Yet another Etorque question

[Estoltz]

Hey everyone. As the title suggests this is another etorque post. I have a 2019 Laramie with 99k miles. Outside of the 8/80k I get a check engine light for a P0A97 code complaining about a fan issue in the hybrid power pack. SA quotes me 2500 for the power pack and 1100 labor which is insane based on calls to other dealerships. Based on that number they are estimating 5.1hoyrs to replace the unit and flash the new one.

Ram customer care informed me that the power pack is a maintenance item so they can’t do anything from a customer goodwill basis. My next route is to replace the part myself and have a dealer flash the replacement unit. I can source them used from salvage at a price that would allow me to buy several before I get anywhere near the dealers price for the part. My question for the group is does anyone know if it can be driven before it’s flashed to get it to a dealership and how much labor should a canbus vin flash take? Same dealer is telling me a minimum of 2 hours. I’m starting to feel like I have sucker written on my forehead. Am I off on my expectations?

 

[mikeru82]

The fan in your 48v battery module dies and they replace the whole unit? I think I’d first try swapping out the fan with one of the junkyard units before swapping the entire unit out.

 

[Estoltz]

The fan in your 48v battery module dies and they replace the whole unit? I think I’d first try swapping out the fan with one of the junkyard units before swapping the entire unit out.

Oh trust me I will be looking to see if I can simply swap out the fan module but it seems like a single component. I don't know that I want to tear into it if its sealed.

 

[Quint]

I suspect that Ram, like most other manufacturers, specifically sourced a one-piece unit so that instead of replacing a cheap fan they can get $3,600 out of a customer instead.

 

[mikeru82]

Oh come on, don't give up if that's the case. There's got to be a way of modifying/fabbing something that will work. If I still had an etorque equipped truck I'd dig into it a little just out of curiosity. Even if it is a one piece unit, why not see if you can get into it without totally destroying the thing? Worst case you're swapping the entire unit, which is where you are right now.

 

[Estoltz]

Oh come on, don't give up if that's the case. There's got to be a way of modifying/fabbing something that will work. If I still had an etorque equipped truck I'd dig into it a little just out of curiosity. Even if it is a one piece unit, why not see if you can get into it without totally destroying the thing? Worst case you're swapping the entire unit, which is where you are right now.

If anyone has schematics i would gladly get into it but im not skilled enough to blind map component circuits.

 

[Jmac509]

Following to see how this ends up. My biggest fear of owning an E torque truck is the long term reliability and parts availability of the E torque system.

 

[cerbo]

following.... it has been asked probably but is there a way to eliminate/bypass the system?

 

[Cbty2050]

Following to see how this ends up. My biggest fear of owning an E torque truck is the long term reliability and parts availability of the E torque system.

If you are concerned about reliability at all, why would you drive a Ram/Stellantis product?

 

[Jmac509]

If you are concerned about reliability at all, why would you drive a Ram/Stellantis product?

This is a question we all have to ask ourselves every morning.

 

[Jako]

If you are concerned about reliability at all, why would you drive a Ram/Stellantis product?

Because Honda doesn't make a full size truck.
Is Ford and GMC that much better?
I test drove a Ford and the ride was as good as my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. Never tried a GMC as I was sold on the Ram after a test ride with the coil springs. Ram was also aggressive on rebates at the time, 5k.

 

[Cbty2050]

Because Honda doesn't make a full size truck.
Is Ford and GMC that much better?
I test drove a Ford and the ride was as good as my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. Never tried a GMC as I was sold on the Ram after a test ride with the coil springs. Ram was also aggressive on rebates at the time, 5k.

Ram quality, customer support, dealer support, and everything they do has dropped off so badly in the last 4 years. They have zero clue how to make it better, cutting costs isn't they way to make it better.

Maxcare, outsourced
Ram cares, outsourced
Tech assistant, outsourced
Service info, outsourced

You see the trend? They have cut labor hours on almost all repairs. 1.7 hours to replaced both Hemi manifolds. It's going to get worse before it gets better unfortunately.

 

[Jako]

Ram quality, customer support, dealer support, and everything they do has dropped off so badly in the last 4 years. They have zero clue how to make it better, cutting costs isn't they way to make it better.

Maxcare, outsourced
Ram cares, outsourced
Tech assistant, outsourced
Service info, outsourced

You see the trend? They have cut labor hours on almost all repairs. 1.7 hours to replaced both Hemi manifolds. It's going to get worse before it gets better unfortunately.

That's very sad. Six years ago there was so much excitement with the 5th generation and hope that Ram was moving up in the top 3 standings. I think Ram Cares is an AI answering machine these days.

What is the actual time to replace hemi manifolds? How much time to get the vehicle in and out of the shop?

 

[mikeru82]

If anyone has schematics i would gladly get into it but im not skilled enough to blind map component circuits.

You don't need schematics to swap out a fan. If you can get the case open you should be able to find and replace the fan. Like I said before, what do you have to lose if the alternative is to replace the entire 48v module on your dime?

 

[Cbty2050]

What is the actual time to replace hemi manifolds? How much time to get the vehicle in and out of the shop?

Takes 2-3 hours if you are busting ***(depends on the person). July it paid 5.4 hours for both sides. Do I think 5.4 was too much, yes. It should be more like a 3.5ish hour paid job.