e-Torque Battery Pack replacement

[MJB4450]

Let’s just home that RAM Care can pressure their higher ups to just buy this guys truck back and give him a shiny new one. He doesn’t have a lemon, just a parts issue, so the vehicle should be able to be resold without that blemish. That would be the right thing to do for him.

Good post. Much better one to reply to. I agree with all you said. I'm familiar with lean manufacturing. To me it looks like every make is engaging in one upsmanship to the extreme (except Toyota and Nissan who seem not to care), and taking the customer for granted in the process. I believe in brand loyalty but not blind loyalty so long as a company makes what I want, is high quality and has good customer service. I have looked at ALL the other brand trucks out there, repeatedly and I keep coming back to Ram as my only option. I guess Ram spoiled me because I keep finding fault with all of them when I compare them to the Ram I had. So it's frustrating seeing all these issues crop up both with parts and service without much improvement as we are at the end of the first year run already.

Even though I had other Chrysler products at the time, how I got into a Ram was a bit odd. I wasn't thrilled with the Ram body style so I bought a Silverado in 2014. As with the other GM trucks I had, that one had several problems that could not or would not be fixed. The seemingly monthly recalls became tiresome too. The day I sold my Silverado I had an appointment with the service department which they reminded me of several times. Took a day off from work for it. When I got there I discovered that the parts they ordered did not come in. Strike one. So I had them look at other issues. Got the same "functioning as designed" story on one issue, the dash readout going so dark after driving a few minutes that it was unreadable. I don't think that's as designed. And had the same fix that didn't work twice before applied to the noisy leaf springs as if the third time would be a charm. So no fixes for the other problems. Strike two. In the process they damaged the truck. Strike three. I was so PO'd I decided to end the GM nightmare but after a GM Forum member removed his intake manifold and posted what his direct injection valves looked like after just 30k miles, I decided I wanted port injection again. The only port injection truck was........Ram. So I drove from Chevy service dept. to Dodge and bought a Ram R/T. Immediately noticed a much smoother ride and a far, far higher quality interior, actually just about perfect, as well as more features. But several months ago a brain dump made me trade it for a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 when I couldn't find another Ram equipped the way I wanted.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Good post. Much better one to reply to. I agree with all you said. I'm familiar with lean manufacturing. To me it looks like every make is engaging in one upsmanship to the extreme (except Toyota and Nissan who seem not to care), and taking the customer for granted in the process. I believe in brand loyalty but not blind loyalty so long as a company makes what I want, is high quality and has good customer service. I have looked at ALL the other brand trucks out there, repeatedly and I keep coming back to Ram as my only option. I guess Ram spoiled me because I keep finding fault with all of them when I compare them to the Ram I had. So it's frustrating seeing all these issues crop up both with parts and service without much improvement as we are at the end of the first year run already.

Even though I had other Chrysler products at the time, how I got into a Ram was a bit odd. I wasn't thrilled with the Ram body style so I bought a Silverado in 2014. As with the other GM trucks I had, that one had several problems that could not or would not be fixed. The seemingly monthly recalls became tiresome too. The day I sold my Silverado I had an appointment with the service department which they reminded me of several times. Took a day off from work for it. When I got there I discovered that the parts they ordered did not come in. Strike one. So I had them look at other issues. Got the same "functioning as designed" story on one issue, the dash readout going so dark after driving a few minutes that it was unreadable. I don't think that's as designed. And had the same fix that didn't work twice before applied to the noisy leaf springs as if the third time would be a charm. So no fixes for the other problems. Strike two. In the process they damaged the truck. Strike three. I was so PO'd I decided the end the GM nightmare but after a GM Forum member removed his intake manifold and posted what his direct injection valves looked like after just 30k miles, I decided I wanted port injection again. The only port injection truck was........Ram. So I drove from Chevy service dept. to Dodge and bought a Ram R/T. Immediately noticed a much smoother ride and a far, far higher quality interior, actually just about perfect, as well as more features. But several months ago a brain dump made me trade it for a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 when I couldn't find another Ram equipped the way I wanted.

