Slight vibration

[Brain h]

The fact they are going to pay out over 7K leads me to believe its not the wheel that's causing the issue and Ram knows or has a suspicion of what the issue is and it costs more than 7k to repair.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[mdw3998]

So after months of dealing with this vibration issue the dealer finally got a vibration analysis tool and tested my truck. He told me that no issue was found. I was furious at this point. I took the truck up on the highway and sure enough it was gone. I went back to the dealer and spoke with the tech. He said he didn't do anything. So while I am relieved that it's gone, I am pessimistic that it's gone for good. Problems that go away on their own typically come back on their own.

 

[Kellen O]

I have a 2019 tradesman 5.7 3.21 gears and I have this issue. The vibration comes at very low RPM’s (1200-1500). It feels like when you leave a manual transmission in too high a gear. I did not read all 24 pages of the thread so I apologize for anything I’ve missed, but after reading 1-4 and 23-24, it didn’t sound like there is a resolution yet.

Many of the theories about wheels, tires and exhaust can probably be ruled out. My truck has 18” rims and Bridgestone tires. Being a tradesman it has a single exhaust pipe.

If the engine is not “lugging” at the low rpm range the vibration is not present. Last night I experimented with bumping it down one gear when it happened, and the vibration went away. I will be seeing a dealer about this, but I’ve been incredibly busy with a new job and my kids’ sporting events and just haven’t had time.

 

[elburrito82]

I've been having a similar problem. I've taken it in 3 times to the dealer and got the whole "this is how it drives", or "seems normal to me" load of crap.

Today I took it in for a 4th time and finally got to work with the tech. Very nice and professional. During our drive he literally said, "yeah, you're right. It's definitely bouncy." Finally someone who doesn't act like I'm crazy!!

He told me that he'd first check out to make sure nothing is broken. If nothing is broken he said he'd then test drive another new truck to see if it's engineering related (problem with the design, not with the parts/implementation). Then we could discuss other options to fix it (new tires/shocks/etc).

I just heard back from him and he said that both the left and right vibration dampers were sending false signals (MDS I'm assuming). Basically they could be on when they shouldn't be and/or off when should be. He ordered new parts that should be in on Tuesday. After he installed them he said he'd test it again to see if that fixes it. If not he'll keep looking/testing until it's resolved. So far I'm very impressed with him and hope this finally fixes it!

 

[Overlander]

I have a 2019 tradesman 5.7 3.21 gears and I have this issue. The vibration comes at very low RPM’s (1200-1500). It feels like when you leave a manual transmission in too high a gear. I did not read all 24 pages of the thread so I apologize for anything I’ve missed, but after reading 1-4 and 23-24, it didn’t sound like there is a resolution yet.

Many of the theories about wheels, tires and exhaust can probably be ruled out. My truck has 18” rims and Bridgestone tires. Being a tradesman it has a single exhaust pipe.

If the engine is not “lugging” at the low rpm range the vibration is not present. Last night I experimented with bumping it down one gear when it happened, and the vibration went away. I will be seeing a dealer about this, but I’ve been incredibly busy with a new job and my kids’ sporting events and just haven’t had time.

I was wondering if it was engine related on mine and tried bumping the gears down when vibrating. Unfortunately (or fortunately ) mine was still vibrating across the different RPM's.


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[Kellen O]

So I have an update on mine and I must say I think I might’ve been wrong in my initial post when I ruled out exhaust. So the usual slight vibration and subsequent dash rattle continued the same until yesterday when my kids and I drove home from my son’s football game. There was a late 90’s Buick in front of us which I thought had exhaust issues. It was very loud. Then I realized it was actually my truck. In addition to the loud noise, the vibration was stronger. And it continued at various rpm, although seemed to dissipate if I stepped on the gas a little. This continued for about a 20 minute drive.

All my temperatures seemed normal and I got no codes, which seemed strange. It had me wondering if I had a loose/leaking exhaust manifold or other connection, which I thought would’ve triggered a sensor. The strange thing is this morning the loud noise was gone. We did quite a bit of driving both in town and on the interstate and only had the “slight vibration” issue today. Last night I got under the truck to see if I could see anything obviously wrong with the exhaust, but couldn’t see anything. The manifolds are basically surrounded by heat shields so access and visibility are very limited.

 

[Dusty1948]

I seem to have picked up a slight vibration between 56-61 MPH and appears to have come on slowly. After my first inspection and re-spray at Ziebart, I noticed both rear wheels had a fairly large amount of undercoating in the inside of them. Pulled them off and removed the undercoating. After the remount I still had the vibration. This morning it was 61 degrees F, so I checked the air pressure in the tires. All four tires (Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT, 275/65R18) were between 4 and 5 pounds low (factory pressure, 36 psi).

Not sure, but I think the vibration is gone, or greatly reduced. Keep you posted.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Silver Billet Laramie, Quad Cab, 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, 18 inch wheels. Build date: 17 April 2018. Now at 020989 miles.

 

[conleymichael]

Anyone else?

I have a 2019 Lonestar 1500 and it I noticed the vibration with the factory 20 inch rims and after I purchased a new set with bigger tires from Discount Tires. I thought it was the wheels and/or a missing weight but nothing changed after I bought the new rims and tires.

 

[SilverSurfer15]

Some of these posts sound like the torque converter, some sound like the truck is aggressively holding MDS, some sound like driveline issues.

I’m interested in knowing if this is the same problem that’s wide spread or just different problems causing similar side effects.

 

[RamCares]

I've been having a similar problem. I've taken it in 3 times to the dealer and got the whole "this is how it drives", or "seems normal to me" load of crap.

Today I took it in for a 4th time and finally got to work with the tech. Very nice and professional. During our drive he literally said, "yeah, you're right. It's definitely bouncy." Finally someone who doesn't act like I'm crazy!!

He told me that he'd first check out to make sure nothing is broken. If nothing is broken he said he'd then test drive another new truck to see if it's engineering related (problem with the design, not with the parts/implementation). Then we could discuss other options to fix it (new tires/shocks/etc).

I just heard back from him and he said that both the left and right vibration dampers were sending false signals (MDS I'm assuming). Basically they could be on when they shouldn't be and/or off when should be. He ordered new parts that should be in on Tuesday. After he installed them he said he'd test it again to see if that fixes it. If not he'll keep looking/testing until it's resolved. So far I'm very impressed with him and hope this finally fixes it!

Hi elburrito82,
We certainly understand your frustration, but are happy to hear your dealer is taking steps towards a resolution. If you need any additional assistance, please feel free to send us a private message.

So I have an update on mine and I must say I think I might’ve been wrong in my initial post when I ruled out exhaust. So the usual slight vibration and subsequent dash rattle continued the same until yesterday when my kids and I drove home from my son’s football game. There was a late 90’s Buick in front of us which I thought had exhaust issues. It was very loud. Then I realized it was actually my truck. In addition to the loud noise, the vibration was stronger. And it continued at various rpm, although seemed to dissipate if I stepped on the gas a little. This continued for about a 20 minute drive.

All my temperatures seemed normal and I got no codes, which seemed strange. It had me wondering if I had a loose/leaking exhaust manifold or other connection, which I thought would’ve triggered a sensor. The strange thing is this morning the loud noise was gone. We did quite a bit of driving both in town and on the interstate and only had the “slight vibration” issue today. Last night I got under the truck to see if I could see anything obviously wrong with the exhaust, but couldn’t see anything. The manifolds are basically surrounded by heat shields so access and visibility are very limited.

Hi Kellen O,
We're sorry to hear that you are also experiencing this. If you decide to visit your dealer to have this addressed, our team would be happy to connect you with a case specialist to work with you throughout this process. We are available via private message!
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[elburrito82]

I've been having a similar problem. I've taken it in 3 times to the dealer and got the whole "this is how it drives", or "seems normal to me" load of crap.

Today I took it in for a 4th time and finally got to work with the tech. Very nice and professional. During our drive he literally said, "yeah, you're right. It's definitely bouncy." Finally someone who doesn't act like I'm crazy!!

He told me that he'd first check out to make sure nothing is broken. If nothing is broken he said he'd then test drive another new truck to see if it's engineering related (problem with the design, not with the parts/implementation). Then we could discuss other options to fix it (new tires/shocks/etc).

I just heard back from him and he said that both the left and right vibration dampers were sending false signals (MDS I'm assuming). Basically they could be on when they shouldn't be and/or off when should be. He ordered new parts that should be in on Tuesday. After he installed them he said he'd test it again to see if that fixes it. If not he'll keep looking/testing until it's resolved. So far I'm very impressed with him and hope this finally fixes it!

Update: just heard back from the dealer that only one MDS damper arrived. The other won't arrive for another two weeks so they won't swap them out until then. I send another update once they arrive and are installed

 

[Ddelallata]

Update: just heard back from the dealer that only one MDS damper arrived. The other won't arrive for another two weeks so they won't swap them out until then. I send another update once they arrive and are installed

Several of us here have already unplugged the mds dampers and the vibration persisted. Mine seems to have the vibration around 56-59mph in both v8 and eco mode.

 

[Dusty1948]

Several of us here have already unplugged the mds dampers and the vibration persisted. Mine seems to have the vibration around 56-59mph in both v8 and eco mode.

Actually, disconnecting the dampers and the problem persisting seems like evidence they may not be working.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram DT 1500 Silver Billet Laramie, Quad Cab, 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, 18 inch wheels. Build date: 17 April 2018. Now at 021103 miles.

 

[Overlander]

Actually, disconnecting the dampers and the problem persisting seems like evidence they may not be working.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram DT 1500 Silver Billet Laramie, Quad Cab, 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, 18 inch wheels. Build date: 17 April 2018. Now at 021103 miles.

I disconnected the dampers on the frame rail between the doors AND deactivated MDS via manual gear selection....no change in vibration for me.


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[Dusty1948]

After significant testing my vibration symptom is not present in the V8 mode, only in the 4 cylinder mode from 56-60 MPH.

It appears I had two symptoms at once. After bringing up my tire pressure to the correct level (36 lbs. in my case), I no longer feel any vibration at any speed in the V8 mode.

