eTorque Module Gone - Warranty Question.

[Srixun]

Hey guys!

Ive been bitching all over reddit about this situation. 3 weeks after getting my truck the etorque module died. Its in the shop as we speak.

However, they are now trying to charge me $414 for the battery at Denton CDJR. Would the battery not be under warranty since the faulty etorque is what killed it?

I'm fairly certain that under Magnusson Moss, this should be covered. @RamCares maybe you can clarify for me.

Thanks!

 

[mikeru82]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about the issues with your truck. It would be easier to answer this question if we had some details about your truck, such as year, trim level, engine, mileage, factory or extended warranty, etc. In fact, I would recommend putting your truck details in your sig like many of us here do. Makes it so you don't need to include those with each thread you make with questions.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

 

[DEG]

View attachment 187142

I'm pretty sure he's not talking about his eTorque Battery, but the main 12 volt truck battery.

 

[Srixun]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about the issues with your truck. It would be easier to answer this question if we had some details about your truck, such as year, trim level, engine, mileage, factory or extended warranty, etc. In fact, I would recommend putting your truck details in your sig like many of us here do. Makes it so you don't need to include those with each thread you make with questions.

Will update the main post as well.
2021,1500 Laramie Crew Cab eTorque
Mileage 49951
Factory Warranty.

Will update the sig line with that as well, thank you!

 

[Srixun]

Yes, the starter battery, 12v.

 

[vincentw56]

Yes, the starter battery, 12v.

I'm pretty sure you are out of warranty for the 12 volt battery.

 

[mikeru82]

Will update the main post as well.
2021,1500 Laramie Crew Cab eTorque
Mileage 49951
Factory Warranty.

Will update the sig line with that as well, thank you!

You're outside the factory warranty for some items (3yr/36mo). That's definitely the case with the 12v main battery. Would have been so much cheaper to replace that yourself.

 

[Srixun]

You're outside the factory warranty for some items (3yr/36mo). That's definitely the case with the 12v main battery. Would have been so much cheaper to replace that yourself.

I am replacing the 12v myself, MMAct Does state consequential damages, which the 12v battery would fall under if the MGU goes out. so Im just clarifying and looking for info on that. if you guys have had any luck, etc.

 

[mikeru82]

I am replacing the 12v myself, MMAct Does state consequential damages, which the 12v battery would fall under if the MGU goes out. so Im just clarifying and looking for info on that. if you guys have had any luck, etc.

Just wondering how the MGU would take out the 12v battery. 12v battery is charged by the 48v battery module, not by the MGU directly.

 

[Srixun]

Just wondering how the MGU would take out the 12v battery. 12v battery is charged by the 48v battery module, not by the MGU directly.

One of the symptoms of the faulty MGU is the draining of the 12v battery

"This issue will illuminate the check engine light, low battery light, and potentially set several P- Codes. The vehicle will lose charging of the battery due to the inoperative MGU. Depending on the state of battery charge, the vehicle has 15 – 40 minutes of driving time before a vehicle stall." - NTSHA

When jumping the battery, it receives a charge temporarily but a permanent drain of the battery core will basically kill a battery. one of the MGU faults listed per complaints to Stellantis is also that it will kill any sitting battery, the complaint comes when Stellantis Emissions Warranty proceeds to list the battery as a "maintenence" item which is why some people have been able to threaten legal to get the dealership to replace it, and others have not been able to.

 

[mikeru82]

One of the symptoms of the faulty MGU is the draining of the 12v battery

"This issue will illuminate the check engine light, low battery light, and potentially set several P- Codes. The vehicle will lose charging of the battery due to the inoperative MGU. Depending on the state of battery charge, the vehicle has 15 – 40 minutes of driving time before a vehicle stall." - NTSHA

When jumping the battery, it receives a charge temporarily but a permanent drain of the battery core will basically kill a battery. one of the MGU faults listed per complaints to Stellantis is also that it will kill any sitting battery, the complaint comes when Stellantis Emissions Warranty proceeds to list the battery as a "maintenence" item which is why some people have been able to threaten legal to get the dealership to replace it, and others have not been able to.

The MGU charges the 48v battery module, which as I already said, charges the 12v main battery. If the 48v battery is not being charged then of course the 12v battery will not get charged either. If your 12v battery failed because it was drained the battery was on its way out. An automotive battery in good condition isn't going to be killed by being discharged.

