Shifter knob issues, 2019 RAM 1500, help- BRAND NEW

[RamCares]

Hi Everyone,

If anyone is experiencing this concern and needs assistance working with their dealer, please private message us if you have not already done so. We'd like to look into this further.

Jennifer
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[Bram2019]

I can understand your frustration. I fortunately haven't experienced any of the quality control issues that you have outside the shifting into D issue. The marijuana smell I think is just the new materials off gassing. I may not be sensitive enough to the smell to let it bother me. I thoroughly like this Ram a lot, so I am willing to put up with the shifting thing until we can get a fix. I suspect from what I have read on here, that its going to be a new valve body (or transmission unit if they don't just don't do the valve body). I figure since the transmission works flawlessly in every other scenario than the intermittently going from P to D hangup, that the fluid level in mine is appropriate. They also advised me that I had the most recent software for my build.

I dropped my truck off this morning for the bed liner install, and they are going to have a tech check out my concerns. However, their transmission "specialist" isn't back til Monday, so I asked them to just hold the truck til then to have him look at it. RAM care has already followed up with my dealership on this, so it gives me comfort that they are interested and eager to work on a solution.

I have been around enough cars to know that I don't want another valve body/transmission put in if the part number is the same. I would rather wait for a revised part. But I guess I will wait and see what the recommendation is by my dealer.

I am curious about your issue. When this happens from P to D, will your truck roll like in neutral and rev up or does it seem like it is locked liked the brake is applied.

 

[Luxy72462]

Mine happens like D isn’t engaging. If you blip the gas it bangs into gear kind a like a neutral drop. Not good for the trans. On another note since RamCares seems to want to be involved please post your build date. This may isolate the problem to a specific run of trucks. Mine is 11/18.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Paulny]

My build date was 11/20 but my other truck was built on 08/11. Both have/had the same exact symptoms and after my dealer had my firs truck for 3 weeks and many, many calls to FCA for engineering support, the ultimate response was "we have no idea what the issue is. Replace transmission". This end result due to my dealer exhausting all means of trying to deduce the problem with no luck. Even FCA couldn't figure it out then, and I can only assume their response this time will have the same result, replace the transmission. The tragedy of this is that I bet the replacement transmission has the same part #'s for the valve body/tranny as my current and previous ones. To me, this is not a fix. This forum is a small sample size of how many Rams are having issues, and the fact that there are quite a number on here leads me to believe this is probably a bigger problem than we think. This, coupled with all of my other vehicle defects I mentioned earlier is very frustrating and obviously a quality control dept. is non existent at the Sterling Heights plant. A 5 year old could have pointed out my issues before my truck left the factory. It's all about mass production as quickly as possible with FCA without regard to quality...that is painfully obvious.

 

[fat trout]

Mine happens like D isn’t engaging. If you blip the gas it bangs into gear kind a like a neutral drop. Not good for the trans
QUOTE]

Same for me for the one time it happened. I noticed the earlier comment that it doesnt seem to happen if you first go to reverse. 90% of the time im backing out of a parking spot or my driveway as a first move. The time it happened i quick stopped to check something in the back seat....jumped back in and drive didnt engage. I cautious hit the pedal and as the rpms went up it slammed into gear. It hasnt repeated but i have concerns it will crop up. Build date for me Oct. Purchased in Nov, the issue happened with approx 60 miles on the ODO

 

[Bram2019]

Same for me for the one time it happened. I noticed the earlier comment that it doesnt seem to happen if you first go to reverse. 90% of the time im backing out of a parking spot or my driveway as a first move. The time it happened i quick stopped to check something in the back seat....jumped back in and drive didnt engage. I cautious hit the pedal and as the rpms went up it slammed into gear. It hasnt repeated but i have concerns it will crop up. Build date for me Oct. Purchased in Nov, the issue happened with approx 60 miles on the ODO

It is possible it is not the park pawl. I am hoping someone can post when this happens if the truck will roll if placed into D. Say if engaged on an incline. If the truck stays there with foot off the brake, it is the park pawl not releasing. If it rolls, the park pawl is releasing but a clutch is not being applied.