What remains appears to be MDS-related.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram DT 1500 Silver Billet Laramie, Quad Cab, 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, 18 inch wheels. Build date: 17 April 2018. Now at 021103 miles.

 

[Dusty1948]

I disconnected the dampers on the frame rail between the doors AND deactivated MDS via manual gear selection....no change in vibration for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In your case I would say that eliminates the MDS dampers as the culprit.

Best regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram DT 1500 Silver Billet Laramie, Quad Cab, 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, 18 inch wheels. Build date: 17 April 2018. Now at 021103 miles.

 

[Dusty1948]

From the DT Service Manual:
08 - Electrical / 8E - Electronic Control Modules / MODULE, Active Vibration Cancellation (AVCM) / Description
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
DESCRIPTION

The Active Vibration Cancelation (AVC) system consists of the following components:

Component Index

1.	AVC Module
2.	AVC Sensor/Actuator Assembly

OPERATION

The AVC system consists of two electronic actuators, two electronic sensors and the AVC controller. The AVC actuators produce anti-vibrations to reduce Multi-Displacement System (MDS) vibrations above 1,300 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). MDS is the “4 cylinder mode” for the 5.7L V8 engine. The AVC system is a key enabler for expanding the MDS operating range to improve vehicle performance and fuel economy. The AVC actuators function to minimize vibrations on the vehicle’s frame at the frequency the engine is operating/running. The system works similar to Active Noise Cancelation (ANC). ANC operates on audible noise. AVC operates on vehicle frame vibrations.

The AVC system is designed to improve the Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) performance of the vehicle by reducing the vibrations received from the frame. The AVC actuator generates an equal signal in the opposite direction from the input vibrations received from the left and right correction sensors. This generated signal is sent to the left and right actuators mounted on the frame that reduce the vibrations in the frame.


AVC Module

Component Index

The AVC module is mounted under the hood to the bulkhead on the driver side near the brake booster away from heat sources. The AVC module will operate the AVC actuators when the engine is in MDS operation mode as triggered by Controller Area Network - Chassis (CAN-C) message. The AVC module receives engine RPM as an input from CAN-C and a dedicated hard wired crank signal. The AVC module will adjust its output (frequency, phase, and amplitude) based upon the inputs. A software algorithm uses engine characteristics and vibration sensed by accelerometer to generate an output for actuators to produce the anti-vibrations.

CAN-C Inputs

• Commanded ignition switch status
• Engine RPM
• Vehicle Speed
• Odometer
• MDS active signal
• Vehicle configuration data for wheelbase length
• Vehicle drive configuration

CAN-C Outputs

• AVC failure display request to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)

Hardwire Inputs

• Crank pulse signal
• Left AVC sensor signal
• Right AVC sensor signal

Hardwire Outputs

• Left AVC actuator operation
• Right AVC actuator operation
• Crank pulse signal to the ANC system

AVC Sensor/Actuator Assembly

Component Index

The AVC sensor is attached to the AVC actuator mounting bracket and is not service separately from the actuator. The AVC actuator assemblies are mounted to the left and right sides of the vehicle frame behind the A-Pillars, under the driver and passenger door. The actuators produce anti-vibrations to reduce MDS vibrations between 1300 – 2300 RPM and are capable of an output of 90 N (20 Lbf) of force.

Hardwire Inputs

• Left AVC actuator operation request
• Right AVC actuator operation request

COMMENT: At road speed between 56-60 MPH and with a axle ratio of 3.21, my tachometer reads 1250 engine RPM. If the tachometer is accurate, that falls just short of the 1300 RPM when Active Vibration Cancellation is engaged.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram DT 1500 Silver Billet Laramie, Quad Cab, 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, 18 inch wheels. Build date: 17 April 2018. Now at 021103 miles.

 

[elburrito82]

Several of us here have already unplugged the mds dampers and the vibration persisted. Mine seems to have the vibration around 56-59mph in both v8 and eco mode.

So have I. From what the tech said the problem is that its firing when it shouldn't and not firing when it should. Unplugging them would only solve the first problem, not the second. I'm not saying this is 100% the problem. I'm just passing along the information I've received so far.

I do think this issue is more than just the MDS. It's most likely a combination of things and this is just one layer of it.

 

[Kellen O]

Hi elburrito82,
We certainly understand your frustration, but are happy to hear your dealer is taking steps towards a resolution. If you need any additional assistance, please feel free to send us a private message.




Hi Kellen O,
We're sorry to hear that you are also experiencing this. If you decide to visit your dealer to have this addressed, our team would be happy to connect you with a case specialist to work with you throughout this process. We are available via private message!
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist

Thank you, I appreciate you reaching out. I went to the service department first thing Tuesday morning and they couldn’t get me a loaner until the 16th, so that’s when I’m dropping it off. I’ll keep you posted.

 

[RamCares]

Thank you, I appreciate you reaching out. I went to the service department first thing Tuesday morning and they couldn’t get me a loaner until the 16th, so that’s when I’m dropping it off. I’ll keep you posted.

Sounds good, Kellen O! We look forward to assisting you.
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist