Issue with cel at random times, suggestions.

[rotwiler]

Truck is 2013, 2wd qc outdoorsman 5.7 with 40k miles(stock, only k&n filter in stock airbox). My truck set off code back in early Dec 2017, set shift solenoid, then 3 days later shift again, plus evac and fuel injector. Then a few days later all went off and computer reset, I took truck to dealer when code happened, but couldn't get appt for 2+ weeks, by then code went off. Then for 3 weeks zero issues. Around mid Jan, stopped at light, just as I was about to move, felt clunk and truck was stuck in 4 like first time, but no cel light this time or code, stopped restarted and was fine, now, about every 4-5 days truck goes in 4, no cel, then tonight in freeway, cel went off and stuck in 4th, restarted and was good again. Dealer told me without current issue, they can't do much but I only have 4 weeks left on power train warranty. At this point I am afraid to tow, if it sticks in 4 would be bad trying to tow from a stop. Any suggestions? Should I call Ram customer service?

 

[RamCares]

My truck set off code back in early Dec 2017, set shift solenoid, then 3 days later shift again, plus evac and fuel injector. Then a few days later all went off and computer reset, I took truck to dealer when code happened, but couldn't get appt for 2+ weeks, by then code went off. Then for 3 weeks zero issues. Around mid Jan, stopped at light, just as I was about to move, felt clunk and truck was stuck in 4 like first time, but no cel light this time or code, stopped restarted and was fine, now, about every 4-5 days truck goes in 4, no cel, then tonight in freeway, cel went off and stuck in 4th, restarted and was good again. Dealer told me without current issue, they can't do much but I only have 4 weeks left on power train warranty. At this point I am afraid to tow, if it sticks in 4 would be bad trying to tow from a stop. Any suggestions? Should I call Ram customer service?

Hi rotwiler,
We understand that you are reaching out to other forum members for advice at this time. However, if you do choose to visit a dealer, we would be more than happy to offer our assistance. Please feel free to send us a private message with additional details if this is something you are interested in.
Julie
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[rotwiler]

I called Ram customer service, they called a dealer to get diagnostic done. I was put through to a service department, they told me again, unless check engine light is on, then they can't do much. So I am back where I started, they made me a appointment for next Tue(in case cel light comes back on or I may not be able to get in) but helps nothing because if check engine light is not on, they said they can't do much. I only have a power train warranty until the 23rd of March, so isn't like I have a ton of time.

 

[808ram1500]

Sounds like PCM and/Or TICM issues. That's what my truck has/had. It always threw a code though.

 

[rotwiler]

Also last night before cel went on and truck stuck in 4, I noticed my cell phone charger with voltage meter read 15.0 to 15.1 volts, with very little variation, I confirmed this high # by hooking up a obd2 adaptor and torque app. PCM also controls voltage from alternator, but after cel went off today, voltage reads 14.7-14.8 which I think is also high. That may be my go to thing, to get them to look at. I have no idea if high 15+ volts would set off light for shift solinoid. I didn't take screenshot of 15.1, this is voltage now with cel off, fluctuates from 14.7-14.9 volts.

 

[rotwiler]

Getting frustrated now, can't even tow or I risk getting stuck. First one is code it threw 2nd time back in Dec, last one is from last night.

 

[rotwiler]

Would a constant 14.8-14.9 volts at idle or running be out of spec? The night the cel light went off my volts were 15.0-15.1 constant for 20 miles(even seen it hit 15.2 a few times) testing using o2. 20 miles to work tonight, used app to record video of my volts, stayed high even at idle 14.8-14.9 the entire trip, random would do 14.7 to 15.0 volts but 99.9% of time was 14.8-14.9. Now is voltage regulated in pcm or? I searched all night and don't even see any posts that say if the voltage is regulated by pcm for newer trucks. I checked volts my battery is putting out with engine shut off using the obd2 and was a constant 12.7 even with dash cam on, mirror lights and dash lit up + heater fan.

 

[rotwiler]

Also, my truck has never set off a high voltage cel light which is odd, especially since I had a constant 15.1-15.3 volts on scanner at idle and driving when the cel for shift went off and stayed on like that until I restarted truck, then back to 14.8 average. Took truck to Napa and had battery tested, tested fine. Called Ram dealer again and explained truck runs constantly at 14.8-9 volts and jumps to 15.3 at times then I normally see cel light when that happens. Service advisor told me, he has same truck and his hits 16 volts all the time, my reply was, maybe your pcm is bad. Finally called a 3rd Ram dealer, the service lady said they don't need a illuminated cel, they can pull codes and they have a excellent tranny guy so he will get to the issue taking it in tomorrow.

 

[rotwiler]

New Ram dealer looked at truck today and replacing shift solenoid and broken bolt on exhaust manifold under warranty.

 

[808ram1500]

You have a 5.7?

 

[rotwiler]

Yes 5.7, just got truck back from dealer. So far so good, but before would set code off random, could go days or weeks between codes. They replaced solenoid and broken exhaust manifold bolt on passenger side.

 

[808ram1500]

Good to here you g ot it back on the road. Got mines going also. Battery, alternator, PCM, TICM. 1 year warranty on parts so I'm driving the hell out of it.

 

[rotwiler]

Crazy so much had to be done. Crossing my fingers now, 3 weeks left on warranty :/ I seen price dealer charged RAM for the exhaust manifold replacement and shift solenoid replacement, was $650 total. Shows how much the dealers rip people off doing service. I would have paid around 1k for solenoid and 500-700+ for broken bolts. Still see my voltage sitting at 14.8 volts to 14.9v normal. Random 14.7-15.0 but they say that's normal? I still think pcm has a voltage issue but trucks never went into 4 since repair was done, so will see.