Engine Light? Code P1DF3

[brewty]

I had this code today. I used a jump box and the truck started with no hesitation. Turned off and started a few more times without issue, until I tried to clear the code, then I had to use the jump box again, MIL never turned off. What is the recommended next step? 2019 Ram 1500 5.7 with 57,xxx miles.

 

[brewty]

Update: my battery was bad. After replacing the battery, my MIL is off for now. Hopefully that was the cause of the issue. On another note, I ran over a pice of scrap metal on the highway and need a new tire. Great day for the Ram!

 

[PKCooper]

Any updates on this? I'm completely unfamiliar with vehicles in general and I've been trying to research this problem to no avail!

I have a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn 5.7 Hemi that's rear-wheel drive (sorry, don't know how specific I need to be!) that I bought back in February.

Around April 15th, I noticed that the check engine light was on. I kept driving it for a few days because I didn't have time to take it into the shop. Well, about a week later I tried to start it and the battery was dead. I jumped it, and the check engine light was still on but it ran for about 3 days. Then I tried to start it again and the battery was dead again. I had it jumped again and this time, I drove around for about an hour to charge the battery. The next time I started it, it started up fine and there was no check engine light.

I drove it for another 2 weeks and again I noticed the check engine light. This time, I took it to Autozone and asked them to check the codes. There were two of them, both were P1DFE - ECU Not Initialized. They also checked my battery and my alternator and said that both of them were good.

I took it to a local dealership and they said my battery was bad, though I think they just wanted to make a quick buck. I was hesitant, but went ahead and did it just in case they were right.

Yesterday, I started up my truck and the check engine light is on and I'm pretty sure it's the same thing because at first my uConnect radio wasn't showing a display other than the logo.

I just want to fix this once and for all.. what could be causing my battery to drain? I unplugged my USB charger and turned off the A/C as well as the screen/radio before parking my car. I don't know if that'll stop it from draining, but I really want to pinpoint the problem so I can just cough up the cash for a fix.

Thank you!

EDIT: I showed these service bulletins (they seemed relevant) when I took it in to replace my battery and they said it doesn't apply to my vehicle's VIN??

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10173360-9999.pdf

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10173368-9999.pdf

I would figure all make/models would have the same service bulletins..

 

[mchavis1987]

I just had this issue happen today. I noticed it cranked a little slower earlier in the day. I had to have it jumped off tonight then the check engine came on. P1DF3 same as everyone else. Does anyone have the fix for this, not just a temporary solution?

 

[CORCON]

I just had this issue happen today. I noticed it cranked a little slower earlier in the day. I had to have it jumped off tonight then the check engine came on. P1DF3 same as everyone else. Does anyone have the fix for this, not just a temporary solution?

Had mine at the collision shop to replace rear bumper, once finished, rear sensors were faulty, they replaced 2 of them and OEM harness. Went to pick up the truck, dead, same P1DF3 code once jumped. Ran fine for 3 days then dead. Jumped again, same codes, except now stuck in first gear. Drove in limp mode a few miles to dealership and there it sits. Just replaced the battery in their parking lot this morning and they are scheduled To look at it tomorrow but are closed today. Truck started up, codes remained. After about 10 startups the MIL cleared, but codes were still in my cheap scanner and wouldn’t clear. I did see that my trailer light fuse had blown, but nothing else. Not sure if there the parasitic draw occurring or just needing the TCM flash/update.
19 Laramie 5.7 4WD w/out etorque

 

[Royal27]

I had a dead battery and this code. It turned out truly just being the battery. Of course it took ten days at the stealership to find that out. Lovely.....

When the truck wouldn't start I went to AutoZone to get a new battery and their tester said my battery was fine, but that obviously wasn't the case.

Live and learn.

 

[Royal27]

I had a dead battery and this code. It turned out truly just being the battery. Of course it took ten days at the stealership to find that out. Lovely.....

When the truck wouldn't start I went to AutoZone to get a new battery and their tester said my battery was fine, but that obviously wasn't the case.

Live and learn.

Nope.... Not just the battery. It happened again. Just dropped the truck at the dealership. Let's see how long it takes this time. I've already contacted the GM as last night on the phone they told me a "rush" would be a week to even look at it.

 

[Astroalax]

Any solutions ?

 

[Jako]

I joined the P1DF3 code club on Thursday morning, started fine the day before. Disconnected the battery and let it sit for a couple of hours and tried to start it again and still would not start. Nine hours later it started and no problem the next day.

Next day checked for codes and evaluated the battery (2nd mopar H7 battery, 2 1/2 years old, replacement for 2 yr old battery under warranty) .
85% CCA
63% charged
battery good

 

[BMac1203]

Joining the club, as well - truck was at the body shop for ~2.5 weeks and when I went to pick it up battery was dead. Jumped it and have been driving it the last 2 days and put ~200mi on it and everything seems to be charging and holding a charge just fine.

CEL (code P1DF3) came on after initial jump, but cleared by itself following morning. Just came back today (1 day later).

Will have the battery checked, but pretty sure it’s still good. No aftermarket tunes, no aftermarket goodies; bone-stock 2019 5.7 eTorque.

