Dodge is recalling 37,407 Ram pickups from the 2009 model year to repair faulty software that controls the manual temperature controls (not the digital dual-zone temp controller) which can cause defrosting and defogging problems leading to poor visibility in certain conditions and potentially leading to a crash. The recall begins next month and dealers will inspect and and replace if necessary free of charge.

RECALL NOTICE

Vehicle Make / Model: DODGE / RAM
Model Year(s): 2009

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC
Mfr's Report Date: MAY 05, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V158000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A


Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER
Potential Number of Units Affected: 37407


Summary:
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 37,407 MY 2009 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL (MTC) ONLY. THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE HEATING VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING MODULE MAY CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING FUNCTIONS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.


Consequence:
THIS CAN DECREASE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE HVAC MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.

Notes:
CHRYSLER RECALL NO. J12. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Source: NHTSA