1st reply was at 10 pm when I hadn’t done my usual “go back and read it over from a 3rd party view”, sorry!

That definitely was a bad GM experience!
I thought 2017+ Ford Ecoboosts were now both direct and port injection, however I’d have to go back and look. Agree that “valve coking” is an issue on a lot of these engines. Nothing good will come from that.
Did you have the Chevy shake issue that’s well documented on YT?

 

[MJB4450]

1st reply was at 10 pm when I hadn’t done my usual “go back and read it over from a 3rd party view”, sorry!

That definitely was a bad GM experience!
I thought 2017+ Ford Ecoboosts were now both direct and port injection, however I’d have to go back and look. Agree that “valve coking” is an issue on a lot of these engines. Nothing good will come from that.
Did you have the Chevy shake issue that’s well documented on YT?

I felt lucky that I didn't have more problems with my Chevy but they were irritating anyway. I had a minor shimmy but I also had a standard cab which I think made a difference. What I don't get are the guys who are fit to be tied on the Chevy site who got jacked around for a long long time, had to finally dump their truck and then they will STILL reward GM by buying another truck from them. As far as the D.I. engines. When I was getting info on other brands I especially tried to get engine design info. Some are still D.I. period while other's have added auxillary injector in the old port location to wash off the valves and some have engineered other methods of internal design to supposedly help clean the valves. GM seems to have put a much more complicated PCV system in and I believe everyone requires certain cleaner burning oil to be used. I had a catch can on my Silverado. Ford warned against trying to clean the valves on the early ecotech because any cleaner would damage the turbos. They recommended replacing the heads if it got bad. I remember reading some of the early European D.I. engines required blasting the valves every 30k miles with crushed walnut shells. This is just another example of marketing before enough refinement is done leaving the customer holding the bag.

 

[Willwork4truck]

I felt lucky that I didn't have more problems with my Chevy but they were irritating anyway. I had a minor shimmy but I also had a standard cab which I think made a difference. What I don't get are the guys who are fit to be tied on the Chevy site who got jacked around for a long long time, had to finally dump their truck and then they will STILL reward GM by buying another truck from them. As far as the D.I. engines. When I was getting info on other brands I especially tried to get engine design info. Some are still D.I. period while other's have added auxillary injector in the old port location to wash off the valves and some have engineered other methods of internal design to supposedly help clean the valves. GM seems to have put a much more complicated PCV system in and I believe everyone requires certain cleaner burning oil to be used. I had a catch can on my Silverado. Ford warned against trying to clean the valves on the early ecotech because any cleaner would damage the turbos. They recommended replacing the heads if it got bad. I remember reading some of the early European D.I. engines required blasting the valves every 30k miles with crushed walnut shells. This is just another example of marketing before enough refinement is done leaving the customer holding the bag.

Well thats quite true. Longevity tests and engine teardowns didnt happen on those d.i. Motors evidently. You can’t miss the coking if you have it, even a mechanics scope will see it.

 

[securityguy]

For a DI engine...I find that BG Products Intake cleaning works great. It is around $160 for the professional service using an atomizer and it's recommended to do it every 30K miles.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Just when I thought the 2015 F150 problems were done, I read this on the F150 forum I used to frequent: (I had the high volume XLT, thats like a BigHorn...)
New TSB to correct warped Dash
A while back there was a thread on this site about dashes warping on 2015-2018 F150's. My truck is a 2018 and it also has a warped dash. Ford has announced a TSB concerning this issue.

TSB 19-2041. See attached PDF. Also note its only for XL and XLT trims. Lariat & higher are not included.

 

[MJB4450]

For a DI engine...I find that BG Products Intake cleaning works great. It is around $160 for the professional service using an atomizer and it's recommended to do it every 30K miles.

I almost had that done but then I sold the Chevy. Keep in mind that's a no go for turbo engines unless you want to buy new turbos.

 

[Willwork4truck]

I almost had that done but then I sold the Chevy. Keep in mind that's a no go for turbo engines unless you want to buy new turbos.

Yep, raises the temps too high. Ford specifically says not to do that on theirs.

