Automatic transmission: cooling unit and linesRecall 97V-084 · 1994–1997 Dodge RAM
CHRYSLER CORPORATION recall 97V-084 covers 960,000 1994–1997 Dodge RAM for a automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines problem, reported to NHTSA on May 5, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 97V084000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
UNDER CERTAIN HIGH LOAD OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE CAN EXCEED THE MELTING POINT OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONNECTOR TO RETAIN THE FLUID LINE TO THE TRANSMISSION.
The risk
WHEN THESE TEMPERATURES OCCUR, THE FLUID LINE WILL NOT STAY CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND FLUID CAN SPRAY ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN SMOKE OR FIRE.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE CONNECTOR FITTINGS WITH CONNECTORS THAT INCORPORATE A STAINLESS STEEL RETAINER.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 19, 1997. 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 CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The investigation behind this recall
- TRANSMISSION FLUID FIRESNHTSA
- TRANSMISSION QUICK CONNECTORSNHTSA