Loud ventilated seat fan at start

[Jsalze1]

I took a look underneath my seats because my Laramie is very noisy when ventilation is on, which is always in New Orleans. I noticed air escaping from the passenger seat from the plastic cover right under the seat. Looked like a cap or plug was misaligned but installed from inside. The driver seat is also very loud but it has an electronics cover installed over the same Location. I assume the same hole has escaping air directing around this part causing Louder noise. The suction is loud from the back seat, but the air escaping is much more noticeable in the front. Here are some pictures. I’ll try and fix it and report back.

 

[Tree]

My Drivers seat fan is noisy and has almost no airflow. Passenger side is silent but minimal airflow.

 

[Jim L]

My 2020 laramie is doing this first thing for about a min then it is fine. Pretty loud too

 

[Amazing93]

My seats sound like a playing card is stuck in the fan about 20% of the time. When I turn it off then back on it will usually go away. Who's successfully had the dealer fix your issue? What did they do if they did fix it.

 

[Neurobit]

It's just a feature to make farts silent.

 

[mikeru82]

Mine was loud when I first got the truck a year ago. Turning it off and back on would make it stop. But I didn't notice it at all the entire summer this year. Although I'm not sure I could hear it over the HVAC fan.

 

[fatalPORKshank]

I was startled the first time I turned this on. Not only the sound, but the vibration caught me way off guard. The airflow does not match the noise at all! My 15 was near slient. It does subside after a minute or so but still much louder than my 15. Mostly concerned with the longevity, hope we can find a fix!

 

[Rototerrier]

I suspect this will eventually result in a TSB or Recall. Mine starts doing it as the weather cools off. Thinking they have / had a bad batch of motors. Once it gets cold enough, I'll take mine in to the dealer so they are able to replicate it.

Just letting them hear video of it isn't enough. I let them hear by video to prove it did it, but then the day they had it, they couldn't replicate it. Honestly, I think in arbitration, they wouldn't get away with that.

 

[Smon]

My dealer said the noise is normal. They "tested another truck" on the lot and it did the same thing.

It goes away if you cycle it off then back on. I said if that is "normal", then it should do it 100% of the time. So either way, mine is broken since it comes and goes.

Ramcares - can you provide us with some documentation to get this fixed? I know others here have had these motors replaced. We shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get crap like this fixed.

 

[RamCares]

My seats sound like a playing card is stuck in the fan about 20% of the time. When I turn it off then back on it will usually go away. Who's successfully had the dealer fix your issue? What did they do if they did fix it.

I was startled the first time I turned this on. Not only the sound, but the vibration caught me way off guard. The airflow does not match the noise at all! My 15 was near slient. It does subside after a minute or so but still much louder than my 15. Mostly concerned with the longevity, hope we can find a fix!

I suspect this will eventually result in a TSB or Recall. Mine starts doing it as the weather cools off. Thinking they have / had a bad batch of motors. Once it gets cold enough, I'll take mine in to the dealer so they are able to replicate it.

Just letting them hear video of it isn't enough. I let them hear by video to prove it did it, but then the day they had it, they couldn't replicate it. Honestly, I think in arbitration, they wouldn't get away with that.

My dealer said the noise is normal. They "tested another truck" on the lot and it did the same thing.

It goes away if you cycle it off then back on. I said if that is "normal", then it should do it 100% of the time. So either way, mine is broken since it comes and goes.

Ramcares - can you provide us with some documentation to get this fixed? I know others here have had these motors replaced. We shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get crap like this fixed.

Hi all - we are always a PM away and more than willing to escalate a case on your behalf when you are ready to address this with your dealers. This way your concern can be formally documented and your specialist can work alongside both you and your dealer to ensure all resources are exhausted in addressing this concern.

Mark
RamCares

 

[Rototerrier]

Yea, I've "escalated" before and that didn't do anything. The service advisor I dealt with was a real ahole and didn't care at all that I have started a case or even had a case number.

In fact, I tried to give him a print out of my case info that was started thru RamCares and he refused to take it and said everything he needed was already in the system. Showed zero concern over it and almost looked frustrated that I'd even started a case. Not sure how this impacts them, but judging by the cold shoulder I got, he was not pleased.