 

[MJB4450]

Just when I thought the 2015 F150 problems were done, I read this on the F150 forum I used to frequent: (I had the high volume XLT, thats like a BigHorn...)
New TSB to correct warped Dash
A while back there was a thread on this site about dashes warping on 2015-2018 F150's. My truck is a 2018 and it also has a warped dash. Ford has announced a TSB concerning this issue.

TSB 19-2041. See attached PDF. Also note its only for XL and XLT trims. Lariat & higher are not included.

I discounted getting a Ford again. To me they look cheap and are overpriced.

 

[securityguy]

I almost had that done but then I sold the Chevy. Keep in mind that's a no go for turbo engines unless you want to buy new turbos.

I have this done to my two Subaru's that have DI engines.

 

[RamCares]

You’re kidding me right? Did you read this thread? I’m the OP and you just ignore it?

I STILL don’t have my truck. I’ve been driving the loaner for over 60 DAYS.

We apologize. We didn't intentionally try to ignore your post, Kurant. You're more than welcome to send us a direct message and we can escalate your inquiry to a case specialist for further handling.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care specialist

 

[Gsmith223]

You're absolutely correct and I'm an example. I was a Mopar guy back in the 1970s. Went with Ford after Lee Iacocca had Chrysler building things like the "K" car. Came back into the fold in 2010 with the Challenger and I really enjoyed walking to my car and seeing a "DODGE" emblem on it again after all those years. I've bought SEVEN Chrysler vehicles since 2010 including a 2015 Ram which was the best truck I've ever had and I've had many Fords including Lariat trim and Chevys. I greatly regret selling my Ram and want another badly but even though I like the new 5th gen body, after seeing all these problems and the lack of response plus lame dealership quality, I've decided no 5th gen for me. I know, the fan boys will say people only post the bad and never the one's that are trouble free which is true. But I've been on many car Forums for many years and I've never seen this many problems. Chevy was the worst, till now. I'd get a 4th gen but cannot find what I want. I've even been considering going foreign nameplate. Too bad. I really thought the Ram I had was the best quality and design out there but it looks like they dropped the ball. It seems like everyone is trying to out tech each other just for the sake of new tech and not reliability.

All the dealers are doing this now all new cars have QA issues they didnt have 10 years ago

 

[Kurant]

Well, interesting last 5-6 days dealing with the dealership. Long story short, I will have the truck back Monday, possibly tomorrow depending on when the part arrives. (Their words, not mine.)

I got into a pissing match with the service manager a few days ago. Little did he know I have kept record of every phone call, every conversation, who it was with, what it was about and also the color of their socks if they'd tell me. In other words, I had records of EVERYTHING.

He lied right to my face and said he followed up on the 13th about my truck. But I called twice on the 12th and they said he was on vacation. He then said he had someone do it, but he didn't know if it actually got done.

On the 17th I consulted with my brother's lawyer who also works with the NACA, gave him all the information regarding this entire thing. Called and left a message with a sales manager to call me. Got a call from the dealership on the evening of the 17th, and informed them.

Yesterday, I get a phone call. I referred them to the lawyer immediately like I was told too. He said there was no need for that. I informed him I was done dealing with them and he can talk to the attorney. I said there is nothing to talk about unless you tell me my truck is fixed and I can pick it up. Other than that, call my attorney.

About 11:30 this morning, I receive a call from my lawyer's office telling me to call the dealership. I call, they tell me they got a part overnight from a dealer in Montana, and that the dealership would be reimbursing me for the 2 truck payments I made while it was in their possession.

All in all, not a bad day. Still unacceptable.

 

[silver64]

Well, interesting last 5-6 days dealing with the dealership. Long story short, I will have the truck back Monday, possibly tomorrow depending on when the part arrives. (Their words, not mine.)

I got into a pissing match with the service manager a few days ago. Little did he know I have kept record of every phone call, every conversation, who it was with, what it was about and also the color of their socks if they'd tell me. In other words, I had records of EVERYTHING.

He lied right to my face and said he followed up on the 13th about my truck. But I called twice on the 12th and they said he was on vacation. He then said he had someone do it, but he didn't know if it actually got done.