 

[Ghinesley]

I only have been on level ground when it has happened, so I wouldn't be able to distinguish between park pawl hangup or a clutch not engaging. When I back into my driveway, it is an incline where the front end is higher than the rear. It happened once that time, and the truck didn't roll as I recall, but my foot was on the brake because IF it was able to roll, it would have rolled through my garage door and into my RV. My observation is that it feels like something is keeping the truck from moving (e-brake or park pawl). I don't use the e-brake often, so I assume its the pawl). What is weird, is it only happens when going from P to D. P to R never has had a hiccup.


I suspect all 2019 came with the new valve body (if that is the suspect part)....so I don't think build date would matter. From my research, there is no updated valve body part number, so its going to be the same valve body in all trucks. I was going to suggest a fluid flush and a new software flash (even if the version is the same)........see if that will make any difference before they start tearing into it. Especially if there is no part update available.

 

[fat trout]

It is possible it is not the park pawl. I am hoping someone can post when this happens if the truck will roll if placed into D. Say if engaged on an incline. If the truck stays there with foot off the brake, it is the park pawl not releasing. If it rolls, the park pawl is releasing but a clutch is not being applied.

Unfortunately I was on flat ground. This is something I'll consider if it ever happens again....hell, I'll get out and push if I can.

 

[Bs32929]

Even when facing downhill, mine would not roll when put int D. Made it even more dangerous when it finally engaged and lurched forward after increasing pressure on gas pedal. I filmed it and that’s what finally got the dealer’s attention.

 

[Bram2019]

If there are no park position codes in the trans, I know what is wrong with the transmission. You need a highly skilled computer savvy tech to figure it out. A flight recorder setup may be needed. Good luck

 

[greatone99]

anything new on this mines done it 2-3 times 500 miles ,2019 rebel nov-15 2018 build date ,put into drive nothing ,give it gas lurches forward or jerks/jumps ,no parking brake ,no auto parking brake , im starting to really dislike this truck ,im coming from a Lexus so I was always concerned about craftsmanship /quality /reliability .

 

[Paulny]

anything new on this mines done it 2-3 times 500 miles ,2019 rebel nov-15 2018 build date ,put into drive nothing ,give it gas lurches forward or jerks/jumps ,no parking brake ,no auto parking brake , im starting to really dislike this truck ,im coming from a Lexus so I was always concerned about craftsmanship /quality /reliability .

Its happened to me with two consecutive '19's. A few months ago, dealer and FCA had no idea how to fix and gives new tranny as a fix. Now, I have another '19 and less than 3 weeks into ownership, the same thing happened. Low and behold, FCA and dealer can't pinpoint issue again and I can only assume FCA will recommend another new tranny. This is potentially a very dangerous issue, and alarming that dealers/FCA have no idea how to fix. Like yourself, I have had mostly Lexus/Toyota vehicles and been accustomed to stellar build quality. The fact that this issue has happened to me twice, and the fact that I have many other quality issues mentioned in earlier threads, I am done with Ram. It's simply mind boggling how these trucks are being stamped as "acceptable" at the plant and released for sale. There is NO WAY someone didn't see some/all of my defects (on both trucks), and reassures me that the "passing" standards at the SHAP is absurdly low. They should be sued for putting vehicles on the road with the worst quality control/build quality I've ever seen yet asking a premium price for them. Ultimately, it's my fault for even trying an FCA product with historically horrible ratings. I am the only FCA owner out of all of my friends, family, colleagues. They thought I was a fool for buying one Ram truck, and now you can only imagine the butt chewing I take for buying another and giving FCA a second chance. Both purchases have blown up in my face, and Ram fooled me twice, but they will not fool me a third time.

