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2001 DODGE RAM 1500 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire · 2150694 · 2025-11-21

Vehicle

Make
DODGE
Model
RAM 1500
Year
2001
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Speed
55 mph

Severity

Deaths
0
Injured
0
Fire
Yes
Crash
No
Police report
No
Medical attention
No
Vehicle towed
No

Narrative

While driving and operating the heater, unbeknowst to me leaves/pine needles had come in through the fresh air cowl vent and built up on the heater blower resistor resulting in a fire. This design in dangerous as the default for the air intake is open and allows debris to enter and drop directly into the fan and blower motor resistor. I've searched online and seen multiple reports of this issue. I have a video I can provide if contacted.

Source

Authoritative
NHTSA ODI Flat-File Downloads
ODI Number
11700714
Machine
JSON-LD · Markdown