On the 17th I consulted with my brother's lawyer who also works with the NACA, gave him all the information regarding this entire thing. Called and left a message with a sales manager to call me. Got a call from the dealership on the evening of the 17th, and informed them.

Yesterday, I get a phone call. I referred them to the lawyer immediately like I was told too. He said there was no need for that. I informed him I was done dealing with them and he can talk to the attorney. I said there is nothing to talk about unless you tell me my truck is fixed and I can pick it up. Other than that, call my attorney.

About 11:30 this morning, I receive a call from my lawyer's office telling me to call the dealership. I call, they tell me they got a part overnight from a dealer in Montana, and that the dealership would be reimbursing me for the 2 truck payments I made while it was in their possession.

All in all, not a bad day. Still unacceptable.

Wow way too much effort for you to go through when they could have done it without being threatened. Sorry excuse for a dealership.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Wow way too much effort for you to go through when they could have done it without being threatened. Sorry excuse for a dealership.

Agree. Its so easy for a small business to just take care of their customer. A dealership is basically a small business, a chain of dealerships maybe not but still. Story about it, I did warranty work for a new home builder many years ago, one lady had bought and continually called about issues during the 1 year warranty. I went in on day 366 happy to be done with her, my boss said, “go fix this xxxx”. I asked why, he said “she sold (referred and they bought) 2 houses for us last month.”

 

[DrPyro2k]

Instead of starting a new thread, I figured I would post here.... I purchased a new eTorque Hemi July 1st. The sales agent noted that the Check Engine light was on, but it was due to a minor recall issue. The truck had all of the options that I needed, so I went ahead and purchased the truck. They noted that they wouldn't be able to repair it that day due to required mechanic not being available. As it turns out, the issue was NOT a recall item that was causing the check engine light (there were several recall items that needed addressed, that is true), but the eTorque battery. Now the truck has been sitting at the dealership 3 weeks and they continue to not have a clue when it could be repaired (no firm date). The service rep has told me that they had tracking information 2 weeks ago, and the battery should be in the following day. That appeared to be a complete lie, as I still don't have a truck or battery. As of a few hours ago, when I had to go to the dealership AGAIN to get information, they don't have an ETA for any battery. This has gotten very tiresome... FCA has a real problem if they can't get a supplier to deliver replacement units.

 

[MJP]

Instead of starting a new thread, I figured I would post here.... I purchased a new eTorque Hemi July 1st. The sales agent noted that the Check Engine light was on, but it was due to a minor recall issue. The truck had all of the options that I needed, so I went ahead and purchased the truck. They noted that they wouldn't be able to repair it that day due to required mechanic not being available. As it turns out, the issue was NOT a recall item that was causing the check engine light (there were several recall items that needed addressed, that is true), but the eTorque battery. Now the truck has been sitting at the dealership 3 weeks and they continue to not have a clue when it could be repaired (no firm date). The service rep has told me that they had tracking information 2 weeks ago, and the battery should be in the following day. That appeared to be a complete lie, as I still don't have a truck or battery. As of a few hours ago, when I had to go to the dealership AGAIN to get information, they don't have an ETA for any battery. This has gotten very tiresome... FCA has a real problem if they can't get a supplier to deliver replacement units.

I feel your pain. I bought mine in September and while in the shop for some recalls...in November it died. It sat there for weeks while FCA tried to figure out the problem which ultimately was the Etorque system. Once they determined the need to replace the battery pack it sat for a few weeks awaiting the new part. Total down time was 5 weeks in the shop. Good luck.

 

[Willwork4truck]

New tech is always risky. As Ford about their 2012 Ecoboost engine issues...

 

[MJB4450]

Two things I never do at a dealership..
1. Buy a vehicle with a check engine light on.
2. Believe anything a car salesman says.
Other things I don't do at a dealership that have happened...
3. Buy a vehicle that runs out of gas on a test drive.
4. Buy a vehicle after the salesman spits on a turbo to demonstrate how hot it is.

 

[DrPyro2k]

Two things I never do at a dealership..
1. Buy a vehicle with a check engine light on.

Fair enough... Fair enough...