This was in regards to my transmission clunk. After I got the truck back, with them indicating they couldn't replicate the issue, I got a call from Ram asking how it went and basically to echo what the dealer said. Led absolutely no where and I'm just living with the clunky transmission and taking every opportunity I can do tell everyone in person and online about how bad my Ram is and to make absolutely sure no one buys one...amongst my friends at least.

So, forgive me RamCares, If I don't take you up on any more offers of escalation. 1) It doesn't help and 2) The Service Advisers don't seem to care

The way I see it, i've had to cost them at least some sales at this point and that's satisfaction enough I suppose. You'd think they'd try harder to fix these issues to save their reputation, but I guess they are selling enough trucks even with some negative publicity to justify all this mess.

I can only assume this facade of RamCares is just to put a positive spin in these forums to help out with that. They don't actually do anything so my only assumption is that it's to counter the negatives with a positive "we care" attitude. If prospective buyers land here and see the issues they might get a warm feeling seeing that someone appears to care.

 

[RamCares]

Yea, I've "escalated" before and that didn't do anything. The service advisor I dealt with was a real ahole and didn't care at all that I have started a case or even had a case number.

In fact, I tried to give him a print out of my case info that was started thru RamCares and he refused to take it and said everything he needed was already in the system. Showed zero concern over it and almost looked frustrated that I'd even started a case. Not sure how this impacts them, but judging by the cold shoulder I got, he was not pleased.

This was in regards to my transmission clunk. After I got the truck back, with them indicating they couldn't replicate the issue, I got a call from Ram asking how it went and basically to echo what the dealer said. Led absolutely no where and I'm just living with the clunky transmission and taking every opportunity I can do tell everyone in person and online about how bad my Ram is and to make absolutely sure no one buys one...amongst my friends at least.

So, forgive me RamCares, If I don't take you up on any more offers of escalation. 1) It doesn't help and 2) The Service Advisers don't seem to care

The way I see it, i've had to cost them at least some sales at this point and that's satisfaction enough I suppose. You'd think they'd try harder to fix these issues to save their reputation, but I guess they are selling enough trucks even with some negative publicity to justify all this mess.

I can only assume this facade of RamCares is just to put a positive spin in these forums to help out with that. They don't actually do anything so my only assumption is that it's to counter the negatives with a positive "we care" attitude. If prospective buyers land here and see the issues they might get a warm feeling seeing that someone appears to care.

Thank you for taking the time to provide the honest feedback, @Rototerrier. I can't change how your experiences have gone, however, we are always more than willing to do what we can from this level to provide support. If you ever decide to work with a different local dealer, we can certainly try and make that process as smooth as possible by escalating a new case on your behalf. We can even get your case escalated a few days before your visit so your case manager could connect with your dealer beforehand to discuss your concern.

As RamCares, we monitor forums, as well as social media platforms, to assist customers who are currently experiencing vehicle concerns as well as get them connected with a Case Specialist to work with their dealers throughout the repair process. We also track trends so that the appropriate parties are made aware of what concerns our customers are experiencing. We are active on many other social forums and you are welcome to confirm our validity by visiting one of them.

Mark
RamCares

 

[Rototerrier]

I don't doubt your validity, I doubt your effectiveness and motives.

You contact a specialist, we get a case number. We get a call, explain the situation and are told to make an appointment with our dealer.

That's where the help ends. Dealer ultimately holds all the cards. If they can't replicate in the very short amount of time they spend with the vehicle, that's the end of it. My dealer drove the truck around the block. I checked the mileage. They didn't even drive a full mile. Since I drive the truck every single day, it takes time and circumstances to feel the transmission bump.

For the fan noise, I guess they tried it and couldn't replicate and that was that. I referenced forums as well....they didn't care.

They don't put in any effort and I expressed my frustration to the case specialists and there's just nothing done.

Proof:

This video is probably the best because it shows the fan making noise and then it stopping...which further proves the frustration I/we have with service. Even I can't consistently replicate it and have to "catch" it on video.

