RAM TRUCK ENGINE FIRES

A new recall for RAM diesel trucks has been issued, this time, the recall is specific to the Air Intake Heater (AIH).  The AIH is positioned on the cold side of the air intake manifold and is designed to heat incoming cold air to alleviate white and gray smoke while the engine is cold.  Most vehicles have the AIH designed to come on only when the glow plugs are off.  The glow plugs can have a heavy draw on the battery and thus, the AIH can be used to alleviate the additional draw on the battery. 

The intake manifold air heater element assembly is located near the top of the intake manifold. Air heater elements are used to heat incoming air into the intake manifold. This is done to help engine starting and improve drivability with cool or even cold temperatures. Electrical supply for the two heating elements is controlled by the engine control module via two air heater relays. Two heavy-duty cables connect the two key elements to the two relays. Each of these cables will supply approximately 100 amps at 12 volts apiece to an individual heating element within the heater block assembly.

Should a failure occur, the electrical failure will be localized, demonstrating this failure at the source.  The high-capacity cables will demonstrate overheating, hardening of the stranded conductors, reddish discoloration and spatter in the area of failure.  The polymeric and nanocomposites in the engine compartment and passenger compartment should restrict the propagation of fire.  The area of failure will demonstrate elevated heat patterns.

For Latest Recall Information: www.carcomplaints.com

Fiat Chrysler, now part of Stellantis, is recalling just over 20,000 of the trucks mainly in the U.S. and Canada. The company says the 2021 pickup and chassis cab trucks have heater electrical relays that can short, overheat and in rare cases cause fires. The fires can start even if the engines are turned off.

The company says it knows of three fires but no injuries. None involved customer vehicles. The recalled trucks are equipped with 6.7-litre Cummins diesel engines.

Stellantis is developing a repair. The recall is expected to start April 30.

Owners can call the company’s customer service line at 1-800-853-1403 or check to see if their truck has been recalled at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Below is an image of the failed part: