2020 eTorque problems?

[Hydroblueguy]

Update on my RAM with dead electrical system. 2 weeks at dealer and still not fixed. I don’t know if this is typical with RAM dealers but it’s about useless to try to get updates or even get through to Service Dept. When you do get through, they are in a hurry to get off the line. Maybe they are over worked but that’s not my problem. I drove to dealer today and saw my truck parked out where it was about a week and a half ago. I know it’s the holidays but wtf, at least keep me informed.

Different issue here, but same problem with dealers and ram cares. I was to the point to cry, scream, call a lawyer!when I know something is wrong and you tell me it’s not, only to prove the dealer wrong after ram sends there trained specialist out and says there is something wrong with this truck! I even asked one dealer to drive a new truck to see if it performs like mine and they told me no I could not drive a new truck and nothing was wrong with mine to just drive it as it vibrates down the road and the tires are chewing up. I’ve always been a Chevy guy and had very few issues with them, when I did have a issue gm always made it right!........

 

[MannymanX]

Update on my RAM with dead electrical system. 2 weeks at dealer and still not fixed. I don’t know if this is typical with RAM dealers but it’s about useless to try to get updates or even get through to Service Dept. When you do get through, they are in a hurry to get off the line. Maybe they are over worked but that’s not my problem. I drove to dealer today and saw my truck parked out where it was about a week and a half ago. I know it’s the holidays but wtf, at least keep me informed.

My truck was parked at the same spot for 3 weeks waiting on this new power pack... But they did inform me on any developments leading to the order of the power pack and what exactly happened to it.
My dealership is very busy too but my adviser is awesome... Maybe that's what's missing in your service dept...

 

[steveved]

I have 35k on my 2019 Laramie with eTorque. Only problem I have had is a cooling system issue about 1000 miles ago.

As for the comments on poor fuel economy, you can add me to that list. I got roughly 3-5mpg better fuel economy out of my previous 2014 4x4 Silverado LTZ with the 5.3L. My 2019 Ram is a better truck in so many ways. But, I assumed the eTorque would help with fuel mileage. It does not. A good friend of mine has a 2017 Ram with the 5.7L and he gets about 1mpg better than I do. His truck is also a Laramie, crew cab, short bed 4x4. So, you would think the newer truck would be lighter and get better mileage.

Oh well, no eTorque issues here, just disappointed with fuel economy.

 

[JF19Longhorn]

Other than **** poor fuel economy, (currently in the low 14mpg range with winter fuel - 95% Hwy driving) my Etrq has had 15,500 problem free miles.

Now I need to find some wood to knock on.

 

[RomeoRAM]

My truck was parked at the same spot for 3 weeks waiting on this new power pack... But they did inform me on any developments leading to the order of the power pack and what exactly happened to it.
My dealership is very busy too but my adviser is awesome... Maybe that's what's missing in your service dept...

Dealer called me yesterday (1/4/2021) and said they decided to get involved because part was not expected till end of January. They said they now expect part to be in mid January. I asked what part was and they said an electrical connection between hybrid battery and 12 volt battery was bad. I asked for more specifics and advisor didn’t know. Advisor also said she left me a voice mail last week....I said I never received it and I have my cell w/me 24/7. Advisor said they haven’t addressed other warranty issues yet because they may be related to hybrid issue. I asked how could rear seat and backup camera be related?

Oh well, I may have my truck back in a week or so.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Sorry to hear that the ET woes are delaying the repairs for you.
A lot of forum members seem to like the ET option and once RAM gets it right it should be a help for those start-off torque needed situations, especially when having a heavy load or towing.

I specifically avoided it back in early 2019 when I bought my truck but I think they basically have figured most of the early teething issues now. Doesn’t help you though.

 

[Grape_Ape]

No issues out of my truck yet *knock on wood*. Just hit 9000 miles though. Sorry you guys are having a rough time with it. I think it’s a cool engineering feature but I’d never option my truck with it in the future.

 

[RomeoRAM]

Sorry to hear that the ET woes are delaying the repairs for you.
A lot of forum members seem to like the ET option and once RAM gets it right it should be a help for those start-off torque needed situations, especially when having a heavy load or towing.

I specifically avoided it back in early 2019 when I bought my truck but I think they basically have figured most of the early teething issues now. Doesn’t help you though.

Finally got my truck back after 2 1/2 weeks. They had to replace the 48 volt battery pack (pn 68372205AC) which was internally defective and the 12V battery which went completely dead. If I had my way, I would have forgone the e-torque option but I couldn't pass up the fantastic deal on the truck. I would have liked to keep the electrical system "less high-tech" for when I have to eventually make a repair down the road. I don't think I will keep the truck much past the warranty period......I usually keep my trucks for 200,000+ miles. It was great to get back to driving it again.

 

[RomeoRAM]

No issues out of my truck yet *knock on wood*. Just hit 9000 miles though. Sorry you guys are having a rough time with it. I think it’s a cool engineering feature but I’d never option my truck with it in the future.

My (2019) truck died at 9,100 miles. The truck did sit on the dealer's lot for quite a while before I bought it. I wonder if that had anything to do with the life of the battery. I wish you all the best of luck with your truck!

