In a move that has left many owners of the 2017-2019 Ram 1500 diesel trucks on edge, a recall has been issued in Australia over a potentially serious engine fault. The issue could cause the vehicle to unexpectedly stall while driving, and worse, it may prevent the engine from restarting. Here’s what you need to know.
The Fault: What’s Really Happening?
American Special Vehicles, trading as Ram Trucks Australia, has recalled 423 vehicles due to a software glitch in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The faulty software causes the crankshaft position sensor to send the wrong signal, which can lead to a complete loss of power while on the road. That’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a real safety concern, especially if it happens while driving at higher speeds or in heavy traffic. If the engine stalls, it may not restart until the issue is fixed—leaving drivers stuck in a potentially hazardous situation.
This recall, while affecting vehicles from 2017 to 2019, could involve models that were sold after the manufacturing date, which means some late model cars are also impacted, details Drive. Ram Trucks Australia lodged the recall with the Department of Infrastructure, urging owners of affected vehicles to take immediate action.
What Does This Mean for Owners?
If your vehicle is among the 423 affected, Ram Trucks Australia is on the case. The company will contact affected owners directly to request they bring their trucks in for inspection. The fix seems straightforward: the Powertrain Control Module will be reprogrammed or replaced if necessary, at no cost to the owner. For many, this might be a simple inconvenience, but for others, especially those who rely on their trucks for work or travel, it could disrupt their daily routine.
Fortunately, the company is being proactive in contacting vehicle owners and providing details on where to go for a free inspection. If you think your vehicle may be impacted, you can reach out to Ram Trucks Australia at 1300 681 655 or visit your closest dealership. You can also check the full list of affected vehicles online.
Why Does This Matter?
It’s not every day that a popular vehicle brand like Ram has to issue a recall, especially one with the potential for such disruptive consequences. This issue raises questions about how reliant we’ve become on software in modern vehicles. A small glitch in a computer system can lead to big problems on the road, and it’s a reminder of how even a minor technical error can have serious safety implications.
What’s Next for the Ram 1500?
For Ram 1500 owners, this recall will likely be a source of frustration, but it’s important to act quickly and have the necessary checks performed. While the recall is a bit of a setback, it’s good to see that the company is offering a solution without cost to the owners. The big question now is whether this issue could have broader implications for the future of vehicle software and recalls in the automotive industry. With more and more cars relying on complex electronics, software-related faults are likely to become a bigger concern.
For anyone driving an affected Ram 1500, the best course of action is clear: get in touch with your dealership, get that free inspection, and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. After all, safety comes first, and no one wants to find themselves stuck on the side of the road because of a preventable issue.
