Truck Died at 55mph (E-torque/electrical issues, 2020)

[aLarge92]

Storytime:

As the title states,
7/22/20
I was driving and at 55mph the horn honked followed by various error messages.
I looked down and realized the engine died. The radio was still working and I could see the gauge cluster continually flashing errors, but the truck said it needed to be put in park.
Luckily I was able to turn off the road into a side street to put the truck in park and it restarted right away. After restarting check engine light was on.
I drove straight to the dealer and when they scanned the truck it lost communication with just about every module.
Another weird thing was when I put on the left turn signal the tailgate would show that it was open.

-This is the second time I have had electrical issues with the truck. The first time this happened the truck didn't die, but the controller lost communication with the ABS module, and forward collision/ adaptive cruise control module.
The dealer was unable to provide any solution so it was returned, this was back in March with 315 miles on the truck.

7/27/20
I wanted to wait for some form of diagnosis before posting, just got word from the dealer they are going to replace the Generator/Alternator ( My truck Is an E-Torque.)
No word on how long it will be.

I will update as more information comes my way to keep others informed.

The build date was February 2020, the truck is currently a few miles shy of 6000. Build sheet attached for reference.
The truck has been in the shop for a total of 11 days regarding electrical issues, all of which are safety-related. Losing ABS and the truck dying while driving.
I am keeping a log in the event I need to Lemon it ( I will give sufficient time and attempts), If anyone has Lemon law advice I'm all ears as I would like to be prepared if it comes down to it. ( TX resident)
I am trying to be patient and understanding, but as my first Ram that I custom ordered, I'm not a happy camper.

 

[RamCares]

Storytime:

As the title states,
7/22/20
I was driving and at 55mph the horn honked followed by various error messages.
I looked down and realized the engine died. The radio was still working and I could see the gauge cluster continually flashing errors, but the truck said it needed to be put in park.
Luckily I was able to turn off the road into a side street to put the truck in park and it restarted right away. After restarting check engine light was on.
I drove straight to the dealer and when they scanned the truck it lost communication with just about every module.
Another weird thing was when I put on the left turn signal the tailgate would show that it was open.

-This is the second time I have had electrical issues with the truck. The first time this happened the truck didn't die, but the controller lost communication with the ABS module, and forward collision/ adaptive cruise control module.
The dealer was unable to provide any solution so it was returned, this was back in March with 315 miles on the truck.

7/27/20
I wanted to wait for some form of diagnosis before posting, just got word from the dealer they are going to replace the Generator/Alternator ( My truck Is an E-Torque.)
No word on how long it will be.

I will update as more information comes my way to keep others informed.

The build date was February 2020, the truck is currently a few miles shy of 6000. Build sheet attached for reference.
The truck has been in the shop for a total of 11 days regarding electrical issues, all of which are safety-related. Losing ABS and the truck dying while driving.
I am keeping a log in the event I need to Lemon it ( I will give sufficient time and attempts), If anyone has Lemon law advice I'm all ears as I would like to be prepared if it comes down to it. ( TX resident)
I am trying to be patient and understanding, but as my first Ram that I custom ordered, I'm not a happy camper.

I sincerely apologize for the trouble and associated frustration that you have had to endure, @aLarge92. This is not at all the expectation that we have for our customers. If you would be willing to follow up with me via private message, I would be more than happy to escalate your situation to a specialist for further support as you work with your dealer. They can also work with your dealer to get the part in as soon as possible.

Mark
RamCares

 

[Adrianp89]

Lemon advice - as soon as you hit your states requirement for days in shop - start the paperwork.

 

[aLarge92]

The dealer and Chrysler walked through troubleshooting on the truck and were unable to find the problem.
One of the codes in question was p0a78.
They decided not to swap Generator/E-Torque, I picked it up today after they rebooted the system and cleared codes.
Hopefully, this fixes the issues but we will see...

