fredbert

At least those of us with automatic transmissions. I just entered the last 8 of my VIN here:

http://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/...m%28%27R%27%29

And here's what came back:

SAFETY RECALL TO INSTALL AN OUT-OF-PARK ALARM SYSTEM
Dear: (Name)
This letter is being sent to you in order to address a serious safety concern, and to facilitate the continued safe
operation of your vehicle. DaimlerChrysler Corporation will install an Out-of-Park Alarm System in 2003
through 2005 model year Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks equipped with an automatic transmission and
a diesel engine.
This software modification will help ensure that you have properly placed the shifter lever fully into the “Park”
position before attempting to exit the vehicle. In the event that the “Park” position is accidentally not achieved, the
alarm system will provide an audible and visual alert to the operator.
The problem is... DaimlerChrysler has determined that, in certain circumstances when a driver has not
placed the shifter lever fully into the “Park” position and leaves the engine running, the
vehicle may unexpectedly move rearward after seeming to be stable. Unintended
rearward movement of a vehicle could injure those in and/or near the vehicle.
As with all vehicles, you should never exit the vehicle while the engine is running and
should always remove the key from the ignition and apply the parking brake before
leaving the vehicle.
What your dealer
will do...
DaimlerChrysler will modify your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) free of charge
(parts and labor). To do this, your dealer will install an Out-of-Park Alarm System in your
vehicle’s computer. The work will take about one hour to complete. However, additional time
may be necessary depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed.
What you must
do to ensure your
safety...
Simply contact your dealer right away to schedule a service appointment. Remember to
bring this letter with you to your dealer.
If you need help... If you have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact
DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Please help us update our records, by filling out the enclosed prepaid postcard, if any of the conditions listed on the
card apply to you or your vehicle. Be sure to print the last eight (8) characters of the VIN (VVVVVVVV) and
notification code E17 on the postcard.
If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time, you may
submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh
Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-
424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
We're sorry for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention
to this important matter.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Notification Code E17
Note to lessors receiving this recall: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.

fredbert

It looks like this is just a reflash, so there are no wires for them to butcher as I had feared. But I'm probably going to pass on this lame safety feature anyway, at least for now. I think it creates more problems than it solves, and the original problem is easy enough to avoid if you know about it. Hopefully at some point DC will come out with a reflash which includes something useful such as a '06 style Tow/Haul mode and/or exhaust brake functionality. Presumably if I get the recall done then, I will get the upgrades for free! But in the meantime, how do I keep the dealer from "doing me a favor" when I bring in the truck for other purposes?

jon05ctd

I too will pass. I leave my truck in neutral when I get finished plowing so the tranny can cool down.I DO have the common sense to drop the plow and set the parking brake though.....

12PACK

My NV keeps on looking better and better.

HP Upgrades

We installed a back alarm on our Dodge for some other work that we were doing but we got smart and installed it on a switch. If we hit reverse it will ONLY work when the switch is on, or when we want to be annoying. No late night backing up at home waking up the neighbors stuff!

AKCoastie

I tried rotating my tires last week and found they were stuck. I decided to bite the bullet and take it to the dealer to have them break them off and rotate them for $20. As they were doing the paperwork, they said I needed to come back in for a recall. They said they needed to reprogram the computer to have an alarm go off when the driver door is open and the truck is not in park. I've heard a bunch of people with the '06 not liking this feature so I don't think I'll be headed back to the dealer. Too much stuff going on now and I'm getting ready to drive back to AK for my next assignment.
They said the recall came out only 2 days ago...anyone else heard of this?

TexasCTD

I think I will take a pass on this "feature" too.

That said, I do always make a habit of setting my parking brake when I exit. Good habit to have no matter what you drive.

TonyB

I just got my truck Thursday night...Verified last night that it does not have this bug....I mean feature!

As part of PDI, aren't they suposed to make sure all the recalls are up to date?

Tony

TRAVIST

Recall is for 03-05 only as the 06 is suppossed to have this "feature" already installed. I believe that it is only fpr the automatics as well not the manual.

Travist

TAS05CTD610

There's another thread about this too. I will refuse to have this feature installed. I mean I tow boats, utility trailers and all that. I can not stick my head far enough out the window, need to have the door open. I mean how often do you put a boat in the water with the door open, lots. I think it's amazing how the 1 stupid person can screw everybody else. Now don't think I'm against safety features, but like the break pedal thing so that if the high idle is on you don't put it in drive at 1500 rpm. Me I know better but some done. It should be an option though, and I wouldn't even mind signing a paper that says I accept all claims if it rolls back wards and runs me over.

wexman

Just got my letter today. It got torn right up. I back up EVERY day with my door open, backing into my parking space at work. It ain't easy parking a dually in tight spaces.

Heater

Today I got a recall notice saying that sometimes it will not fully engage in park, and start to drift backwards. I have heard about this in the board many times, but had hoped they would fix the shifter or tranny. It seems they put an "Out of park alarm on it"

I was wondering if anyone know what this is. Is this going to be an annoying device? Or another buzzer I am going to have to hear, or will this just sound when it is in the "grey zone".

I would like to have it done if it is not something I have to hear each time I shift through it.

Any feedback would be appreciated..

rockittboy

its because myself and many others have put their trucks in park ( yes i mean PUT it in park like it should be) only to have it rolling backwards into traffic when they hop out! for some reason, quite a few of these trannys dont seem to want to stay in park, OR they register as being in park and they are not. 99.9% of the time i use the e-brake anyways, but DC refuses to place a recall on this. there was a thread a long time ago and it happened to the mechanic at the dealer and it totalled someones truck on here...WHILE HE HAD IT SERVICED!

ryans05

has anyone got this recall slip in the mail got mine.its about the tranny not going into park. i guess now i have to go to the lovly dealer I HATE MY DEALER. but i guess it will be good to have done.