Truck dies, not stalling but like shutting off down completly....help

[ramBE2018]

Back in December it all started, the right turn signal began to blink at double speed, then it stopped working all together. The following week the dashboard started to turn off and reboot, but the truck kept driving, lights on etc. This continued for more than a month and the dealer couldn't find any electrical faults.

Last week, while at a stop light the truck stopped working - engine off, all lights off, and nothing happened when I pushed the ignition button. After app 10-15 seconds the truck came back to life and I could start the engine and drive back home. Yesterday the truck did the same thing again, while parked. Today same issue as I wanted to drive back home but I had to wait for 30 seconds before it came back to life.

I am freaked out that the truck might shut down while driving, which would would very dangerous. I checked cables and they seem fine, as we have a lot of rodents chewing on cables out here in the woods.

The truck is from April 2017 with 20k miles.

Any ideas what I should check out? The dealer seems at a loss and unable to help........

 

[grizzstang]

TIPM - totally integrated power module.

It is only listed as a problem with the early rams (up to 2011 I believe) but really FCA has had problems with their TIPM's across all their brands for a long time and by your random electric issues I would tell the dealer to start there.

First you should check your battery. Have it load tested. A failing battery can cause strange electrical issues as well. I do see your truck is a 2017 but it wouldn't be the first battery to fail after a year or two.

 

[bigdodge]

I have as having issues with my 15 powerwagon when I first bought it used. Come out one day and it was completely dead. I had it shut down while sitting in a parking lot once and other times I wouldn't have it shut down but I knew some settings had reset like the power had been pulled. Eventually I found the positive cable to be loose enough to wiggle it back and forth. My 99 ram is like that and has been for years and has never been a problem so I didn't think much about it. Tighten it down and I have never had a problem since. About 3 months now.

I was very frustrated because I couldn't find any other similar problems to mine but I think these electrical systems r very sensitive. I'm still a little Leary because it seems too simple but I would definitely snug them down good anyway. If that doesn't resolve anything than I would make the dealership keep it until the problem is found. U r right, that is dangerous.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[CLOUDL1GHT]

Yup I have a 2012 and I noticed my headlights were basically hyper flashing but it didn't make sense because I have halogen bulbs. Turns out I needed to replace my battery and now it's gone

 

[patchelect]

The truck is from April 2017 so I need to ask about a factory warranty? I se you are in Europe so obviously FCA isn't your go-to but there must be a division that covers such things in whatever country you are in. Looks like you could spend a ton of money "fixing" things that aren't broken and still have the same issues.

 

[ramBE2018]

The truck is from April 2017 so I need to ask about a factory warranty? I se you are in Europe so obviously FCA isn't your go-to but there must be a division that covers such things in whatever country you are in. Looks like you could spend a ton of money "fixing" things that aren't broken and still have the same issues.

Unfortunately the only warranty I have is with the importer. And unless I can demonstrate the fault he can’t do much nor can I go RAM directly as they aren’t represented in my country.

 

[RamCares]

Back in December it all started, the right turn signal began to blink at double speed, then it stopped working all together. The following week the dashboard started to turn off and reboot, but the truck kept driving, lights on etc. This continued for more than a month and the dealer couldn't find any electrical faults.

Last week, while at a stop light the truck stopped working - engine off, all lights off, and nothing happened when I pushed the ignition button. After app 10-15 seconds the truck came back to life and I could start the engine and drive back home. Yesterday the truck did the same thing again, while parked. Today same issue as I wanted to drive back home but I had to wait for 30 seconds before it came back to life.

I am freaked out that the truck might shut down while driving, which would would very dangerous. I checked cables and they seem fine, as we have a lot of rodents chewing on cables out here in the woods.

The truck is from April 2017 with 20k miles.

Any ideas what I should check out? The dealer seems at a loss and unable to help........

Hello ramBE2018,

Have you yo gotten the Customer Care Team in your region involved? I can certainly provide their contact information as it would be good idea to get a case created.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[ramBE2018]

First if all thank for the feedback.

Though I would give an update ....... especially as it seems that the problem has been solved. I had the battery checked, and it was fine. However as the mechanic walks away with his testing device and I jump into the truck to drive home, the car fails to start. Completely dead again. He comes back and fiddles around with the battery, tightening the screws etc. Since then I'be been driving over 2000 miles and hasn't had any problems since. So it turns out that is was only a faulty connection.........