FCA has recalled Ram Pickups for Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pins that can overheat and fail
If you’ve recently purchased a 2017 or 2018 model Ram, you’ll want to be aware of FCA’s latest recall. The company has voluntarily recalled 181,000 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 pickups, as well as Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 chassic cabs. Those all fall in the 2017-2018 model year range, although the recall includes 2016-2017 Ram 3500 chassis cabs with a GVWR under 10,000 pounds as well.
In models equipped with steering column shifters, pressing the brake pedal for prolonged periods of time while the truck is in park may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to overheat. If it does, the pin may stick in the open position and cause the transmission to shift out of Park into any other gear without the driver’s intervention. In such an event, the trucks can roll away and result in an accident.
At time of writing, FCA isn’t aware of any accidents directly related to the recall. However, in the interest of safety, they are recommending Ram owners set their parking brake to prevent any unwanted movement, just in case the BTSI pin fails.
FCA will start notifying owners of the issue in Ram trucks listed above starting next month. Dealers will update the body control module software and test the BTSI pin’s operation. If it doesn’t pass muster, FCA will replace the solenoid free of charge.
This latest campaign is related to a similar recall back in December, when FCA recalled 1.8 million trucks worldwide between model years 2010-2017. Concerned owners can contact Ram’s Customer Service Team at (866) RAM-INFO (726-4636)