 

[MannymanX]

My (2019) truck died at 9,100 miles. The truck did sit on the dealer's lot for quite a while before I bought it. I wonder if that had anything to do with the life of the battery. I wish you all the best of luck with your truck!

Mine sat for 2 months and my 48v + 12v batteries died at 34k. They replaced the 12v battery when I took delivery of the truck. I think it does have something to do with the 48v battery dying...

 

[Pyleketerson]

After 4,000 miles I’m not impressed with etorque. I honestly don’t even see the point. I haven’t had any issues so far and certainly have my fingers crossed I don’t in the future. Do we just assume the battery will die at some point? If so that’s a crummy thing to look forward to. Sorry to hear some of you have had issues so early on. I do love this truck (second 5th gen).

 

[longfiredragon]

Hello all, I am new here and just wanted to add to the discussion. I am trying to stay positive and not ***** too much. I have a 2020 5.7L etorque with 5K on it. It is currently sitting at the dealership because the etorque squeals so loud the neighbors 4 houses down can hear it when you start it cold. It's not as loud when it is at operating Temp. But basically is whining all the time. At 35, 40 mph you have to turn the radio up to not hear it. I was also getting funny looks from others. It is embarrassing so I took it to RAM and said fix it. Three things I was not expecting was first the dealership has never seen a bad one, but did confirm it was the etorque making the noise. 2nd they have never replaced one. I am not sure they have even been trained to know how to replace it, even though it looks pretty straight forward to me. 3rd there is none to be had, WHAT? That's right 250 are on back order nation wide, and they said 2 months Min. wait to get one.

Me, I am not one to just say ok, all good, everything is cool. I have never heard of that, most I have ever waited for one of my new vehicles to get fixed was 2 days. So I called FCA and opened a case. Most I can hope for is that they might be able to expedite the new etorque. I really don't know what to do, I have never encountered this. 2 months for a part, obviously FCA needs to fix the issue with supporting their products. They did give us a loaner but they had to because it's part of the warranty, plus I bought a 5 year 120K bumper to bumper extended warranty. There is a rumor that FCA has gone to a new MFG of the etorque and it is supposed to be a better improved version. But somebody might just be talking smack.

My only recourse outside of just waiting is under my states lemon law it states that if your vehicle is out of service with what they define as a substantial non-conformance (Which the etorque is) for more than 15 days you have a lemon law case. I don't want to do this because it just opens up a huge new can of worms that from what I have read can be a real pain in the @!++. That said my state really seems to stick it to the MFG's they would have to pay for the window tint, Tonneau cover back payments a lot of stuff if it goes that far even lawyer fees. But, I really don't want to pursue the lemon law thing, I love the truck and would just like it back, fixed. Oh well, will see what happens I guess.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Ouch.

 

[RamCares]

Hello all, I am new here and just wanted to add to the discussion. I am trying to stay positive and not ***** too much. I have a 2020 5.7L etorque with 5K on it. It is currently sitting at the dealership because the etorque squeals so loud the neighbors 4 houses down can hear it when you start it cold. It's not as loud when it is at operating Temp. But basically is whining all the time. At 35, 40 mph you have to turn the radio up to not hear it. I was also getting funny looks from others. It is embarrassing so I took it to RAM and said fix it. Three things I was not expecting was first the dealership has never seen a bad one, but did confirm it was the etorque making the noise. 2nd they have never replaced one. I am not sure they have even been trained to know how to replace it, even though it looks pretty straight forward to me. 3rd there is none to be had, WHAT? That's right 250 are on back order nation wide, and they said 2 months Min. wait to get one.

Me, I am not one to just say ok, all good, everything is cool. I have never heard of that, most I have ever waited for one of my new vehicles to get fixed was 2 days. So I called FCA and opened a case. Most I can hope for is that they might be able to expedite the new etorque. I really don't know what to do, I have never encountered this. 2 months for a part, obviously FCA needs to fix the issue with supporting their products. They did give us a loaner but they had to because it's part of the warranty, plus I bought a 5 year 120K bumper to bumper extended warranty. There is a rumor that FCA has gone to a new MFG of the etorque and it is supposed to be a better improved version. But somebody might just be talking smack.

My only recourse outside of just waiting is under my states lemon law it states that if your vehicle is out of service with what they define as a substantial non-conformance (Which the etorque is) for more than 15 days you have a lemon law case. I don't want to do this because it just opens up a huge new can of worms that from what I have read can be a real pain in the @!++. That said my state really seems to stick it to the MFG's they would have to pay for the window tint, Tonneau cover back payments a lot of stuff if it goes that far even lawyer fees. But, I really don't want to pursue the lemon law thing, I love the truck and would just like it back, fixed. Oh well, will see what happens I guess.

Hi there!

I'm extremely sorry to hear about the concerns you've been experiencing lately. However, it sounds like you've taken the right steps & have been working with your local Ram dealer. If you'd like additional support while working with your Case Manager, please feel free to send our RamCares team a private message with your VIN or Case Number. We hope everything works out smoothly for you!

