4th Gen Mistake?

[demonram]

Sorry to hear about your woes. Yeah I can kind of see how it would make you re-think the wisdom of your purchase. Perhaps you just got into a wierd 'funk' ...like an all-star, super-bowl-winning quarterback who's team is 12-1, hasn't thrown an interception all season, then has 4 in a single game. Has he lost his luster -- all washed up? Hard to say. Maybe some were his fault, and others weren't; the first one, the ball was tipped, another, the receiver slipped on the grass, the third, he was in the grasp and wish he wouldn't have thrown that ball ...and the last a good defensive play. We've all seen that happen to QB's.

The LCD screens losing their adhesive behind the glass is a known issue. Esp in hot climate zones. They get real hot and eventually flows down. We're going to hear more about this in coming years with a number of makes. LCD's in hot car interiors after many yrs, cold winters too ..temp extremes are not always a good mix. That happens with some auto-dimming rear view mirrors too, and has for many years. There are some LCD 'fixes' for your issue if you search it out; either re-laminating the screen, or replacing it with a new LG unit. But, yeah, you shouldn't have to spend the $$ for a new one this early you wouldn't think, and I sympathize with you ..really I do. The U-connect, I wonder if you can reset that yourself if you were to download AlfaOBD and get an OBD cable? Or maybe it really is dealer-only (some things are). I've said for yrs that the more tech and LCD stuff in trucks, it's just asking for trouble as they age.

The blower motor, most expect those to last a long time. That's a wierd one. Let's chalk that up to the 'tipped ball' scenario. The wheel bearing, shouldn't fail either at your mileage. Maybe that is just one of those flukes. Who can say. Or maybe you'll get lucky and it's just a rock in the caliper (I've had that happen). If it is the bearing and you can do it yourself, they aren't terribly expensive (but potentially a lot of work). Use a good Mopar (not an import parts store unit).

Beyond that, 4th gen tks trucks are generally great and long lasting. There are a couple other potential problems you might prepare yourself for such as exhaust manifolds warping (search out Hemi tick), which they all do it seems, and cam issues. Exh manifolds always warp on these for some reason. Maybe yours already did and have been fixed (might want to ask dealer records). If they do in the future, have yours machined down (don't put on new -- they'll re-warp). Other vehicles have exh manifold warp issues too. 1960's Ford FE engines had that happen a lot. On the Cam, some guys get well over 150k miles w/o problems (170k on mine), lot of guys don't. ..so who knows.

Anyway, congrats on your new truck. I'm sure it looks nice. Hopefully you get past this ugly stretch you can enjoy many interception-free games.

Cheersiff

Just my opinion, but I think the exhaust manifold issue is the difference in cooling off of an aluminum head and a cast manifold.

 

[Lee Pedrick]

Sounds like a flood vehicle.

Funny, I was thinking the same thing. Alot of flood vehicles from hurricanes and storms.

 

[tap4154]

Funny, I was thinking the same thing. Alot of flood vehicles from hurricanes and storms.

OP, who has vanished, is from Georgia, and you're probably right. I have 37,000 miles on my 2018, and haven't had a single issue, knock on wood, aside from the steep gas filler neck. He should be able to do a search and see if the vehicle was ever totaled for flood damage.

 

[shrubs]

Caveat emptor. Also a sale or buy needs to be clinical. Son dumped a Ridgeline for grandpa’s 2015 5.7 4X4 Tradesman.
Said it above, we got it fixed up to off the lot quality.

 

[Dusty]

After owning a 2004 Ram 1500 3rd gen for 14 years, I decided it was time for an upgrade and got a 2018 Ram 1500 4th Gen. I am beginning to think that was a huge mistake. I purchased the vehicle with 30k on it (my 2004 had 180k). Over the course of just a year and 10k (which now puts me out of warranty) I have suffered some pretty odd failures that are making me rethink my purchase. First, the radio screen started "melting". Reached out to @RamCares, but since the local dealership wouldn't cover it under warranty my only option was to pay for it and hope they decided to rectify this widespread issue down the road. Next, my wiper motor failed... just stopped one day and wouldnt come on anymore. After trying unsuccesfully to find an aftermarket replacement, I found a used one from ebay and replaced the wiper unit. I have owned a number of cars/trucks (even a Ford) and never replaced a wiper motor. The A/C fan was extremely noisy during operation (ticking noise almost like a leaf was in it, but there wasnt), so I replaced that with a used unit which was much better. A few months ago, I noticed the WiFi is no longer working which is apparently another "known issue". I contacted UConnect who put me in touch with AT&T, they said I would have to go to the dealer to get it reset, they were supposed to call me back and never did. Now this weekend, I am hearing a grinding noise from the front drivers side wheel which I can only guess is the wheel bearing from previous experience. How is it possible that *ALL* of this goes wrong in 4-5k miles after the warranty is over. I am regretting purchasing another RAM. I guess they don't make them like they used too. At the rate this 4th Gen is going I am not going to get 60k miles, much less 160K.

There are horror stories all over the place and not unique to any brand. As I type this a friend of mine has his 2022 Sierra sitting apart at the dealer with bent pushrods and bad lifters with 5300 miles on it. Another sufferer sitting right next to it.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 065595 miles.