 

[RamCares]

Joining the club, as well - truck was at the body shop for ~2.5 weeks and when I went to pick it up battery was dead. Jumped it and have been driving it the last 2 days and put ~200mi on it and everything seems to be charging and holding a charge just fine.

CEL (code P1DF3) came on after initial jump, but cleared by itself following morning. Just came back today (1 day later).

Will have the battery checked, but pretty sure it’s still good. No aftermarket tunes, no aftermarket goodies; bone-stock 2019 5.7 eTorque.

Hello,

We're sorry to hear about this. Do you plan to work with your Ram dealer for further assistance with this? If so, we'd love to offer some additional support by connecting you with one of our case specialists. Please feel free to send us a private message with any additional details.

Lex
Ram Cares

 

[kevinmiller55]

New member, same problem. Started with rough start a few days ago, transitioned to not starting after sitting in garage over weekend not being used (allows time for battery to drain). Check engine light came on after jump starting vehicle with typical symptoms of drained battery. Checked OBD scanner and got P1DF3 so going to get checked out at dealership in several days once they're available to look at it. I will update. Oreilly Auto checked battery and said it looked fairly nominal especially for a 5 year old OEM battery.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie, 5.7L Hemi; 73,000 miles

UPDATE 7/18/23: Went to dealership and asked them if they could evaluate the P1DF3 issue and referenced the service bulletin that is covered for certain model VIN, mine not included. After an hour and half gave truck back saying they flashed the software per the service bulletin and said the battery charge was low and also recommended replacement. I was charged $189.95 for the software update that is fully covered if under warranty (<60,000 miles/5 years, which I meet the 5 years but not the mileage) or for the specified VINs in the service bulletin. NOTE: I was never informed of the cost at any point in time and simply told before giving me keys the total bill. So basically they released software that was incorrect with the vehicle and then make customer pay $189.95 to update the software that they didn't have correct from the factory just because it is past the warrantied mileage. Needless to say not very happy with that scenario. Will update in future if problem returns. For now I have bought battery to have on hand, but not replacing to see if issue is resolved and not just mask it with a new battery.

 

[RamCares]

New member, same problem. Started with rough start a few days ago, transitioned to not starting after sitting in garage over weekend not being used (allows time for battery to drain). Check engine light came on after jump starting vehicle with typical symptoms of drained battery. Checked OBD scanner and got P1DF3 so going to get checked out at dealership in several days once they're available to look at it. I will update.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie, 5.7L Hemi; 73,000 miles

Hello Kevin,

We're sorry to hear you are experiencing this concern with your vehicle. We see you plan to have this addressed with your dealership. If you'd like any additional support at that time, please know we are available via private message.

Lex
Ram Cares

 

[HSKR R/T]

New member, same problem. Started with rough start a few days ago, transitioned to not starting after sitting in garage over weekend not being used (allows time for battery to drain). Check engine light came on after jump starting vehicle with typical symptoms of drained battery. Checked OBD scanner and got P1DF3 so going to get checked out at dealership in several days once they're available to look at it. I will update. Oreilly Auto checked battery and said it looked fairly nominal especially for a 5 year old OEM battery.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie, 5.7L Hemi; 73,000 miles

UPDATE 7/18/23: Went to dealership and asked them if they could evaluate the P1DF3 issue and referenced the service bulletin that is covered for certain model VIN, mine not included. After an hour and half gave truck back saying they flashed the software per the service bulletin and said the battery charge was low and also recommended replacement. I was charged $189.95 for the software update that is fully covered if under warranty (<60,000 miles/5 years, which I meet the 5 years but not the mileage) or for the specified VINs in the service bulletin. NOTE: I was never informed of the cost at any point in time and simply told before giving me keys the total bill. So basically they released software that was incorrect with the vehicle and then make customer pay $189.95 to update the software that they didn't have correct from the factory just because it is past the warrantied mileage. Needless to say not very happy with that scenario. Will update in future if problem returns. For now I have bought battery to have on hand, but not replacing to see if issue is resolved and not just mask it with a new battery.

So you asked them to do the service bulletin, even though it didn't apply to your truck, and are upset you got charged for them to do it? Also, service bulletins are not covered once out of warranty, and they are really just troubleshooting tools for the techs to help diagnose common issues with known fixes. If your specific VIN wasn't covered by the service bulletin, then it's only your opinion the software,.in your truck, was wrong.

 

[kevinmiller55]

So you asked them to do the service bulletin, even though it didn't apply to your truck, and are upset you got charged for them to do it? Also, service bulletins are not covered once out of warranty, and they are really just troubleshooting tools for the techs to help diagnose common issues with known fixes. If your specific VIN wasn't covered by the service bulletin, then it's only your opinion the software,.in your truck, was wrong.

