RAM CARES and DRAG LINK RECALL !

[BLUEDERANGO]

I do believe RAM CARES has been silent because they have totally run out of excuses. There are NO valid excuses for this diabolical SNAFU...

 

[G. Mcpherson]

It would help them speak to the correct information if they would research their own Documentation regarding their reimbursements for Aftermarket Parts and Labor.

 

[BLUEDERANGO]

I talked to RAM Cares not yesterday after receiving a customer feedback survey, the very unhelpful individual told me once a claim has been denied they will not reopen the case. I asked to be connected to a supervisor and was refused, she stated she would give me their mailing address and I could mail in my request (Really)
And just for the humorist side of this, the survey I received was about my experience with a Customer Service Rep. that goes by the name of "Princess Mariel" and I am not joking!!
Needless to say they didn't get any 10s...

 

[GsRAM]

Hi, GsRAM. Please know, FCA will not reimburse aftermarket parts. Any repairs done with aftermarket parts, will be out of pocket.

Kate
RamCares

Hi Kate, PM Sent.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[BossHogg]

And just for the humorist side of this, the survey I received was about my experience with a Customer Service Rep. that goes by the name of "Princess Mariel" and I am not joking!!

Common female names used in the Philippines are Angel, Althea, Samantha, and Princess. I didn't realize this until the company I worked for opened a technical center in the Philippines. It may sound a bit bold to us but in their culture, naming a daughter Princess is like us using the name, Susan. It is likely your CSR was either located in or from the Philippines.

 

[pacofortacos]

To the OP Bluederango - here is why you were denied. Your truck is a 2016 - read the notes. So while you were proactive, it is currently on your dime - at least until further notice.
It's clear as day right on the recall.
Read the actual recall procedure, it explains it all and what the actual problem was and the resolution - which includes a front end alignment before welding.
https://chrysler.oemdtc.com/1209/sa...-021-steering-linkage-2013-2017-ram-2500-3500

:

Safety Recall V06 / NHTSA 19V-021 Drag Link
NOTE: Added 2013 MY D2 vehicles to Remedy Available section.

NOTE: Only 2013, 2017 and 2018 MY vehicle remedies are available at this time. Part requests for 2014 through 2016 MY vehicles will be rejected until further notice.

SPECIAL NOTE: For 2014-2016 MY vehicles towed in and/or separation has occurred, a STAR Case must be submitted, then contact the STAR Center to request parts.

 

[BLUEDERANGO]

So sorry to inform you but I have the recall notice they sent me and the dealer has the truck listed as needing the recall,,

 

[chrisbh17]

To the OP Bluederango - here is why you were denied. Your truck is a 2016 - read the notes. So while you were proactive, it is currently on your dime - at least until further notice.
It's clear as day right on the recall.
Read the actual recall procedure, it explains it all and what the actual problem was and the resolution - which includes a front end alignment before welding.
https://chrysler.oemdtc.com/1209/sa...-021-steering-linkage-2013-2017-ram-2500-3500

:

Safety Recall V06 / NHTSA 19V-021 Drag Link
NOTE: Added 2013 MY D2 vehicles to Remedy Available section.

NOTE: Only 2013, 2017 and 2018 MY vehicle remedies are available at this time. Part requests for 2014 through 2016 MY vehicles will be rejected until further notice.

SPECIAL NOTE: For 2014-2016 MY vehicles towed in and/or separation has occurred, a STAR Case must be submitted, then contact the STAR Center to request parts.

https://www.cvsa.org/wp-content/upl...019-02-Dodge-Ram-Drag-Link-Assembly-Welds.pdf

Doesnt show 2016 not affected, but what I find very interesting:

"While § 393.209 of the FMCSRs does not expressly prohibit welds on a drag link assembly, a weld on the drag link assembly may be cited as a violation under section § 396.3(a)(1) which requires all parts and accessories necessary for safe operation at all times.

Additionally, Item 10.c.(2) of the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC) prohibits “any obvious welded repair(s)” of the front axle beam and all steering components other than the steering column (including hub) to include the drag link assembly."

So, basically, they know it might be in violation.

But somehow by the end of the document they basically say "welding is fine".

I hate to say it, but if someone gets hurt because of the issue, then maybe FCA will give a hoot. Or maybe not because its cheaper and easier to sweep under the rug on a case by case basis, instead of handing out free drag corrected parts to fix the issue correctly.

 

[pacofortacos]

2016's are affected BUT read the procedure - read the notes.

If you have a 2016, the only time parts will be used is spelled out in the "special note".

The welding of the nut is just to ensure that it cannot come loose in the future - it isn't a "repair" of a part.

The procedure is pretty clear if you actually read it.
The 2014-2016 trucks may have used a different part supplier and so far thread depth engagement may not have been found to be an issue. (If I had to guess).
The procedure is very specific on what to do, what measurements to take, how to do it, everything.

This is a recall so NHTSA has signed off on the repair as being acceptable.

There are recalls all the time that do not require parts, but rather just checking and retorqueing.

