Laramie Rental shifts way different than my Limited. Possible Trans update?

[dutchman187]

So my Limited is at the dealer for the two recalls and my rear brakes being replaced per the TSB (groaning). They gave me a 2019 RAM Laramie. Immediately upon driving it, I noticed it drove smoother when accelerating. I don't mean roadwise, I mean when hitting the gas and when decelerating, there was no harshness. There was nothing noticeable at all and it seemed to be very, very smooth. I also noticed that my mpg was about 3 mpg better than on my limited driving the same routes all day that I normally do. I was averaging 14-15 when going up hill at 72 mph.

I'm trying to figure this out now as to why. Here's what I know. They are both the HemiV8, non-etorque. They are both 3.92 gears. Mine has a little over 4,000 miles. This rental has a little over 2,000 miles, so "break in" is not the issue.

I'm sure mine being the Limited with Ramboxes, cover, and running boards makes it heavier than the rental. That could be some of the mpg part, but I'm not sure if it really is shifting smoothness part.

In November 2018, they ran a TCM/PCM update to fix my shifter knob issue (lurching out of drive occasionally). I told them right after they did that my shifting was not as smooth and harsher at low speeds. The said it needed to relearn and to give it a few hundred miles.

Basically, at low speeds like in town, it feels very much like a four wheeler does when you keep it in 2 gear. Kind of bogged down until you get up to 5th gear and it smooths out. I assumed that was maybe just my 3.92 gears, BUT this Laramie is 3.92 and it is smooth as butter on accelerating and decelerating (not braking, just coasting and letting it shift.)

So what do we think? Should I ask if there is another trans update that will smooth mine out? It does make sense to me that my mpg is worse on mine if it is keeping it in low gears longer than needed or not shifting properly.

 

[Wakesnowb]

So my Limited is at the dealer for the two recalls and my rear brakes being replaced per the TSB (groaning). They gave me a 2019 RAM Laramie. Immediately upon driving it, I noticed it drove smoother when accelerating. I don't mean roadwise, I mean when hitting the gas and when decelerating, there was no harshness. There was nothing noticeable at all and it seemed to be very, very smooth. I also noticed that my mpg was about 3 mpg better than on my limited driving the same routes all day that I normally do. I was averaging 14-15 when going up hill at 72 mph.

I'm trying to figure this out now as to why. Here's what I know. They are both the HemiV8, non-etorque. They are both 3.92 gears. Mine has a little over 4,000 miles. This rental has a little over 2,000 miles, so "break in" is not the issue.

I'm sure mine being the Limited with Ramboxes, cover, and running boards makes it heavier than the rental. That could be some of the mpg part, but I'm not sure if it really is shifting smoothness part.

In November 2018, they ran a TCM/PCM update to fix my shifter knob issue (lurching out of drive occasionally). I told them right after they did that my shifting was not as smooth and harsher at low speeds. The said it needed to relearn and to give it a few hundred miles.

Basically, at low speeds like in town, it feels very much like a four wheeler does when you keep it in 2 gear. Kind of bogged down until you get up to 5th gear and it smooths out. I assumed that was maybe just my 3.92 gears, BUT this Laramie is 3.92 and it is smooth as butter on accelerating and decelerating (not braking, just coasting and letting it shift.)

So what do we think? Should I ask if there is another trans update that will smooth mine out? It does make sense to me that my mpg is worse on mine if it is keeping it in low gears longer than needed or not shifting properly.

For what it is worth, I have 3.92 gears, February build and I am a bit amazed at how smooth mine shifts. I was sort of expecting harsher with the 3.92 but it is smooth like butter. The only thing I can think of is to do the obvious check of the trans fluid level. Not sure but I can confirm the 3.92 shifting should be smooth.

 

[Vic]

My 3.92 non-etorque October 2018 build has smooth shifting.

 

[macallien]

My 3.92 non-etorque October 2018 build has smooth shifting.

same here. Limited also

 

[HKP7PSP]

December 2018 build for my Laramie, and shifts super smooth - way better than the same transmission did in my 2015 Grand Cherokee.

 

[Cannonball]

So I had to remove my battery last weekend (boat needed a jump) and I left it out all night. Next day I returned it and after the truck reloaded itself (took a couple hours for the software to apparently remember it was a limited and not a big horn), and the shifting and throttle response were notably different.

Everything was faster. I was not expecting this so it was not a placebo effect. I haven't checked my software version to anything nor know anything more than it just drives better. Might help your poor shifting and gas mileage (it's free, can't hurt)

 

[Ch28]

I have 3.92 and shifts smooth. What is the tsb for brakes groaning. Mine first thing in morning groan when using them the first couple times, is that what that is? If so what is the tsb#?

 

[dutchman187]

I have 3.92 and shifts smooth. What is the tsb for brakes groaning. Mine first thing in morning groan when using them the first couple times, is that what that is? If so what is the tsb#?

TSB 05-001-19

 

[firecadet613]

So I had to remove my battery last weekend (boat needed a jump) and I left it out all night. Next day I returned it and after the truck reloaded itself (took a couple hours for the software to apparently remember it was a limited and not a big horn), and the shifting and throttle response were notably different.