Courtney
Ram Cares

 

[longfiredragon]

Hey all

Just an update on the etorque issue. I hate coming on a forum like this and it seeming like I only have stuff to complain about. Fact is even with the truck sitting at the dealership with an issue, I still really like my truck. I just hope it doesn't turn bad down the road with a lot more issues. Anyway I think it is pretty cool RAMCARES comes on here and tries to help, and I have filled them in with the issue. And they are really nice, I just don't think they can really do anything. You don't have the part, you don't have the part. It isn't like one can just magically appear. Of course they are not really telling me what they are doing. I mean, new 2021's are on the lots with new etorques in them. Would one maybe think that you would fix your exciting customers trucks first?

So, nothing has changed. Every one that needs to know, knows. Now we just wait.

 

[SpeedyV]

Hey all

Just an update on the etorque issue. I hate coming on a forum like this and it seeming like I only have stuff to complain about. Fact is even with the truck sitting at the dealership with an issue, I still really like my truck. I just hope it doesn't turn bad down the road with a lot more issues. Anyway I think it is pretty cool RAMCARES comes on here and tries to help, and I have filled them in with the issue. And they are really nice, I just don't think they can really do anything. You don't have the part, you don't have the part. It isn't like one can just magically appear. Of course they are not really telling me what they are doing. I mean, new 2021's are on the lots with new etorques in them. Would one maybe think that you would fix your exciting customers trucks first?

So, nothing has changed. Every one that needs to know, knows. Now we just wait.

Best of luck!

 

[Pyleketerson]

Sorry to hear you are forced to play the waiting game. I would stay in contact with RamCares. I had a success story with them on my first 5th gen. After I got hit and was left with a huge dent in the rear bed panel, no one could find a replacement. RamCares ultimately found one in Texas and had it shipped to Washington State to have it installed. So, it can happen. Best of luck.

 

[longfiredragon]

Another quick update. FCA called me last night, not my case manager, I think she is still on vacation. I understand, we all need vacations right. At least they have others filling in. They told me the ETA for the part is 1/21/2021, next Thursday, and that they are trying to expedite it there sooner. Originally the service manager told me to complain because he has seen a lot of times people get the issue resolved quicker. I hate to complain, I understand things happen, although I have to admit I did feel that 2 months wait on the part was not very good support. And having a bran new truck broke can be dishearten and you have to try and not let it get you down too much.

I do feel like RAMCARES on here tries to help, and who knows maybe they did help speed things up, I haven't talked to them since the other day, but if so, THANK YOU! I also feel like FCA did listen and have taken steps to resolve this as fast as possible. I do understand I am not the only one, and these peoples workloads are probably huge, and sometimes having to deal with total jerks as well. So if the part gets here on the 21st I am totally good with that, and if it gets here sooner, even better. So again THANK YOU! to all involved for getting the part close to a month and a half sooner. Also my nerf bars got held up because I was told they were in stock, and they were not. Another story. So I had to wait for the MFG to actually manufacture them. I should get the nerf bars right around the same time I get the truck back, so it may just work out right and I will get to install the bars to.

 

[longfiredragon]

Quick update.
RAM got the part there today when they said they would. In fact they got it there on the truck first thing in the morning and the service manager had it installed first thing. They were done and had the truck ready at 11:15 this morning. So we get to go pick it up after work today. Whoooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooo. Thanks again to all involved (Including on here) for taking care of this ASAP.

 

[longfiredragon]

Just sharing the knowledge here. So the wife and I go to pick up the truck yesterday after work. I drop off the loner, and pick up the keys, go out to the truck and hit the remote start and the truck turned over around 10 times before finally starting. I was like oh crap that wasn't right. I get in and I have two lights on the dash, an Autostop warning light and a check engine light. Then a message comes up on the display that says the Autostop system needs service. So I pull it over to the bay and get the service manager. I tell him what's going on, and in my humble opinion there is either something that needs re-set or maybe a software update needs installed because of the replacement of the etorque. The service manager is kinda scratching his head because he says they drove it after the install and it was fine. Which my reply was well maybe the computer didn't see anything on the initial start up.

So the Tech. comes over pops the hood, starts the truck, which it again did not start right, plugs in to the truck computer and Bluetooths to his lap top (Which is pretty cool now days) It took about 30 seconds for the computer to pop up with a software update, and about 6 or 7 Min. to install it, and all was good.

Point to the story is this, the 21's may already have this software update, but if you have a 19, or 20 and you have an etorque issue that requires a replacement you are most likely going to need a software update. So don't pull off the lot until you know if it requires it and they have done it.

Also the new etorque is whisper quiet, makes zero noise, which is the way it should be, and is really nice. I am thinking this may have been caused by the fact that my truck sat on the lot for a year and a half, and maybe the bearings in the etorque dried out? Don't know for sure but sounds reasonable I guess. And again Kudos to FCA, RAMCARES, and my dealership everybody was on the ball and did the best they could to take care of this as fast as possible. I can't ask for more than that and I will give my dealership and service manager a very good review. Nice to have a good dealership right up the road.