general problems of the 2002 Dodge Ram 2500

This diesel truck was started in order to let it warm up. Owner went into a building to retrieve a pair of gloves and returned 5 min later to find the vehicle on fire. Smoke was pouring out of the front cowl at the base of the windshield. Entry to the vehicle was attempted in order to put the fire out however the locking mechanism kept the doors shut so entry could not be attained. The truck was on fire and it had locked the doors. The drivers side window had to be busted out with a fire extinguisher in order to gain entry. Once the fire was extinguished the probelm area was evident. The entire heater blower area was melted.

The plastic dashboard and related underpinnings and suport structure for everything from passenger airbag,radio, climate control and vents, headlight, mirror defroster, gauge pod, onboard diagnostic plug, etc. Began disintegrating in large sharp pieces while driving. These pieces cut wiring and fles for anything and everything and are distracting and dangerous in multiple ways worse if in an accident. I had to remove radio, and disable airbags for safety. Replacement parts alone are potentially in the thousands, not including labor and wiring harness repairs.

Dash board is crumbling exposing numerous controls, gauges, wiring, and airbag components which is a huge safety concern. The a/c has seized to work anymore due to electrical problems which is spreading to other control gauges and components. The safety of the airbag system is now a concern.