The only thing I am rather surprised at - and it may have been because of the NHTSA - is why they just didn't take it apart, use permanent grade loctite on both the threads and the locknut. Maybe since it is a truck and many are subjected to severe use, they felt a welded nut to link to be a safer alternative.

 

[pacofortacos]

So sorry to inform you but I have the recall notice they sent me and the dealer has the truck listed as needing the recall,,

Please read the recall link and the entire procedure from top to bottom.

Yes yours is affected however all parts will be rejected until further notice - per the recall.
So your 2016 would go in, have the procedure performed and the nut welded to the link - this completing the recall.
To get a new part put on your 2016 would have taken a bunch of jumping through hoops and guaranteed the return of the old part for inspection.

NHTSA will tell you the same thing as they have signed off on the recall.

 

[pacofortacos]

https://www.cvsa.org/wp-content/upl...019-02-Dodge-Ram-Drag-Link-Assembly-Welds.pdf

Doesnt show 2016 not affected, but what I find very interesting:

"While § 393.209 of the FMCSRs does not expressly prohibit welds on a drag link assembly, a weld on the drag link assembly may be cited as a violation under section § 396.3(a)(1) which requires all parts and accessories necessary for safe operation at all times.

Additionally, Item 10.c.(2) of the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC) prohibits “any obvious welded repair(s)” of the front axle beam and all steering components other than the steering column (including hub) to include the drag link assembly."

So, basically, they know it might be in violation.

But somehow by the end of the document they basically say "welding is fine".

I hate to say it, but if someone gets hurt because of the issue, then maybe FCA will give a hoot. Or maybe not because its cheaper and easier to sweep under the rug on a case by case basis, instead of handing out free drag corrected parts to fix the issue correctly.

They aren't welding to complete a "repair".
The welding is to ensure the nut cannot come loose, not welding to repair a part - pretty big difference between the two.

 

[Jimmy07]

To the OP Bluederango - here is why you were denied. Your truck is a 2016 - read the notes. So while you were proactive, it is currently on your dime - at least until further notice.
It's clear as day right on the recall.
Read the actual recall procedure, it explains it all and what the actual problem was and the resolution - which includes a front end alignment before welding.
https://chrysler.oemdtc.com/1209/sa...-021-steering-linkage-2013-2017-ram-2500-3500

:

Safety Recall V06 / NHTSA 19V-021 Drag Link
NOTE: Added 2013 MY D2 vehicles to Remedy Available section.

NOTE: Only 2013, 2017 and 2018 MY vehicle remedies are available at this time. Part requests for 2014 through 2016 MY vehicles will be rejected until further notice.

SPECIAL NOTE: For 2014-2016 MY vehicles towed in and/or separation has occurred, a STAR Case must be submitted, then contact the STAR Center to request parts.

This explanation doesn’t hold water, either (concerning why some are reimbursed, and some aren’t). There are people who have gotten reimbursed covering all years 2013-2018. There are people who have gotten reimbursed for installing the synergy draglink- an aftermarket part that, according to @RamCares, “FCA will not reimburse”. I know of one member in particular that has a 2016, installed the synergy draglink, AND got reimbursed.

 

[chrisbh17]

This explanation doesn’t hold water, either (concerning why some are reimbursed, and some aren’t). There are people who have gotten reimbursed covering all years 2013-2018. There are people who have gotten reimbursed for installing the synergy draglink- an aftermarket part that, according to @RamCares, “FCA will not reimburse”. I know of one member in particular that has a 2016, installed the synergy draglink, AND got reimbursed.

I have a feeling the aftermarket part reimbursement only happened because the factory part was not available for general consumption.

Now that it is (at least technically), FCA will be very quick to say "sorrynotsorry" if you didnt buy the factory part.

Its like they have X amount of $$$ to "fix" each affected truck. Either they spend it reimbursing for a dealer installed factory fixed part, or they spend it on giving their tech a free go at learning how to weld. But its one or the other, not both, so whoever already had it welded might be SOL for getting the factory part installed and reimbursed now.

Next up would be them denying reimbursement if you didnt have the factory part installed by a dealer.

 

[chrisbh17]

They aren't welding to complete a "repair".
The welding is to ensure the nut cannot come loose, not welding to repair a part - pretty big difference between the two.

If thats the case, it is implying the weld is temporary. Because there IS and issue that needs to be fixed, permanently.

When this all started, FCA stated welding was a temporary fix until they could come up with a permanent one. Well, now they have a permanent one, so are they contacting everyone that already took the "temporary" fix?

 

[mtnrider]

To the OP Bluederango - here is why you were denied. Your truck is a 2016 - read the notes. So while you were proactive, it is currently on your dime - at least until further notice.
It's clear as day right on the recall.
Read the actual recall procedure, it explains it all and what the actual problem was and the resolution - which includes a front end alignment before welding.
https://chrysler.oemdtc.com/1209/sa...-021-steering-linkage-2013-2017-ram-2500-3500

:

Safety Recall V06 / NHTSA 19V-021 Drag Link
NOTE: Added 2013 MY D2 vehicles to Remedy Available section.

