Talking to a fellow 1997 12 valve owner today at the pumps. He had a huge ripple in the hood and a bungee holding it down. He said "it popped open while going down the highway". He said he went to the dealer and there is a "recall". Anybody know what repair is involved? Any way to look at the latch and identify if "recall was done?"

They will will repair/replace the hood and windshield, and clean the drivers seat as well at "no charge". Thanks, Kevin

 

Kevin,
I had a 97 1/2 ton that had the recall. D/C sent me a notice in the mail. Don't know how to tell if the recall was done. Seems I remember something about D/C worried about salt corrosion of the latch mechanism (if you live in an area where they salt the roads)

 

I had this recall done on both my 96 and 97 Dodge Rams. I live in Minnesota and the spring material would rust so fast that the spring would rust open. So, if you had a bump or jar of the hood that cause the primary to let loose it would end up bent over the windshield.

Call the service department and have them look up your VIN to check if the recall is for you. If not, just WD40 your spring hood latch every month so it work properly and you should be OK. I hope this helps. Srigs

 

This recall is only for the "salt belt" unfortunitly my boys 98 has a smashed windshield and a wasted hood because of it and I don't know a DC rep to jump. His truck lived its whole life on South Padre Island, Tx (what salt? ) Oh its the secondary latch thats recalled.

 

[quote author=Partsman link=board=5;threadid=19552;start=0#msg183679 date=1063315393]
This recall is only for the "salt belt" unfortunitly my boys 98 has a smashed windshield and a wasted hood because of it and I don't know a DC rep to jump. His truck lived its whole life on South Padre Island, Tx (what salt? ) Oh its the secondary latch thats recalled.
[/quote]

I got my recall notice on mine here in Texas. Don't know if the fact that I purchased it new in PA had anything to do with it.

 

Well, this truck migrated from the "non salt belt" to the "salt belt" (from Alabama to Michigan). Have not called dealer yet, but I need to. I just don't know a good dealer in the area and I don't like "crap shoots". Everything is lubed up well, but I am gonna hook up a temporary "safety catch" just in case. Thanks for the info. Kevin

 

The recall you are refering to is for the secondary hood release. It would get corroded and stick in the released position,allowing nothing to catch the hood if the primary latch was released. Just check to make sure that it moves properly and that you lube it periodicaly.The first recall on this was to lube it,and the second recall was to replace it. Call any Dodge dealer ,give them the Vin # and they will tell you if it was performed or needs to be done.There is no expiration on recalls,if they have not been done.

 

my wifes 98 went in to get an alignment and they replaced it about 2 weeks ago. Said there was a recall on the latch. I dont know.

 

Well I called a local dealer and they ran the vin number. States "no hood latch recall on your truck". I asked him about the other 1997 I ran into and the answer was "some have the recall, and some don't. It depends on where they are made".

So I'll just keep it lubed and hope for the best. Thanks for all the replies. Kevin