I did not ask them to perform the service bulletin. I said I had a check engine light with code P1DF3 and mentioned I saw a service bulletin and specifically state it does not include my VIN number, basically just informing them there may be a related issue or in case it expanded to include my VIN as if there is a chance it is covered I would not like to pay for it. It would be appropriate that if they are going to do an $189 "repair" they typically notify you prior to doing it, especially since I was waiting on it. They decided to perform the software reset and never provided an estimate; also service bulletin states 0.2 hours so at a rate of $945/hr. I paid it and yes I do grumble about the cost especially when just outside the warranty period for what they believed was internal software issue that only the dealer can work on. Regardless of having paid, the malfunction indicator light turned back last night with same error code after 2 more engine starts and a brand new battery (which again may just have masked the issue for a couple of starts). Will update again after returning to dealer for another round.

All that said, I understand that troubleshooting is involved when trying to diagnose systems. Informing the dealer of a service bulletin could be fruitful especially since the VIN number is not included as it may not get flagged and recalls/service bulletins do expand to more VIN numbers as time goes on. I am a professional mechanical/civil engineer and perform all sorts of technical and construction tasks at home and work and this is a forum to discuss issues and this thread in particular can help someone gauge what they're getting into and thereby possibly help technicians and themselves by reading it.

 

[Mascher22]

Did it have the issue even after you replaced the battery?

I found this related TSB too: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10173360-9999.pdf

 

[HSKR R/T]

I did not ask them to perform the service bulletin. I said I had a check engine light with code P1DF3 and mentioned I saw a service bulletin and specifically state it does not include my VIN number, basically just informing them there may be a related issue or in case it expanded to include my VIN as if there is a chance it is covered I would not like to pay for it. It would be appropriate that if they are going to do an $189 "repair" they typically notify you prior to doing it, especially since I was waiting on it. They decided to perform the software reset and never provided an estimate; also service bulletin states 0.2 hours so at a rate of $945/hr. I paid it and yes I do grumble about the cost especially when just outside the warranty period for what they believed was internal software issue that only the dealer can work on. Regardless of having paid, the malfunction indicator light turned back last night with same error code after 2 more engine starts and a brand new battery (which again may just have masked the issue for a couple of starts). Will update again after returning to dealer for another round.

All that said, I understand that troubleshooting is involved when trying to diagnose systems. Informing the dealer of a service bulletin could be fruitful especially since the VIN number is not included as it may not get flagged and recalls/service bulletins do expand to more VIN numbers as time goes on. I am a professional mechanical/civil engineer and perform all sorts of technical and construction tasks at home and work and this is a forum to discuss issues and this thread in particular can help someone gauge what they're getting into and thereby possibly help technicians and themselves by reading it.

How did the service writer write up the ticket? Since you mentioned the TSB, he might have wrote on the work order for the tech to perform the TSB thinking that is what you wanted.

 

[kevinmiller55]

How did the service writer write up the ticket? Since you mentioned the TSB, he might have wrote on the work order for the tech to perform the TSB thinking that is what you wanted.

Photo of receipt which is exactly what I asked for. In summary the combination of the software update and a battery replacement appears to resolve the issue. The software update was performed, the light went away, truck was starting normal entire next day even with old battery so appears as if the root cause for both the engine light and the poor battery charge was a result of the software since that is all that was changed. I did replace the battery anyway as at 5 years old and after being drained with this issue it made sense to do. So the software did fix the issue, however given the software is capable of draining and killing the battery and there is no recourse to fix the software other than to utilize the dealer this still feels like it should be covered by the manufacturer regardless of being at 74,000 miles outside the 60,000 mile warranty (which should be 64,000 for me because purchased new with 4,000 miles from dealer). This should convert over to a voluntary recall in my opinion by RAM as it negatively impacts other vehicle components, appears to be a very easy update which should be low cost (not sure how they justify $189), and is the right thing to do by their customers whom they want to purchase again. This experience does make me think less of RAM as a company.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Photo of receipt which is exactly what I asked for. In summary the combination of the software update and a battery replacement appears to resolve the issue. The software update was performed, the light went away, truck was starting normal entire next day even with old battery so appears as if the root cause for both the engine light and the poor battery charge was a result of the software since that is all that was changed. I did replace the battery anyway as at 5 years old and after being drained with this issue it made sense to do. So the software did fix the issue, however given the software is capable of draining and killing the battery and there is no recourse to fix the software other than to utilize the dealer this still feels like it should be covered by the manufacturer regardless of being at 74,000 miles outside the 60,000 mile warranty (which should be 64,000 for me because purchased new with 4,000 miles from dealer). This should convert over to a voluntary recall in my opinion by RAM as it negatively impacts other vehicle components, appears to be a very easy update which should be low cost (not sure how they justify $189), and is the right thing to do by their customers whom they want to purchase again. This experience does make me think less of RAM as a company.

So the $189 covered the technicians time for diagnostics and repair, since you are out of warranty. Granted, they should have informed you of what they found prior to doing the "repair", but seems like a reasonable charge to get your truck working again. Any no manufacturer covers software updates outside of warranty, unless it's a recall.

 

[6of36]

From my experience, there is probably a 1 hour minimum charge, for any customer pay repair. The mechanic is lucky if they get $40 per hour of the charge. They charge the minimum, because at .2 hours, the mechanic makes $8. It's not worth it to any mechanic, to go to the service desk, wait to get a repair order, go out and find the vehicle, drive it in to the shop, repair it, and drive it back out to the lot, do the paperwork, for $8.