As I stated, I got a call from the case specialist after I picked up my truck and all they could suggest was taking it back or going to another dealer. With dealers scheduling 2-3 weeks out for any transmission issues and about 2 weeks out for anything else, that's just not feasible after having just wanted 2-3+ weeks for the first appointment. They also don't offer loaner vehicles and my closes dealer is about 20 miles away. I have to get my wife involved to drive with me and pick me up and then she has to take me back to the dealer to pick it up.

I can literally take this video and show it to the service adviser and they will give it right back to me saying they couldn't replicate. Problem is, it only does it on cooler days and usually when it's a cool morning but then the temps rise to where the fan is needed or wanted. So the fan is still "cool/cold". Very specific circumstances that are very hard to replicate with the timing of service at the dealer. And yet I have proof on video. They should just replace the stupid fans, but that won't happen unless they can personally replicate. It's nuts.

Your entire system of service is completely broken. You sell us **** trucks and then offer **** service.

There's a reason Chrysler and FCA products have a well earned reputation for poor quality and service. It's all right here on full display. Shame on all of us Dodge/RAM owners for allowing them to continue to exist. Unfortunately Ford and GM aren't much better, if at all, in my experience. It's a very sad era for the auto industry. Seems to be a race to the bottom.

 

[Smon]

This is right on the money. The most frustrating thing about going to my dealer is the scheduling. Their scheduling system is crap. They literally tell me that I have to bring the truck in on Monday, but they won't actually look at it until 3-4 days from that point. Why would they even want my truck sitting on their lot for 3-4 days? Let me bring it in on day 3!

Then after a week of no vehicle (plus no loaner), it is always "no issue found". The response on my ticket literally says "checked another truck on the lot and it has the same issue", therefore "no issue". Their own wording states it is an issue, they just don't want to fix it, or care to fix it. Like Rototerrier said, they ultimately hold the cards. Trying to add a "case specialist" into the mix only makes things worse for the customer at the dealer level.

I had a check engine light which showed 8 codes. They had my truck for week, finally contacted me and said all they did was clear the codes. I also had them check out the blend door issue that happens every 10-15 minutes. Common problem, tons of complaints. They said "no issue found". Mileage put on during the time they had it wouldn't amount to 5 minutes of driving.

We also track trends so that the appropriate parties are made aware of what concerns our customers are experiencing

Can you not track these issues from these threads and then provide us with a document to take to the dealer? Because what we are currently doing isn't working. This seems to be about the only way we could actually get something done. The ventilated seat motors need to be replaced - end of question.

 

[RamCares]

I don't doubt your validity, I doubt your effectiveness and motives.

You contact a specialist, we get a case number. We get a call, explain the situation and are told to make an appointment with our dealer.

That's where the help ends. Dealer ultimately holds all the cards. If they can't replicate in the very short amount of time they spend with the vehicle, that's the end of it. My dealer drove the truck around the block. I checked the mileage. They didn't even drive a full mile. Since I drive the truck every single day, it takes time and circumstances to feel the transmission bump.

For the fan noise, I guess they tried it and couldn't replicate and that was that. I referenced forums as well....they didn't care.

They don't put in any effort and I expressed my frustration to the case specialists and there's just nothing done.

Proof:

This video is probably the best because it shows the fan making noise and then it stopping...which further proves the frustration I/we have with service. Even I can't consistently replicate it and have to "catch" it on video.

As I stated, I got a call from the case specialist after I picked up my truck and all they could suggest was taking it back or going to another dealer. With dealers scheduling 2-3 weeks out for any transmission issues and about 2 weeks out for anything else, that's just not feasible after having just wanted 2-3+ weeks for the first appointment. They also don't offer loaner vehicles and my closes dealer is about 20 miles away. I have to get my wife involved to drive with me and pick me up and then she has to take me back to the dealer to pick it up.

