Fiat-Chrysler Estados Unidos is no stranger to major transmission-related recalls. Unfortunately, in March 2018, they had another issue that may have required a more direct approach to fixing.

De febrero a marzo, Fiat Chrysler Camionetas Ram division officially issued a voluntary recall program for pickup trucks in the US. Keep in mind that only a select few models have been identified as at risk, and that Ram reports that the majority of the affected vehicles are heavy-duty variants, not the sole light-duty variant specified.

Este retiro es uno de los más grandes en la historia de la compañía y se suma a la creciente sensación de que los vehículos fabricados en Estados Unidos parecen tener dificultades para mantenerse a la par de sus homólogos fabricados en Europa y Asia. A medida que se encuentran alternativas más baratas en los mercados extranjeros, se hace cada vez más difícil para los fabricantes nacionales como Fiat-Chrysler mantener su participación en el mercado en una industria en constante cambio.

Retirada voluntaria de camionetas Ram

What makes this recent recall unique is that it is voluntary. These are recalls that automakers issue on their own. Most of the time, federal regulatory agencies will be made aware of a potential issue, they’ll investigate, and eventually they will task an automaker to actually issue the. Instead, FCA and Ram caught the issue first and are making quick steps to remedy this ASAP.

Los siguientes camiones Ram producidos por Fiat-Chrysler se han visto afectados:

• Camionetas Ram 1500 2017-2018
• Camionetas Ram 2500 y 3500 2017-2018
• Chasis cabina Ram 3500, 4500, 5500 2017-2018
• Chasis con cabina Ram 3500 2016-2017 con un GVWR inferior a 10 000 libras

Problemas subyacentes de transmisión de camionetas Ram

La raíz del problema es que la palanca de cambios de la columna de dirección de los vehículos afectados no funciona como se espera. Hay una pieza en estos coches conocida como interbloqueo de la palanca de cambios de la transmisión del freno. Ese componente tiene el propósito expreso de asegurarse de que el vehículo no cambie de la posición de estacionamiento sin antes aplicar el freno. El problema con los Rams afectados es que tiene tendencia a sobrecalentarse. Si esa pieza se sobrecalienta, la palanca de cambios podría salir de la posición de estacionamiento sin siquiera presionar el freno o el encendido. Eso hace que los Rams sean un peligro de vuelco.

Causas y soluciones para el sobrecalentamiento de los componentes de la transmisión de la culata

FCA initially believed that the overheating problem stemmed from Ram owners leaving their feet on the brake pedal even as they idled in park. They have sent notice to all affected owners and also advised them to set the parking brake each and every time the vehicle is put in park.

Meanwhile, FCA reports the recall specifically affects the Ram trucks that have shifters mounted on the steering column. This has sent them for a loop, even though rotary shifters or ones mounted on the floor are not included in the recall.

As a result, FCA US is now dedicated to restoring the BTSI (brake-transmission shift interlock) function in the vehicles, but until they finalize a permanent solution, drivers need to use parking brakes, as recommended, and to ensure that child occupants are not left unattended.

Overall, this recall covered around 1.4 million trucks in the United States, 249,520 in Canada, 42,747 in Mexico, and another 14,950 outside the NAFTA region. Starting March 30, Ram dealers are expected to accept cars in for service for updates and repairs as necessary, free of charge.

Stay tuned as we continue to add information, and check back for updates on this Ram Recall and other Fiat-Chrysler recalls.