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NEW YORK (AP) — Fiat Chrysler is recalling about 67,000 model year 2006 and 2007 pickups because of a problem that could allow the trucks to be started without the clutch being depressed. Chrysler said one death is associated with the problem.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had opened an investigation into the trucks in May after receiving a report of a child starting a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup without using the clutch. The truck moved forward, striking and killing another child, the safety agency said.
The company said Monday that a wire in the clutch ignition interlock switch could break in trucks with manual transmissions. That could keep the truck from starting, or if drivers don't follow recommended starting procedures, the truck could move when the ignition key is turned.
Vehicles with manual transmissions are required to have interlock mechanisms that stop the motor from being started unless the clutch is depressed.
The company is recalling Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mitsubishi Raider pickups that were made between July 2005 and June 2006. Nearly 55,000 of them are in the U.S.
FCA US LLC, the former Chrysler Group LLC, will replace the switches at no cost to consumers. The company said it only used the faulty wire during the period covered in the recall.
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