 

[greatone99]

Its happened to me with two consecutive '19's. A few months ago, dealer and FCA had no idea how to fix and gives new tranny as a fix. Now, I have another '19 and less than 3 weeks into ownership, the same thing happened. Low and behold, FCA and dealer can't pinpoint issue again and I can only assume FCA will recommend another new tranny. This is potentially a very dangerous issue, and alarming that dealers/FCA have no idea how to fix. Like yourself, I have had mostly Lexus/Toyota vehicles and been accustomed to stellar build quality. The fact that this issue has happened to me twice, and the fact that I have many other quality issues mentioned in earlier threads, I am done with Ram. It's simply mind boggling how these trucks are being stamped as "acceptable" at the plant and released for sale. There is NO WAY someone didn't see some/all of my defects (on both trucks), and reassures me that the "passing" standards at the SHAP is absurdly low. They should be sued for putting vehicles on the road with the worst quality control/build quality I've ever seen yet asking a premium price for them. Ultimately, it's my fault for even trying an FCA product with historically horrible ratings. I am the only FCA owner out of all of my friends, family, colleagues. They thought I was a fool for buying one Ram truck, and now you can only imagine the butt chewing I take for buying another and giving FCA a second chance. Both purchases have blown up in my face, and Ram fooled me twice, but they will not fool me a third time.

I felt I did my due diligence with research ,but boy was I wrong ,I figured by 2019 companies have all the bugs worked out boy was I wrong ,first ram ,will pro never buy another one ,now in the back of my head im questioning everything in the truck .just realized my power folding mirrors hit the side glass that can't be normal ,I can't believe no-one tested the mirrors at the factory .

 

[Paulny]

I felt I did my due diligence with research ,but boy was I wrong ,I figured by 2019 companies have all the bugs worked out boy was I wrong ,first ram ,will pro never buy another one ,now in the back of my head im questioning everything in the truck .just realized my power folding mirrors hit the side glass that can't be normal ,I can't believe no-one tested the mirrors at the factory .

There have been numerous forum members that have their mirrors hitting the side glass so you're not alone. And, I agree that someone should have tested this feature before leaving the factory. My guess is that there is very little, if any quality control checking going on. There is no way that either of my trucks, much less many others on this forum would have made it out of the factory if someone would have actually checked the quality. As I have said before, a 5 year old would have been able to see my paint and interior defects. Moreover, my truck arrived with 11 miles on it and how in the heck did someone not hear my undercarriage rattle, interior rattles, and my tranny slamming into gear during the test drive??

 

[Bram2019]

Its happened to me with two consecutive '19's. A few months ago, dealer and FCA had no idea how to fix and gives new tranny as a fix. Now, I have another '19 and less than 3 weeks into ownership, the same thing happened. Low and behold, FCA and dealer can't pinpoint issue again and I can only assume FCA will recommend another new tranny. This is potentially a very dangerous issue, and alarming that dealers/FCA have no idea how to fix. Like yourself, I have had mostly Lexus/Toyota vehicles and been accustomed to stellar build quality. The fact that this issue has happened to me twice, and the fact that I have many other quality issues mentioned in earlier threads, I am done with Ram. It's simply mind boggling how these trucks are being stamped as "acceptable" at the plant and released for sale. There is NO WAY someone didn't see some/all of my defects (on both trucks), and reassures me that the "passing" standards at the SHAP is absurdly low. They should be sued for putting vehicles on the road with the worst quality control/build quality I've ever seen yet asking a premium price for them. Ultimately, it's my fault for even trying an FCA product with historically horrible ratings. I am the only FCA owner out of all of my friends, family, colleagues. They thought I was a fool for buying one Ram truck, and now you can only imagine the butt chewing I take for buying another and giving FCA a second chance. Both purchases have blown up in my face, and Ram fooled me twice, but they will not fool me a third time.

I am 99% sure I know what is wrong with these transmissions, based on complaints here. This appears to be a rare failure. If I am sure what is wrong, so is FCA. The parts I beleive cause the problem can not be bought from FCA, so they would not authorize a repair without parts available from FCA at this point. Currently replacing transmission would be the only fix, because there are no warranty replacement parts authorized by FCA other than a transmission to fix this. Until they come out with a tsb and the parts that they will authorize using for the repair, the transmission replacement will be the only fix for now. And FCA may want the problem units back to verify parts causing the issue. The other problem is verifying the problem by the tech and getting authorization from FCA to replace the transmission. This can be harder than you think even if you verify complaint. Too many bean counters in the loop. My guess is once there is enough complanits about the same exact issue, FCA will just authorize a replacement.

