Dead In The Garage - Now 3rd Time

[dmodem]

Oh, it's 4wd, and that's how they towed it.

This. But only if it's 4wd.

 

[PowerJrod]

Oh, it's 4wd, and that's how they towed it.

Not smart at all. Even with the transfer case and transmission in neutral it could still cause damage. I wouldn't want the truck back after that lol.

 

[COSPILOT]

Not smart at all. Even with the transfer case and transmission in neutral it could still cause damage. I wouldn't want the truck back after that lol.

Completely agree with you. I’d have refused it be touched and raised hell until a flatbed came.

 

[BowDown]

Transmission still engages mainshaft and planetary gears in neutral but the transmission front pump only runs if the torque convertor is spinning (ie engine running), trans was engaged and moving dry.

 

[dmodem]

So the dealer called and said the only code they saw was for a drained battery but they couldn't explain what would completely drain it after 4 days. Although this is the 2nd time it happened, they told me the only remedy at this point is to start it every other day for 10 mins or so. After I told them how ridiculous that sounded for $60k+ truck, I asked if they'd swing by and start it while I'm on vacation, or have someone stop by airport parking if we're out of town and start it up a few times while I'm away.

Lo and behold, today was the 3rd time it sat dead in the garage after 3 days. I was able to jump it, but after driving for 10-15 mins, the screen, backup camera, nor climate controls wouldn't work. I called the same dealer and asked if I could drop it off and get a loaner to get back home. He stated they didn't have anything for me to borow, but mentioned something could be waking up a module such as a "microwave in the house". After I inquired whether I should get rid of my microwave, he asked if I had a battery charger and stated the tech said I should disconnect the battery from the truck and charge it with my charger. Once charged, reinstall and see if things wake up. I guess I'm doing Ram's warranty work now on a '19 with 13,700 miles. OK. Got it.

 

[NorthStar]

Sorry to hear about this as it has to be frustrating especially with a butthead for a mechanic.
So, you always park in the garage? Have you tried turning off the auto headlights (headlights to the off position) and then locking the truck with the fob when you exit? The reason I’m asking is I have a neighbor who had a similar experience and he found it never died again simply by turning the headlight switch to off and locking it. This helped the local dealer to find/isolate the issue to the sensor for the auto headlight.

 

[MayhemMOORE]

I haven't had a dead battery, but I noticed when I left my OBD reader plugged in that the dash would light up and stay on for 30 seconds or so, over and over. I stood there for several minutes and it just kept doing it. Then I remembered I had left the reader plugged in, and after unplugging it and closing the door it stayed off and I haven't noticed it since. So something with the OBD was continually waking the truck back up, perhaps my phone's Bluetooth connection to it. If you don't use an OBD reader, it's probably irrelevant, but for anyone that does, keep an eye on the truck if you leave it plugged in when not actively using it.

 

[dmodem]

I haven't had a dead battery, but I noticed when I left my OBD reader plugged in that the dash would light up and stay on for 30 seconds or so, over and over. I stood there for several minutes and it just kept doing it. Then I remembered I had left the reader plugged in, and after unplugging it and closing the door it stayed off and I haven't noticed it since. So something with the OBD was continually waking the truck back up, perhaps my phone's Bluetooth connection to it. If you don't use an OBD reader, it's probably irrelevant, but for anyone that does, keep an eye on the truck if you leave it plugged in when not actively using it.

Nothing plugged in but thanks.

 

[dmodem]

Sorry to hear about this as it has to be frustrating especially with a butthead for a mechanic.
So, you always park in the garage? Have you tried turning off the auto headlights (headlights to the off position) and then locking the truck with the fob when you exit? The reason I’m asking is I have a neighbor who had a similar experience and he found it never died again simply by turning the headlight switch to off and locking it. This helped the local dealer to find/isolate the issue to the sensor for the auto headlight.

I'll try it. Thanks. I'm also going to pull it out of the garage to the far side of my driveway whenever my boys want to heat Ramen in the microwave. ;-)

 

[NorthStar]

I'll try it. Thanks. I'm also going to pull it out of the garage to the far side of my driveway whenever my boys want to heat Ramen in the microwave. ;-)

Give it time...I’m certain Numnuts the Mechanic will be demoted to working in the lube bay before long.

