2023 Ram 2500 Big Horn on 2040-cars

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FCA recalls 2 million Ram trucks over airbag issues

Airbag issues have prompted Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to issue another pair of recalls. The two separate issues both affect Ram pickups, one campaign stemming from oversensitive sensors, the other from a wiring harness. Between them, the problems affect an estimated combined total of some 2 million units. The first recall affects 2013-15 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks, specifically four-door models, manufactured between June 20, 2012, and January 26, 2015. The calibration of the side impact sensor in those affected units may to be too sensitive. As a result, if the door is slammed too hard, the side-curtain airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner may inadvertently activate. FCA reports that this issue affects an estimated 667,406 units in the United States, plus 153,011 in Canada, a further 8,272 in Mexico, and another 14,847 in markets outside of North America, amounting (in Chrysler's estimation) to less than 0.005 percent of those vehicles produced. The automaker says it is aware of two minor injuries (but no accidents) that may have resulted from the glitch, and is taking action to have the Occupant Restraint Control module recalibrated in the affected units. The second issue also affects Ram pickups, including 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500-series models from the 2012 to 2014 model years, built between January 18, 2011, and October 7, 2014, and fitted with the optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center. The problem here stems from a wiring harness in the steering wheel that may rub against a retainer spring in the air bag control module, which in turn could cause an electrical short and deploy the driver's side air bag unexpectedly. In the United States alone, the issue is estimated to affect 1,060,531 units, which will need to be inspected and, where necessary, have their steering wheel wiring harnesses secured, with protective caps added to the ends of the airbag retainer spring. These do not represent the first issues we've seen from Fiat Chrysler in recent days. The automaker recently issued a recall for approximately 1.4 million vehicles to have their Uconnect software updated to prevent hacking. A few days ago it also announced a recall for 350,000 Dodge Journey (and Fiat Freemont) crossovers to secure loose engine covers. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is expected to issue Fiat Chrysler Automobiles a $105-million fine for mishandling other recent recalls and safety issues.

Do you like TRX? New Ram 1500 coming to rock the Raptor off-road

BOLOCCO, Italy — Since the brand was spun off in 2009, Ram sales have been on a roll. Although it had some of the oldest vehicles on the market, the automaker sold nearly 700,000 models in 2017, marking its eighth consecutive year of sales growth. At FCA's Italian proving grounds, Ram head Mike Manley talked loyalty, conquest and the brand's next five years. Look for models like the Ram 1500 TRX, new versions of the Ram Heavy Duty and increased electrification and autonomy. At FCA's last five-year extravaganza, we heard a lot of grand plans for Ram. Unlike a lot of things from other brands at that presentation, most of Ram's products hit the market, though not as soon as FCA would have liked. Still, things are looking positive for the automaker. While the product line isn't going to expand much in the North American market, FCA plans to expand the Ram nameplate to new markets worldwide. We'll see finally see new versions of the Ram Heavy Duty at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. FCA promises the new truck will have the segment's most powerful diesel engine. By 2022, we'll see the debut of the production version of the Ram TRX, a performance-focused truck that should go head-to-head with the Ford F-150 Raptor. Related Video:

2023 Ram Rebel 2500 HD adds the diesel engine you can't have in the Power Wagon

Have you been wanting a Ram Power Wagon, but couldn’t pull the trigger because Ram wonÂ’t sell it to you with the Cummins diesel engine? Well, today, Ram has an answer for you, and itÂ’s the 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel. Officially at least. Go ahead and call it Ram Rebel 2500 HD if you prefer. And if you couldnÂ’t tell by now, itÂ’s heavy duty truck week — Chevy released a refreshed Silverado HD earlier this week, and Ford revealed its next-gen Super Duty shortly thereafter. Similar to the light-duty Ram 1500 Rebel, the HD version is a pickup with some off-road chops and off-road looks direct from the factory. YouÂ’ll quickly notice that it looks very similar to a Power Wagon — Ram says much of the exterior design cues are actually shared with the Power Wagon. However, the Rebel differentiates itself with a Mopar “sport performance hood” and Rebel badging throughout. It comes standard with 20-inch wheels and 33-inch off-road tires, but Ram says 18-inch wheels will be made available later in the 2023 model year. It features a unique off-road suspension (optional rear air suspension), four-wheel drive, Warn Zeon-12 winch rated for 12,000 pounds, rear limited-slip differential, rear electronic locker and skid plates to protect the fuel tank and transfer case. DonÂ’t expect it to best a Power Wagon off-road, though, as it doesnÂ’t get above-and-beyond extras like the front-locking differential and electronically disconnecting sway bar. The powertrain story might be enough to sway you to the RebelÂ’s side, however, as unlike the Power Wagon, this Heavy Duty Ram can be had with the diesel engine. Ram still makes its 6.4-liter V8 the standard engine in the Rebel (like it is in the Power Wagon), and it makes a respectable 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. This setup wonÂ’t get you maximum towing capability, but the diesel will, maxing out at 16,870 pounds — a Power Wagon maxes out at 10,590 pounds of towing capacity. The 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six produces 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque in the Rebel. You get a six-speed automatic with the diesel, but the gas engine comes with an eight-speed automatic. Maximum payload is 3,140 pounds, which is another huge plus for the diesel-powered Rebel over the Power Wagon that maxes out at only 1,630 pounds. Inside, the Rebel can be had with cloth, Bristol leather or “Natura Plus” leather seats.