FCA Recalls Ram Heavy Duty Trucks Because of Possible ATF Leak Issue
FCA has recently issued a recall for its 2019
and 2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks because of ATF leakages from the automatic
transmission, which resulted in 19 fires and 1 injury. Both trucks come with
the 6-speed 68RFE automatics.
2019 RAM 2500
According to materials presented by the responsible authority (NHTSA), ATF can be squeezed out of the dipstick tube because of excessive pressure and heat within the gearbox, causing the fluid to contact the turbochargers or other ignition sources and increasing the risk of flame formation.
2020 RAM 3500
The automaker started an investigation
regarding numerous cases of engine compartment fires in Ram 2500 and 3500 at
the end of last year. After a detailed examination of witness reports and design
specifications of both trucks, FCA specialists managed to detect the source of
the problem. It is said that prior to the fire outbreak, RAM drivers may hear
noises or sense strange odors.
6-speed 68RFE
automatic transmission
According to the official documents, the recall
list includes 84,978 Ram trucks. FCA plans to launch the recall campaign in the
middle of March. To fix this life-threatening issue, dealerships plan to
replace the valve body separating plate and reprogram the powertrain control
module.
Learn more about the 68RFE transmission
This particular recall includes only models with a specific powertrain combination: the 68RFE unit coupled with the 6.7-liter Cummins TD engine. Versions of the recalled trucks with different powertrain configurations aren’t involved in this campaign.
