Another ignition switch recall, this time from Chrysler Group.
Chrysler Group is recalling 349,442 vehicles because ignition keys become stuck or “inadvertently move” thereby disabling critical safety equipment, including the windshield wipers, defroster per steering, brake booster and the airbags.
In the latest setback for the quality-challenged company, owners of these 2008 Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Magnum station wagons, Chrysler 300 sedans, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs are being told to make sure their ignition keys are set in the “ON” position (one o’clock) after starting their vehicles. This will keep engine power alive and enable the working of the front air bags.
As with the GM ignition switch disaster, drivers are also being told to remove their ignition keys from key rings with other keys.
See AutoInformed stories:
- Volkswagen, Chrysler Recall Defective Ignition Switches, Airbags
- More GM Recalls Including Ignition Switches, Airbags, Brakes
- Delphi Ducks Senate Bullet over GM Ignition Tragedy. Part Number Red Herring as Industry doesn’t Always Change Them
- GM Ignition Switch Compensation – Cash for Indemnification
- GM CEO Mary Barra, Lawyer Anton Valukas to Testify Tomorrow on Internal Report over the Ignition Switch Recall Debacle
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
