Ram Truck Investigation Looks At Transmissions

DETROIT (AP) — U.S. safety regulators are investigating older Ram pickup trucks with manual transmissions because the engines can be started without the clutch being depressed.

The probe covers about 110,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups made by Chrysler from the 2004 through 2006 model years.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has three complaints about the problem, including one fatal accident. In that case, a child was able to start a truck without using the clutch. It moved forward, hitting and killing another child.

Vehicles with manual transmissions are required to have mechanisms that stop the motor from being started unless the clutch is depressed.

The investigation was opened May 19, according to documents posted by the agency on Friday.

An investigation can lead to a recall.