RECALL 2013 2500 & 3500 Optional Premium Headlights

[Birddog]

Released June 17th, 2013



Chrysler is recalling 1,253 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks due to a problem in the exterior lighting system that could reduce the driver's visibility and blind oncoming traffic, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Affected vehicles were manufactured between Jan. 7 and Feb. 28, 2013, and are equipped with optional premium headlamps. The headlamp shutters may function improperly when in high-beam mode and fail to conform to federal safety standards; the problem could reduce the driver's visibility and possibly blind drivers of oncoming vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will begin notifying owners next month, and dealers will reconfigure the central body controller for free. Owners can call Chrysler at 800-247-9753 or the NHTSA vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov for more info.

 

[0212353]

hmmm, interesting.

Wonder what they are changing, and why it only impacts the 2500/3500s...

 

[Birddog]

Re: RECALL 2013 2500 & 3500 Optional Premium Headlights

I don't know. Headlight shutters? What the heck is that? I hope they aren't going to install something that dims the headlights more than they are now. I won't be able to see where I'm going! *****



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[0212353]

The premium lights have an electronic "shutter" which moves when you go into high beam mode. Its what makes them "bi-halogen". When you hit the high beams, bam, it pulls down.

What doesn't make sense to me.........in the wording:

"reduce the driver's visibility and blind oncoming traffic" - ummm.......thats kinda backwards?

My assumption is that the solenoid that "releases" the shutter is malfunctioning. If so, it would keep the light in high beam mode. That (obviously) would be blinding, but wouldn't reduce driver visibility.

I don't have a pic of the shutter........but - the internal parts would be the same on the 1500s. If its in the computer, thats nice.........maybe there's a glitch in the coding somewhere and it doesn't "tell" the light to deactivate the highs from the projector.

 

[Birddog]

Re: RECALL 2013 2500 & 3500 Optional Premium Headlights

I didn't know it had anything like that. If I stick an HID bulb in the housing would it affect the shutter? I'm asking because the HID is a much longer bulb.

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[Musclemckeester]

I didn't know it had anything like that. If I stick an HID bulb in the housing would it affect the shutter? I'm asking because the HID is a much longer bulb.

Nope.

That is weird it's only for the HD models, but like JJ said, it has to be in the programming somewhere.

 

[Chewy]

My 1500 has an option called "Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control". It was part of the "convenience Group".

 

[0212353]

My minivan has that too...

It is supposed to turn on the highs when it doesn't detect any oncoming traffic. Personally, I know when the hell to flip to high beams. My same thoughts on the "auto" lamps........I'll turn them on when I want.......too much spiffy **** to go wrong.