 

[dmodem]

Give it time...I’m certain Numnuts the Mechanic will be demoted to working in the lube bay before long.

Sadly, these replies come from one of the premier Dodge/Ram dealers in this part of PA.

 

[Scram1500]

Installation of a kill switch might be a temporary solution. Odds are some wires got pinched between the body and the frame causing a short

 

[Dusty1948]

Sadly, these replies come from one of the premier Dodge/Ram dealers in this part of PA.

Have they replaced the battery?

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 044783 miles.

 

[NorthStar]

Sadly, these replies come from one of the premier Dodge/Ram dealers in this part of PA.

Well in that case, I’d load up the microwave in the back seat, plug it into the outlet in the rear center console, and invite that ol’ boy out for lunch. Escort him to your truck, heat up a hot pocket, a cup of coffee and then a muffin for dessert.

Shoot the bull with him as you both dine in “Ram Comfort” and then start it up to show your microwave had nothing to do with it...then politely hand him his tin foil hat asking for his next best guess.



P.S. If he then puts his tinfoil hat on, looks you deep into your eyes and says it might have something to do with the rear seat and the two of you testing it out, then my recommendation is “Ram Comfort” time is over and it’s time to find a new mechanic!

 

[Dusty1948]

Sadly, these replies come from one of the premier Dodge/Ram dealers in this part of PA.

They're all "premier" if you ask them.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 044783 miles.

 

[jimchi]

@dmodem, do you have any mods on the truck? Just curious.

 

[Willwork4truck]

This is so weird. Usually it’s a bad battery, next most often it’s a module thats draining the battery. Microwaves and aliens taking the energy from your truck as they fly overhead is the 3rd most likely cause.

I have to charge ours weekly or within 3 days it reads 12.3 on the multimeter. I let it go a week and it read 12.2. Thats a low voltage for a lead acid battery at rest.

Try pushing really hard for a new battery., then when it’s out of warranty replace with an agm and or keep it on a trickle charger. With so much truck electronics, in-dash computers and of course your kitchen microwave it’s hard to keep batteries fresh.

Only 2 battery complaints came up here however this forum has had several...
From website carcomplaints.com:

2019 RAM 1500 OWNER COMMENTS​

#2
Aug 112019

1500 Limited 5.7L V8 Etorque​

• Automatic transmission
• 91 miles

Purchased a brand new 2019 Ram 1500 Limited and waited for delivery since I had a specific desire to include the eTorque that I had read positive reviews about . Picked up the truck a week later on 8/9/19 (Fri) and drove it nearly 90 miles over two days. On the 3rd day(Sun), the check engine light came on while driving and shortly later the charging icon flashed momentarily before going off. The battery gauge showed the main battery at 1/4 charge with no charging as I got it back home on the 4th day(Monday), delivered it back to a dealership where it showed approximately 14 codes to include both main battery and eTorque battery issues among other codes. I believe that it was likely an alternator issue, but on Thursday (day 7 of ownership), the local dealership called and stated both batteries needed to be replaced and the eTorque battery was not a stocked item and would take some time to get in.
On Friday, after reviewing several disappointing posts from Ram customer service about eTorque battery issues, I contacted the dealership. They advised that a replacement battery (eTorque) was requested from the manufacturer but the dealership had no way of tracking this item (that seemed strange) for estimated delivery date. I saw other posts where it took in excess of 18+ days to receive a replacement battery even with getting Customer Service involved. Needless to stay, I wasn't pleased about the uncertainty of repair time.
I called the Ram Customer Service number (1-800-334-9200) only to be told that their computer system had been down for nearly 2 hours today and to call back at a later time. At this point in time, seriously regretting this purchase and have started to educate myself on Lemon Law and contemplating other actions!
Update from Jun 10, 2020Well..1st issue was fixed after 25 days in the shop! Thought all would be well moving forward, but how wrong was I. Took the vehicle in at approximately 1,500 miles for safety recall (wipers and radio update); approximately 7 miles down the road after service and check in light and Auto Stop/Start warnings came on. Took it back to dealership to be told the radio update likely causes the issue and codes cleared. Three days later, took the trip on a family trip (1st trip over 50 miles since driving the truck home after purchase). When I stopped for fuel, the Auto Stop/Start and check engine light came on upon starting the truck up. About 17 miles later, battery charge warning came on before we got to our stopping point and the battery was below 1/4 charge. Towed the next morning to local dealership and advised that eTorque codes present. We are now on Day #5 of repair but FCA Elevate Claim via Customer Service advised that the part (batteries) were in today. I have met the VA Lemon Law of 30 cumulative calendar days and 1 or more significant failures; so I will proceed via that route with an Attorney for repurchasing the vehicle as I have no confidence in driving this vehicle on any future trip.
Funny (if there is such) thing is everyone from Customer Service/Claims agent to dealerships acts like I have the only eTorque issue in the fleet- "never heard of that" when I tell them of the numerous other posts. Stay away from the eTorque or pray you don't have an issue as the battery is not a normally stocked item and has to be special ordered (ie pulled off production line).
- Richard S., Roanoke, US
#1
Aug 182018

