NHTSA Complaint #711211 — 1996 DODGE RAM

THE IGNITION SWITCH MELTED THE PLASTIC SHROUD UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS RUNNING WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE RADIO WAS ON ALSO. AFTER THIS OCCURRED, THE RADIO NO LONGER WORKS RIGHT EITHER. THE DEALER SAID THERE IS A REPLACEMENT SWITCH, BUT DID NOT COVER IT UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAID THEY WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SWITCH, THAT'S WHY THERE WAS A NEW REPLACEMENT SWITCH. COST OVER $350, INCLUDING INSTALLATION. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE REPLACING THE RADIO. THEY DID NOT KNOW WHY THE RADIO WENT BAD. THE DEALER WAS FRED BEANS IN DOYLESTOWN, PA. THE ORIGINAL BALL JOINTS AND FRONT AXLE WERE NEVER GREASED AT THE FACTORY. THERE ARE NO GREASE FITTINGS TO ADD GREASE. THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY. THE MECHANIC SAID HE COULD TELL THAT THEY WERE BONE DRY & NEVER GREASED AT THE FACTORY.*AK