 

[Baron74]

I'm having similar issues. The other week I was parking it inside my garage and it died and flashed all kind of errors. After that it was fine for a few days (not driving much with Covid/telework). Then I got in and was heading 5 hours away for a vacation in Oregon. We stopped off an when I started the truck the land departure, adaptive cruise and other features through errors stating they needed service. Shut the truck off and restarted without further issues. Washed the truck after the trip (last week) and noticed drips of water INSIDE the back passenger window. Too busy to call the dealer so far this week. Just went to take a trip to the store and had no errors, however, the brights wouldn't turn on, lane departure not working, brightness wheels not working for screen not working, auto turning headlights not working. Towing a trailer next Tuesday. Not good. Hoping the dealer can get me in and loan me a truck with a hitch. I'm thinking this might all be tied to the break light on the back of the cab. If there's water getting in there it could be shorting things out. 6500 miles on my 2019. Love the truck but dang. Never had issues like this with any vehicle.

 

[silver64]

Rebooting and that's it? Really? I would tell them to keep it and give me a loaner on their dime until they find the issue and fix it. I would state that the truck dying on a 55 mph road is a recipe for disaster. This is a major safety issue and I would remind them of the liability involved when an issue of this magnitude is reported and not fixed. A reboot is a band aid. Why did they need to reboot it? What caused the reboot condition and will it happen again? What assurances can they give that the condition wont reoccur over time? I think I would also file a complaint with Federal Government.

File a Vehicle Safety Complaint | Safercar.gov | NHTSA

).

Think its a drastic idea? What if the next time it fails is in the rain, fog or snow storm and you cant get out of the road?

 

[UnloosedChewtoy]

Rebooting and that's it? Really? I would tell them to keep it and give me a loaner on their dime until they find the issue and fix it. I would state that the truck dying on a 55 mph road is a recipe for disaster. This is a major safety issue and I would remind them of the liability involved when an issue of this magnitude is reported and not fixed. A reboot is a band aid. Why did they need to reboot it? What caused the reboot condition and will it happen again? What assurances can they give that the condition wont reoccur over time? I think I would also file a complaint with Federal Government.

File a Vehicle Safety Complaint | Safercar.gov | NHTSA

).

Think its a drastic idea? What if the next time it fails is in the rain, fog or snow storm and you cant get out of the road?

I'd need to see the definition of a "reboot" before judging what they did, but as others have said, sounds like a half-a$$ solution on its face.
I'd definitely follow the first part of Silver64's advice here, and also involve RamCares. When you involve them here, it seems that dealers usually tend to sit up a little straighter and take your problems more seriously.

The second part, regarding filing a complaint... I'd only do that if the dealer does not address your concerns. But I'm not in your shoes, so you do what you feel is necessary. Just don't sit back and take bad customer service!

 

[RamCares]

I'm having similar issues. The other week I was parking it inside my garage and it died and flashed all kind of errors. After that it was fine for a few days (not driving much with Covid/telework). Then I got in and was heading 5 hours away for a vacation in Oregon. We stopped off an when I started the truck the land departure, adaptive cruise and other features through errors stating they needed service. Shut the truck off and restarted without further issues. Washed the truck after the trip (last week) and noticed drips of water INSIDE the back passenger window. Too busy to call the dealer so far this week. Just went to take a trip to the store and had no errors, however, the brights wouldn't turn on, lane departure not working, brightness wheels not working for screen not working, auto turning headlights not working. Towing a trailer next Tuesday. Not good. Hoping the dealer can get me in and loan me a truck with a hitch. I'm thinking this might all be tied to the break light on the back of the cab. If there's water getting in there it could be shorting things out. 6500 miles on my 2019. Love the truck but dang. Never had issues like this with any vehicle.

Hi @Baron74 - I am deeply sorry to hear of the frustration you have had to endure to this point. I would be more than willing to get a new case escalated on your behalf for further support as you work with your dealer on this. Please follow up with me via private message when you can!

Mark
RamCares