I can literally take this video and show it to the service adviser and they will give it right back to me saying they couldn't replicate. Problem is, it only does it on cooler days and usually when it's a cool morning but then the temps rise to where the fan is needed or wanted. So the fan is still "cool/cold". Very specific circumstances that are very hard to replicate with the timing of service at the dealer. And yet I have proof on video. They should just replace the stupid fans, but that won't happen unless they can personally replicate. It's nuts.

Your entire system of service is completely broken. You sell us **** trucks and then offer **** service.

There's a reason Chrysler and FCA products have a well earned reputation for poor quality and service. It's all right here on full display. Shame on all of us Dodge/RAM owners for allowing them to continue to exist. Unfortunately Ford and GM aren't much better, if at all, in my experience. It's a very sad era for the auto industry. Seems to be a race to the bottom.

Thank you for taking the time to provide this follow up, @Rototerrier. Your frustration with the dealer service experience is warranted and I want you to know that you taking the time to share that experience here is very helpful for us. While we have a scope of capabilities like any team, we are willing to do all that we can to ensure that our customers are heard from this level.

Further - I get where you are coming from regarding the limitations of the case specialist when the dealer is not able to replicate the concern. The dealers are ultimately our eyes and ears in the field, so we are unfortunately limited in how we can effect this outcome. Especially considering our dealer partners are independently owned and operated. However if the dealer is able to identify the concern, our case specialists are able to exhaust all available technical resources to try and address your concern.

I understand the inconvenience, though if you are willing to ever work with a different local dealer we are always willing to do what we can to provide support in your situation. You may also head to https://www.ramtrucks.com/find-dealer.html to view all the dealers near your ZIP code. If you see any dealerships that have received a Customer First award this means that this dealer has achieved the highest level of customer experience recognition in five core areas: people, facility, processes, customer metrics and training certification.

Again, thank you for taking the time to provide your honest and valuable feedback. We are always a PM away.

Can you not track these issues from these threads and then provide us with a document to take to the dealer? Because what we are currently doing isn't working. This seems to be about the only way we could actually get something done. The ventilated seat motors need to be replaced - end of question.

Hi @Smon - If there is an applicable TSB, STAR technical case, or recall, we are always willing to provide that documentation for you to head to your dealer with. Please do not hesitate to send us a message at any point for further support. Ultimately by escalating a case, your case specialist is there to be a resource for yourself and the dealer. I certainly apologize if this was not the case.

Mark
RamCares

 

[1500DFW]

Has anybody gotten the dealership to replace their blowers or seats?

My motor make this noise once in a while. I looked up some parts online. It looks like the seat has a motor where you sit and one in the back. Mine sounds like it’s the one where I sit but I can’t be sure. This is the PN I found 68267092AD. It’s only $20. Was considering just buying it and installing it myself. Wanted to see if anyone else had done it? Not sure how difficult it would be to swap or if the whole seat might have to be disassembled to get to it.

 

[Ccroce]

Has anybody gotten the dealership to replace their blowers or seats?

My motor make this noise once in a while. I looked up some parts online. It looks like the seat has a motor where you sit and one in the back. Mine sounds like it’s the one where I sit but I can’t be sure. This is the PN I found 68267092AD. It’s only $20. Was considering just buying it and installing it myself. Wanted to see if anyone else had done it? Not sure how difficult it would be to swap or if the whole seat might have to be disassembled to get to it.

+1 for the driver’s seat ventilated seat motor noise and poor experience dealing with Colonial CJDR in Hudson, MA. I had a brake chirp/squeak and it was the same “oh we can’t find anything” narrative. A day later a TSB was issued - those frauds... Let me know if you decide to go ahead with the replacement.

 

[davidajpritchard]

My drivers seat fan started making this same noise today...I'm sure it will be looked after, but kind of sucks to have to take it in at the moment

Sent from my SM-N986W using Tapatalk

 

[myles]

wow, just came across this thread, didn't realize so many people had this issue, mine does the same thing on cold mornings, the motor in the seat back is like grinding or something. Doesn't do it when the car gets warm inside though.

 

[LamboMitch]

I've had the same problem for over 6 months dealer can't seem to figure it out and while they were at it managed to damage my truck to add insult to injury . been hesitant to go back to another dealer. but ultimately i'm going to have to.