 

[greatone99]

So far 1 month of ownership 490
Ramboxes only close when I slam them
Side mirror hits
Truck won’t lower or start with the fob all the time
Truck won’t move when put into drive -2-3 times
New to the list , it won’t start with the u connect app , although that could be App issue

I agree with the poster above quality control must be a joke . The stuff above is Not an isolated case there is many of other people having these issues. Me and my girlfriend I’ve already discussed getting rid of the truck ,In six months to a year ,And cut our losses before it becomes a real problem

 

[greatone99]

So far 1 month of ownership 490
Ramboxes only close when I slam them
Side mirror hits
Truck won’t lower or start with the fob all the time
Truck won’t move when put into drive -2-3 times
New to the list , it won’t start with the u connect app , although that could be App issue

I agree with the poster above quality control must be a joke . The stuff above is Not an isolated case there is many of other people having these issues. Me and my girlfriend I’ve already discussed getting rid of the truck ,In six months to a year ,And cut our losses before it becomes a real problem

At this point I would never buy another Chrysler product for as long as I live

 

[bravo1]

BernieZ I am not convince about component design failure or assembly issue.To give a example Ford's recent TSB announcement for the 2018/19 F-150 5.0L Coyote powertrain owner complaint of a high rattle chain noise on deceleration was just a flash update for the C solenoid duration for the cam phaser's.Ford biggest problem is the shift fork for 3-4 gear on there Mustang it was a material issue there and still Ford techs are only changing out the entire transmission rather than changing out the broken fork.On Ford's piston ticking sound it was a liner coating issue,there Ford tech's are allowed to short block the motor....I think swapping transmission is a waste of money, but due to restriction on tech's ability to R&R modules due to either a lack of class room training for certification to a level that ZF Corp would be OK has yet to be.I am laying odds that these failed control modules are on other ZF 8 speeds and they are running various software updates to come to a fix for this rather limited failure rate in the field....Just my 2 cents and a stick of gum...

 

[Paulny]

BernieZ I am not convince about component design failure or assembly issue.To give a example Ford's recent TSB announcement for the 2018/19 F-150 5.0L Coyote powertrain owner complaint of a high rattle chain noise on deceleration was just a flash update for the C solenoid duration for the cam phaser's.Ford biggest problem is the shift fork for 3-4 gear on there Mustang it was a material issue there and still Ford techs are only changing out the entire transmission rather than changing out the broken fork.On Ford's piston ticking sound it was a liner coating issue,there Ford tech's are allowed to short block the motor....I think swapping transmission is a waste of money, but due to restriction on tech's ability to R&R modules due to either a lack of class room training for certification to a level that ZF Corp would be OK has yet to be.I am laying odds that these failed control modules are on other ZF 8 speeds and they are running various software updates to come to a fix for this rather limited failure rate in the field....Just my 2 cents and a stick of gum...

Interesting insight, and I hope you're right. Tomorrow, I am supposed to hear back from FCA higher ups as to how they want to proceed forward with my rig. Like my first '19 Ram, I am almost certain they will recommend a tranny replacement again. I would rather not get a replacement tranny, but it appears neither my dealer nor FCA has a clue how to fix the issue. Others have said that a tranny replacement is as simple as a brake job, and my dealer stated 6 hours to swap out. However, my fear is that the new tranny will have the same exact control module/solenoid and replacing the unit will be useless. I realize not everyone has this issue, so maybe there is a bad batch from a certain supplier compared to other suppliers that are producing the same parts? If I choose to wait on a software update that may fix my issue, how much damage am I doing to my current tranny in the interim? I just want my $63500 truck to work.

 

[Electrical]

Give it a chance, Paul. Absolutely nothing to fear from a tranny exchange.

Don't rush it. Don't push it. Give them the space and leeway to do their thing.