2017 won't shift into Drive, Auto Parks instead

[GahdenGuy]

I'm new here. First post. I'm having a problem with my 2017 Ram 1500's 8 speed transmission shifting into Auto Park after I engage Drive with a trailer attached. The trailer is empty or less than a ton.

Here's the sequence; Vehicle is "off" in Park. Trailer gets attached. Vehicle is started, doors closed. Vehicle is shifted into Drive. Vehicle engages briefly, moving an inch or two, then slams into Park. Dash reads "Vehicle not in Park. Auto Park engaged". I shift knob into Park, and wait a few seconds. Turn back into Drive. Auto Park again.

I've had some luck shifting into Reverse first and moving a few inches, also with turning the engine off again. But these don't always work. Sometimes I have to run through all the steps and hope for the best.

It happens occasionally both on incline and level ground. It happened once without a trailer when I was pulling a tree over with a rope. It's never happened without some tension on the hitch.

The truck just spent a week at the dealer, and they couldn't recreate the issue nor could they find anything wrong with the coding. They basically punted.

Any ideas, or options for the dealer to try? I've put 10k on in 6 months, but it's happened since it was new. This trip to the dealer was the first time I've been able to take the time off work to get it there, and I really don't want to miss more work. Thanks in advance!

 

[PoMansRam]

Have you tried with and without the hill assist activated? (I may be using the wrong term here!)

 

[Neil E]

I'm assuming you have the trailer plugged into the truck before towing. Is it the 7 pin round plug? If so, maybe an electrical issue thinking the door is open?

Have you tried unplugging it when it happens, and see if it lets you move then?

 

[GahdenGuy]

I turned the hill assist option off shortly after purchase. I've grown accustomed to the slight roll over the years. I'll try turning it on next time this happens to see if it helps.

The trailer is plugged in and the coupler locked down prior to starting. The dealer had asked me if the doors were open or closed, and said there was something in the software that in some instances would cause the vehicle to lock in Park. My doors were always closed.

I'll try unplugging it next time. I did get stuck one time when I was pulling with a rope, so no electrical connection at all.

I guess what's frustrating is when I told the dealer about this back in January they said not to worry because it was probably just a software update. And then again in April when my towing frequency and subsequent issues increased. Clearly it's not a simple update or anything that shows on diagnostics.

Thank you!

 

[lakingslayer]

Just for clarity I'm assuming this isn't using a ball on the bumper but on the frame mounted receiver correct?

 

[GahdenGuy]

That is correct. I'm using the stock receiver.

The issue is random, but happens often enough to be a problem. For me I pull a utility trailer 3-4 days a week, and I can count on it happening at least once every other week. Sometimes multiple times in a day, though.

 

[grizzstang]

You should check and see if the U05 Autopark Functionality campaign effects your truck. I am betting it does. I have seen my truck flash messages that it is not in park when it is but it has not given me any problems as of yet.

U05 is a new software update that has come out since April (Late May I believe).

There are a few threads here on it and I have a thread in the tech section that shows my recall letter (with explanation of what they will do).

 

[crash68]

I wonder if the is a loose wire, pin or connector going to the transmission. If it's happening when you have trailer(or pulling a rope), the engine/trans torques more when taking off.
Just throwing $.02 out there

 

[GahdenGuy]

I read some of the threads regarding Auto Park, and it seems like the software updates an issue.

My display indicates I'm not in Park, and is accurate because I have shifted into Drive, which activates the Auto Park. Fortunately I've never been stranded too long.

I agree, it's the tension on the transmission that causes the issue. I'll mention looking for a loose wire to the dealer.

 

[grizzstang]

I am riffing here but I have noticed that some guys that have 2017's and 18's have autopark and some don't. My belief is that they were all supposed to have it and there is/was an issue with the software and it only functions as designed for some. Mine won't autopark with the door open currently. If that is the case your issue may still be software related. Again just guessing at this point.

 

[RamCares]

I'm new here. First post. I'm having a problem with my 2017 Ram 1500's 8 speed transmission shifting into Auto Park after I engage Drive with a trailer attached. The trailer is empty or less than a ton.

Here's the sequence; Vehicle is "off" in Park. Trailer gets attached. Vehicle is started, doors closed. Vehicle is shifted into Drive. Vehicle engages briefly, moving an inch or two, then slams into Park. Dash reads "Vehicle not in Park. Auto Park engaged". I shift knob into Park, and wait a few seconds. Turn back into Drive. Auto Park again.

I've had some luck shifting into Reverse first and moving a few inches, also with turning the engine off again. But these don't always work. Sometimes I have to run through all the steps and hope for the best.

It happens occasionally both on incline and level ground. It happened once without a trailer when I was pulling a tree over with a rope. It's never happened without some tension on the hitch.

The truck just spent a week at the dealer, and they couldn't recreate the issue nor could they find anything wrong with the coding. They basically punted.

Any ideas, or options for the dealer to try? I've put 10k on in 6 months, but it's happened since it was new. This trip to the dealer was the first time I've been able to take the time off work to get it there, and I really don't want to miss more work. Thanks in advance!

Hello GahdenGuy,

We apologize for the inconvenience you're experiencing with your Ram. Send us a direct message with your VIN if we can be of any assistance once you head into the dealer.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist