INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTROLYTE DAMAGE AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINES ONLY, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE JOINTS CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BIND OR STICK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ROD ENDS AND BALL STUDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, AND MISSOURI. CORROSION OF THE RETURN SPRING ON THE HOOD SECONDARY LATCH COULD CAUSE THE MECHANISM TO BIND IN THE "RELEASE POSITION."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PRIMARY LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TRAILER HITCH. THE TRAILER HITCH SIDE BRACKETS WERE MANUFACTURED USING MATERIAL WITH INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: BRACKETS BUILT WITHOUT PROPER MATERIAL COULD FATIGUE AND FRACTURE IN THE AREA WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTS TO THE FRAME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILER HITCHES AND REPLACE ANY TRAILER HITCH SHOWING SIGNS OF FATIGUE CRACKING. IF NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKING EXISTS, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, V10 ENGINES AND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TRANSFER CASES. UNDER SUSTAINED MAXIMUM RATED VEHICLE LOAD, WHILE DRIVING UP A STEEP GRADE IN FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE LOW RANGE IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE LOCAL EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROXIMATE TO THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE CAN GENERATE LINE TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT OF THE CLUTCH LINE MATERIAL. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS AND THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, THE LINE COULD RUPTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE FLUID COULD IGNITE ON THE HOT EXHAUST POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND VANS USED FOR CONVERSION. IF A HEAVY OBJECT IMPACTS THE METAL CASING OF THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM), LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT, THE MODULE COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY THE AIR BAGS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AECM WITH A MODULE THAT INCORPORATES REVISED HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.9L - 24 VALVE DIESEL ENGINE. THE LOW PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BETWEEN THE FILTER AND THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOW PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL SUPPLY TUBE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH BOLTS THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY HARDENED. THE BOLTS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE CAB AND THE CORE SUPPORT TO THE FRAME.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE CAB TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BOLTS WITH PROPERLY HARDENED BOLTS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.9L - 24 VALVE DIESEL ENGINE. AN INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE CONDITION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A MALFUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CREATES A SIGNAL WHICH IS MISINTERPRETED BY THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE, CAUSING A HIGH IDLE SPEED CONDITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE TO CORRECT ERRONEOUS SPEED SENSOR SIGNALS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EITHER A 8.0L V-10 ENGINE OR A 5.9L V-8 HEAVY DUTY GASOLINE ENGINE. AN EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELD ATTACHING SCREW IS TOO CLOSE TO THE UNDERBODY FUEL LINE. THE LINE CAN RUB AGAINST THE SCREW, POSSIBLY CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD ATTACHING SCREW AND REPLACE IT WITH RUBBER ADHESIVE. THE CHASSIS FUEL LINE WILL BE INSPECTED FOR SIGNS OF WEAR AND ANY TUBES INDICATING WEAR WILL BE REPLACED.
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