Everything was faster. I was not expecting this so it was not a placebo effect. I haven't checked my software version to anything nor know anything more than it just drives better. Might help your poor shifting and gas mileage (it's free, can't hurt)

I've said on here many times, doing a battery reset gave my Ram better throttle response than adding a Pedal Commander did. Glad others are seeing this as well!

 

[RBRK]

I’ve had my trans updated twice. The first was a huge improvement, since it downshifted somewhat harsh etc. a few weeks ago I went in for the rear brakes and had them check for updates. There was a trans and PCM update. After, mine even shifted better, so I would have them check again.

 

[RamCares]

So my Limited is at the dealer for the two recalls and my rear brakes being replaced per the TSB (groaning). They gave me a 2019 RAM Laramie. Immediately upon driving it, I noticed it drove smoother when accelerating. I don't mean roadwise, I mean when hitting the gas and when decelerating, there was no harshness. There was nothing noticeable at all and it seemed to be very, very smooth. I also noticed that my mpg was about 3 mpg better than on my limited driving the same routes all day that I normally do. I was averaging 14-15 when going up hill at 72 mph.

I'm trying to figure this out now as to why. Here's what I know. They are both the HemiV8, non-etorque. They are both 3.92 gears. Mine has a little over 4,000 miles. This rental has a little over 2,000 miles, so "break in" is not the issue.

I'm sure mine being the Limited with Ramboxes, cover, and running boards makes it heavier than the rental. That could be some of the mpg part, but I'm not sure if it really is shifting smoothness part.

In November 2018, they ran a TCM/PCM update to fix my shifter knob issue (lurching out of drive occasionally). I told them right after they did that my shifting was not as smooth and harsher at low speeds. The said it needed to relearn and to give it a few hundred miles.

Basically, at low speeds like in town, it feels very much like a four wheeler does when you keep it in 2 gear. Kind of bogged down until you get up to 5th gear and it smooths out. I assumed that was maybe just my 3.92 gears, BUT this Laramie is 3.92 and it is smooth as butter on accelerating and decelerating (not braking, just coasting and letting it shift.)

So what do we think? Should I ask if there is another trans update that will smooth mine out? It does make sense to me that my mpg is worse on mine if it is keeping it in low gears longer than needed or not shifting properly.

Hi dutchman187,
We understand your frustration. If you decide to have your dealer address this and would like an extra layer of assistance, please send our team a private message!
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[dutchman187]

I’ve had my trans updated twice. The first was a huge improvement, since it downshifted somewhat harsh etc. a few weeks ago I went in for the rear brakes and had them check for updates. There was a trans and PCM update. After, mine even shifted better, so I would have them check again.

I called them on Tuesday and explained the issues, so I'm hoping they will run some updates. They so far have had it for two full days to do the two recalls, rear brake issue, and hopefully updates.

 

[RedRocketZ28]

I asked my service advisor if they could check for any updates to the engine/trans and he said unless I state there's an issue with something they won't update it. Found that kind of odd. Mine shifts smooth most of the time but at times when downshifting it can be a little harsh. Also, my MPG is atrocious.

I have to take it back in a few weeks when they get the parts for the rear brake TSB in so I am going to mention this to them.

 

[JustinHEMI]

I asked my service advisor if they could check for any updates to the engine/trans and he said unless I state there's an issue with something they won't update it. Found that kind of odd. Mine shifts smooth most of the time but at times when downshifting it can be a little harsh. Also, my MPG is atrocious.

I have to take it back in a few weeks when they get the parts for the rear brake TSB in so I am going to mention this to them.

Strange. I made an appointment specifically to get software updates today. They did the 2 recalls on my bighorn and a PCM and TCM update. My truck definitely shift's better now, and the hesitation sometimes when pulling out is gone.

 

[Kungfubhuda]

How do you know if your truck needs a PCM or TCM update?

 

[RedRocketZ28]

Strange. I made an appointment specifically to get software updates today. They did the 2 recalls on my bighorn and a PCM and TCM update. My truck definitely shift's better now, and the hesitation sometimes when pulling out is gone.

I’ll have to mention this to them when I take mine back for the rear brake TSB.

 

[JustinHEMI]

I’ll have to mention this to them when I take mine back for the rear brake TSB.

Yeah she did specify that there wasn't a TSB, but there were updates available so they did them.

 

[JustinHEMI]

How do you know if your truck needs a PCM or TCM update?

I figured since I bought a fall produced 19, that there was probably some updates. I've owned Rams all the way from 04, 07, 10, 13, 16, and now the 19, and there's usually a couple updates now and then. In other words, I guessed, and was right haha. If the updates are tied to a recall, you'll get notified by Ram. Sometimes they're tied to a TSB, and sometimes nothing at all.

Based on the improvements in my transmission, I would argue that they should tie this update to a TSB. I'm not the only one that complained of poor performance. This update woke it right up.

 

[dutchman187]

Got my truck back yesterday. They drove it and agreed with the concern. Applied an update and it is noticeably smoother now, no harshness in low gears.

 

[Rampat]

Got my truck back yesterday. They drove it and agreed with the concern. Applied an update and it is noticeably smoother now, no harshness in low gears.

Can you post a picture of your repair paperwork? It should state what update they did.