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Some 2014-19 Ram ProMasters recalled for shifter cables that could detach

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for hundreds of thousands of 2014-2019 Ram ProMaster vans with a 3.6-liter engine. Campaign No. 20V036000 states that the shifter cables on these vans could disconnect from the transmission, which could lead to a variety of unsafe situations. The new recall comes after Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has issued transmission-related recalls for several other brand products in recent years. Jeep and FCA were thrust into the spotlight in 2016, when "Star Trek" actor Anton Yelchin's shocking death was linked to what was deemed an unintuitive shifter design. FCA recalled more than 1 million vehicles with a rocker-style eight-speed ZF shifter, including Jeep Grand Cherokees, Chrysler 300s, and Dodge Chargers. The design was unclear to some, and that confusion lead to dangerous rollaways. In 2017, FCA was back in the news when it announced a transmission recall for 1.8 million Ram trucks that had a faulty interlock that could result in the transmission shifting out of park. And in 2019, FCA announced two more transmission recalls, this time for 320,000 Dodge Darts and 51,788 Fiat 500s, both of which had cable bushings that could degrade due to temperature and moisture.  FCA's unsettling pattern has bled into the new decade, as 222,207 ProMasters have been recalled for an entirely separate transmission issue that could once again lead to a rollaway risk. The NHTSA estimates approximately three percent of these vehicles could have built with a transmission gear shift cable that was kinked during production. According to the recall document, "the vehicle population was determined to include all ProMaster vehicles equipped with a 3.6-liter engine from the beginning of 2014 MY production on April 23, 2013, through September 14, 2019, when the vehicle manufacturing process was revised." If the shift cable separates, the shifter is no longer connected to the transmission. The driver, then, would not be able to shift properly, or the transmission could be in a different position than believed. If the driver thinks the vehicle is parked, but it is actually still in drive or neutral, the vehicle could unintentionally move. As a precautionary measure until the vans are checked and fixed, FCA suggests owners use the parking brake when parking these vehicles. FCA will begin notifying owners on March 13, 2020 and plans to replace the damaged parts free of charge.

2022 Ram 1500's G/T package reportedly includes Mopar goodies

Ram will fill the gap between the Hellcat-powered, 702-horsepower TRX and the rest of the 1500 range with an option package called G/T, according to a recent report. It will allegedly make its debut for the 2022 model year. Enthusiast website Mopar Insiders learned from unnamed sources that the G/T package will be available on the Sport, Rebel, and Laramie models. While it won't send shivers down the TRX's spine, it will add a cold-air intake system from the Mopar catalog, a 3.92 rear axle, and a specific exhaust system. G/T-only exterior decals and what Ram refers to as a Sport Performance Hood (likely one with a vent) will add a sporty touch to the design. Inside, G/T-spec trucks will ditch the standard 1500's knee-high shift dial in favor of a TRX-like console-mounted gear selector and shift paddles. Leather on the steering wheel, a floor console, power-adjustable front bucket seats, LED footwell lighting, and package-specific trim pieces are also on the list of upgrades included in the bundle. There's a memory function to save your preferred seat, radio, and mirror settings, too. But, if you can't find a comfortable position by moving the eight-way driver's seat, you'll be able to electronically adjust the pedals as well. What remains to be seen is how much Ram will charge to add the G/T package to a Sport, Rebel, or Laramie truck. It hasn't announced that the bundle is on its way, let alone revealed pricing information or availability. If the report is accurate, we expect that additional details about the 1500's sportier sibling will emerge in the next few months. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Truck Week, Jeep Grand Commander, and RIP Ford sedans | Autoblog Podcast #538

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Green Editor John Beltz Snyder and Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale. We talk about driving the 2018 Ford F-150 and 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman we have at the office this week. We discuss Ford discontinuing most of its cars, salute the Jeep Grand Commander, and reminisce about our favorite car toys. As usual, we'll also spend a listener's money on a car. Autoblog Podcast #538 Your browser does not support the audio element. Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Ford kills off all cars but Mustang and Focus Active Jeep debuts three-row Grand Commander at Beijing Motor Show Trucks in the office: Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 Tradesman Our favorite car toys Spend my money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Podcasts Toys/Games Beijing Motor Show Ford Jeep RAM Car Buying Truck SUV Sedan ram 1500 tradesman