Recall: 2002 Ram (1500): STEERING:COLUMN

[FONT=&quot]NHTSA #: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]15191[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Make: DODGE
Model: RAM
Model Year: 2002
MFG Campaign #: C11

Description: STEERING:COLUMN[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Manufacturer that filed defect/noncompliance report[/FONT][FONT=&quot]: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Begin Date of MFG: 7/1/2001
End Date of MFG: 7/1/2002
Vehicle, Equipment, or Tire report: V

Number of units affected: 287,775
Date owner notified by MFG: 4/10/2003

Recall Initiator: MFR
MFG's of Recalled Vehicles/Products: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN CONTAINS AN UNDER-SIZED TERMINAL FOR THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CIRCUIT. LOCALIZED HEATING FROM CURRENT FLOW WITH THE BLOWER SPEED SET ON HIGH MAY CAUSE THE TERMINAL CONTACTS TO RELAX AND LOSE ELECTRICAL CONTACT. THIS CAN CAUSE THE HVAC BLOWER MOTOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Consequence Summary: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

[/FONT] [FONT=&quot]Corrective Summary: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 10, 2003. 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.

[/FONT] [FONT=&quot]Recall Notes:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. C11.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).[/FONT]