The etorque equipment which is covered as part of the 8/80 federal emissions warranty does not include the 12v main battery.

I don't want to discourage you from trying to get this covered. But you need to have realistic expectations here.

 

[Srixun]

Got it covered.

Considered as consequential damage, dealership replaced after talking to manager.

Thanks.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Got it covered.

Considered as consequential damage, dealership replaced after talking to manager.

Thanks.

Nice.

 

[HSKR R/T]

The MGU charges the 48v battery module, which as I already said, charges the 12v main battery. If the 48v battery is not being charged then of course the 12v battery will not get charged either. If your 12v battery failed because it was drained the battery was on its way out. An automotive battery in good condition isn't going to be killed by being discharged.

The etorque equipment which is covered as part of the 8/80 federal emissions warranty does not include the 12v main battery.

I don't want to discourage you from trying to get this covered. But you need to have realistic expectations here.

Constantly draining a standard 12v flooded battery will absolutely reduce its lifespan. Granted, he is probably outside the warranty on that battery, and if he got three years out of it, then that's good.

 

[Srixun]

Constantly draining a standard 12v flooded battery will absolutely reduce its lifespan. Granted, he is probably outside the warranty on that battery, and if he got three years out of it, then that's good.

3 weeks.

The MGU charges the 48v battery module, which as I already said, charges the 12v main battery. If the 48v battery is not being charged then of course the 12v battery will not get charged either. If your 12v battery failed because it was drained the battery was on its way out. An automotive battery in good condition isn't going to be killed by being discharged.

The etorque equipment which is covered as part of the 8/80 federal emissions warranty does not include the 12v main battery.

I don't want to discourage you from trying to get this covered. But you need to have realistic expectations here.

Appreciate the leveling of expectations, Apologies if I came off rude.

 

[retire561]

Not specific to this case, but just for others future info.....the factory 12Volt battery is NOT covered under the 3/36 warranty. It only has a 1 yr warranty. If you read the warranty info carefully you will see this. I know these battys are not all that great, and I do not want to get stranded, so I replaced mine shortly after the 1 yr with a DuraCell from Sams Club with a 3 yr free replacement warranty.

 

[mikeru82]

3 weeks.

Appreciate the leveling of expectations, Apologies if I came off rude.

No worries. I didn’t take it that way.

 

[Srixun]

Not specific to this case, but just for others future info.....the factory 12Volt battery is NOT covered under the 3/36 warranty. It only has a 1 yr warranty. If you read the warranty info carefully you will see this. I know these battys are not all that great, and I do not want to get stranded, so I replaced mine shortly after the 1 yr with a DuraCell from Sams Club with a 3 yr free replacement warranty.

This is true. However, keep in mind, Consequential Damage - As in, if something is broken due to a fault by another item under warranty, It IS covered. but you have to be able to prove it. (This is Magnusson Moss Act Legality) they will whine and cry but the law is on your side. If you've got a lawyer friend, have them just call the dealership and talk to the service manager, theyll shut up and do it. Hence how mine was solved. Talked to the manager, he gave me some quip about "Well thats a maintenence item..." and so my buddy just called up the service manager, and then he came out "Hey, we found a way to cover that for you." I said "Oh, it wasnt my attorney calling you guys about 20 mins ago was it?" Crickets. but free battery. Be smart, dont get robbed by the stealership.

 

[mikeru82]

This is true. However, keep in mind, Consequential Damage - As in, if something is broken due to a fault by another item under warranty, It IS covered. but you have to be able to prove it. (This is Magnusson Moss Act Legality) they will whine and cry but the law is on your side. If you've got a lawyer friend, have them just call the dealership and talk to the service manager, theyll shut up and do it. Hence how mine was solved. Talked to the manager, he gave me some quip about "Well thats a maintenence item..." and so my buddy just called up the service manager, and then he came out "Hey, we found a way to cover that for you." I said "Oh, it wasnt my attorney calling you guys about 20 mins ago was it?" Crickets. but free battery. Be smart, dont get robbed by the stealership.

Glad it worked out in your favor. Your advice works great for anyone who has a friend or relative who's an attorney. Most of us don't fall into either category so we need to weigh whether the cost of a lawyer makes it worth pursuing the dealership. I'd say for a battery it's not worth it. Not to mention burning your bridges with that dealership. Not that I'd want to do business with a dealership that treats its customers like that, but for those who live in rural areas with few dealerships it can be a problem.