1500 Rebel 5.7L Etorque​

• Automatic transmission
• 530 miles

I took delivery of my 2019 Rebel on 8/9/2018. I had it for 9 days and on Saturday 8/18/2018 my check engine light came on along with charging system light and the auto stop/start light. I had it towed to the nearest dealership on Monday 8/20/2018. Dealership called me on 9/14/2018 and said It was ready and I could pick it up. They told me that they had to replace the 48v lithium battery. I get in the truck and leave and about 5 miles down the road check engine light comes on along with the auto stop/start light. I carry it back to dealership and it is still there.. It has been at dealership 40 days and counting.
I called Chrysler on 9/18/2018 and filed a lemon law claim along with sending certified letter to them and their arbitration center. I am very frustrated with Chrysler... (shortened post)
- Jason T., Sheridan, US

 

[NorthStar]

Crazy question but is there anyone having these eTorque battery issues with an 8.4 radio or do you all have the 12” radio? It appears to be common to those with the problematic 12” radio...

 

[GBFNelson]

In roughly 1.3 MM Rams sold since 2019...

By the numbers, you're right, but it doesn't feel that way when it's happening to you, especially if it's on more than one occasion. My 2021 5.7Hemi etorque Limited is in the shop for the 2nd time for what appears to be the same issue with wrong root cause on first fix. I bought it 3-1/2 weeks ago. It's been in the shop 19 of 26 days I've owned it. They do have issues with the 48V battery and generator/motor. Both of mine have failed, and both are hard to replace. Wouldn't be surprised if the OPs issue is rooted in this. From my understanding the generator/motor charges the 48V battery, which in turn charges the 12V. It also powers most or all of the cars electronics. I'm not sure about engine spark. But it's obviously a very complicated system overall, and as others have stated as with any vehicle these days, electric issues can be extremely hard to tackle, like finding a needle in a haystack.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Crazy question but is there anyone having these eTorque battery issues with an 8.4 radio or do you all have the 12” radio? It appears to be common to those with the problematic 12” radio...

By the numbers, you're right, but it doesn't feel that way when it's happening to you, especially if it's on more than one occasion. My 2021 5.7Hemi etorque Limited is in the shop for the 2nd time for what appears to be the same issue with wrong root cause on first fix. I bought it 3-1/2 weeks ago. It's been in the shop 19 of 26 days I've owned it. They do have issues with the 48V battery and generator/motor. Both of mine have failed, and both are hard to replace. Wouldn't be surprised if the OPs issue is rooted in this. From my understanding the generator/motor charges the 48V battery, which in turn charges the 12V. It also powers most or all of the cars electronics. I'm not sure about engine spark. But it's obviously a very complicated system overall, and as others have stated as with any vehicle these days, electric issues can be extremely hard to tackle, like finding a needle in a haystack.

Agree that it’s certainly no comfort to an owner that 99% of the other vehicles made are fine when his isn’t.