NOTE: Only 2013, 2017 and 2018 MY vehicle remedies are available at this time. Part requests for 2014 through 2016 MY vehicles will be rejected until further notice.

SPECIAL NOTE: For 2014-2016 MY vehicles towed in and/or separation has occurred, a STAR Case must be submitted, then contact the STAR Center to request parts.

First time I had seen that about the 2014-2016, Interesting.

With that said I went over and looked through the diesel forum and found several guys with 2016's that Did get reimbursed so kind of shoots that out of the water. Seems pretty random across the board, I think it's just luck of the draw.


.

 

[pacofortacos]

I can't answer why some do and some don't reimbursed, maybe someone screwed up by reimbursing people who weren't entitled to it?

If the threads are ok, and thread depth engagement is ok, then why wouldn't a welded nut be a permanent fix??
It isn't the first time that a recall didn't need a part to complete the recalls.

When I worked at a dealer in the 80's and 90's, I also saw recalls where some cars got parts and others did not.
Usually there is an inspection (such as there is now), and if the part failed inspection then they get replaced, if the part did not fail inspection it was just torqued to spec or reassembled.

If I read the procedure correctly, there was an issue with the nut not being torqued to spec and damage to the parts as a result of a loose nut - could also have been some parts that were a bit too short and the thread depth engagement was out of spec.
However if neither of those were the case on a particular truck, the procedure is to reassemble torque to spec and weld the nut to the link to prevent loosening.

It appears as if people think that a recall implies that every vehicle included in the recall has a defective part on it and that is just not the case. Never has been the case.

One of the few places you do see that is with the airbags - I mean how can you inspect an airbag to see if it will inflate or not??

As far as the OP, if he still has the original drag link he may want to keep it OR if they expand the recall to actually include parts on the 14-16 model years he may get reimbursed - but not having the original part makes it much more unlikely.

 

[pacofortacos]

If thats the case, it is implying the weld is temporary. Because there IS and issue that needs to be fixed, permanently.

When this all started, FCA stated welding was a temporary fix until they could come up with a permanent one. Well, now they have a permanent one, so are they contacting everyone that already took the "temporary" fix?

What "is" the issue?? If all the parts pass inspection and the procedure is completed, what is the issue - it is a permanent fix at that point

How can it fail?

 

[GsRAM]

I can't answer why some do and some don't reimbursed, maybe someone screwed up by reimbursing people who weren't entitled to it?

If the threads are ok, and thread depth engagement is ok, then why wouldn't a welded nut be a permanent fix??
It isn't the first time that a recall didn't need a part to complete the recalls.

When I worked at a dealer in the 80's and 90's, I also saw recalls where some cars got parts and others did not.
Usually there is an inspection (such as there is now), and if the part failed inspection then they get replaced, if the part did not fail inspection it was just torqued to spec or reassembled.

If I read the procedure correctly, there was an issue with the nut not being torqued to spec and damage to the parts as a result of a loose nut - could also have been some parts that were a bit too short and the thread depth engagement was out of spec.
However if neither of those were the case on a particular truck, the procedure is to reassemble torque to spec and weld the nut to the link to prevent loosening.

It appears as if people think that a recall implies that every vehicle included in the recall has a defective part on it and that is just not the case. Never has been the case.

One of the few places you do see that is with the airbags - I mean how can you inspect an airbag to see if it will inflate or not??

As far as the OP, if he still has the original drag link he may want to keep it OR if they expand the recall to actually include parts on the 14-16 model years he may get reimbursed - but not having the original part makes it much more unlikely.

The flaw in your logic is simply that whether the threads are or are not ok, by welding the jamb nuts, the truck is altered from its as designed, as purchased form.

It's not a matter of a recall to check a part, some are ok others are not. The jamb nuts are being welded so clearly the part is bad.

The only appropriate repair is to replace the defective drag link with the revised part, thereby returning the truck to the same design and form (with a drag link that's adjustable) that we purchased it.

 

[chrisbh17]

What "is" the issue?? If all the parts pass inspection and the procedure is completed, what is the issue - it is a permanent fix at that point

How can it fail?

The threads are the issue... So welding the nuts will prevent them from loosening, but if the threads aren't up to spec eventually they will gall, collapse and fail (inside the adjustment bar, unseen from the outside until it's too late)

The revised part goes back to old school with a squeeze type section to lock down on the shaft after adjustment.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[crazy jerry]

The threads are the issue... So welding the nuts will prevent them from loosening, but if the threads aren't up to spec eventually they will gall, collapse and fail (inside the adjustment bar, unseen from the outside until it's too late)

The revised part goes back to old school with a squeeze type section to lock down on the shaft after adjustment.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

where the hell are you getting your info? the official recall document says nothing of the threads. if you knew anything about jam nuts, by design they can have a inherent risk of loosening, depending on configuration and the type of envirnment theyre used. the recall document says clear as day the jam nut may loosen. youve taken it upon yourself to speculate why the nuts loosens and post your nonsense as fact