 

[MuleDawg]

The other thing too, is vehicle types are somewhat generational. Look at automotive history: sedans once ruled the road. Station wagons were very popular. The next generation preferred minivans. The minivan market has shrunk dramatically for SUV's and pick-ups. The pickup market as DD's has been around quite a while now. These younger generation of buyers are not hot on SUV's their parents hauled them around to soccer games in. Their (young people) aspirational vehicles are electric cars/trucks (just ask a bunch of high-schoolers/college kids). And energy prices could put a damper on pickup tk sales.

What I'm saying is ...who knows? We might well be standing at the edge of a generational shift. The late Rococo stages of pickup popularity (??). Nobody's saying they'll disappear overnight, but tastes and popularity will move on sure as can be. The pickups of today will one day be the woodgrain station wagons of the 80's. There's a whole new crop of exciting and new electric vehicles/trucks coming up; Sure they have issues, sure there aren't enough charging stations now, sure it's the bleeding edge of technology, sure they use fossil fuels to recharge, sure there are downfalls (we can debate the negatives ...but the technology is here and coming). And young buyers are ready to latch on.

The question is when will the market reach that tipping point, when pickup sales wane and electric vehicles really take off (if they do)? I don't know the answer but it feels like we're getting closer. And maybe all it will take is an oil shock, recession, and a new crop of buyers (with different interests) to do it. At that point getting rid of an old pickup would be like selling a used-up ford explorer, lol. I dont know for sure if we're there, but it's an interesting topic to ponder.

Hate to hijack this topic, but after reading everyone’s post I think someone here can help me.
I have a ‘14 Dodge Ram Big Horn (Silverback is her name). When I am driving without towing most of the time, I get a code P0300 (rear propeller shaft speed sensor). I ordered the part but I’m having an issue locating the senor on my truck. I YouTubed & googled but it leads me to years younger than mind.

Again I apologize for throwing this at you all, but I’m at my end. I have even contacted MOPAR & I’m awaiting their words.

If anyone has a picture, diagrams or video PLEASE help me out.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Andersoncma]

I too had a scraping noise on my 2011 Ram2500 at the left front wheel. I pulled the wheel off and then the caliper and when I pulled the caliper off one of the brake pad clips dropped to the floor. I put the clip back on the pad where it belongs…and issue resolved!!

 

[Notamastertech]

For your WiFi issue, try doing a capacitive discharge: disconnect the battery cables and touch the cables only together for 10-20 seconds. Many other brands I've worked on as a professional, this will actually clear the memory on control modules that sometimes get confused, so to speak, and stop performing the way they should.

 

[Dusty]

Hate to hijack this topic, but after reading everyone’s post I think someone here can help me.
I have a ‘14 Dodge Ram Big Horn (Silverback is her name). When I am driving without towing most of the time, I get a code P0300 (rear propeller shaft speed sensor). I ordered the part but I’m having an issue locating the senor on my truck. I YouTubed & googled but it leads me to years younger than mind.

Again I apologize for throwing this at you all, but I’m at my end. I have even contacted MOPAR & I’m awaiting their words.

If anyone has a picture, diagrams or video PLEASE help me out.

Thank you in advance.

Well, in Mopar parlance a P0300 code usually is Random Cylinder Misfires.

If i remember correctly, the Input and Output Speed Sensors are both mounted on the left side of a 545RFE transmission and they should be the same part number.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 065595 miles.

 

[HEMIMANN]

There are horror stories all over the place and not unique to any brand. As I type this a friend of mine has his 2022 Sierra sitting apart at the dealer with bent pushrods and bad lifters with 5300 miles on it. Another sufferer sitting right next to it.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 065595 miles.

How in the world does it bend pushrods? Don't know how GM AFM works, but an elongated lifter like MDS promotes normal (long) operation. MDS shortens the lifter. What has GM done?

 

[Dusty]

How in the world does it bend pushrods? Don't know how GM AFM works, but an elongated lifter like MDS promotes normal (long) operation. MDS shortens the lifter. What has GM done?

Apparently, the Active Fuel Management (AFM) and the new Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems are having lifter failures where the lifter collapses, on some, and stays locked in others. There's one video of a person claiming that some lifters are rotating 90 degrees at the roller!

Are there new problems with GM V-8 engine lifters lurking?

GM lifter problems are hitting V-8 truck engines with relatively low mileage. And, while there's a fix, there is no recall.

pickuptrucktalk.com

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 065595 miles.

 

[MuleDawg]

Well, in Mopar parlance a P0300 code usually is Random Cylinder Misfires.

If i remember correctly, the Input and Output Speed Sensors are both mounted on the left side of a 545RFE transmission and they should be the same part number.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 065595 miles.

Dusty
I read wrong it’s a C0300
Not P… it may just be time for spark plug change ‍…

 

[MuleDawg]

Well, in Mopar parlance a P0300 code usually is Random Cylinder Misfires.

If i remember correctly, the Input and Output Speed Sensors are both mounted on the left side of a 545RFE transmission and they should be the same part number.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 065595 miles.

Also you wouldn’t have a link to that MOPAR site or a picture of the output &
Input sensors?

 

[Dusty]

Dusty
I read wrong it’s a C0300
Not P… it may just be time for spark plug change ‍…

I couldn't find a listing for this code in my 2019 service manual. So I went on the web and below is all I could find:

C0300 code possible causes​

• Faulty Rear Propshaft Speed Sensor
• Rear Propshaft Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted
• Rear Propshaft Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

So if my memory serves me correctly, in 2004 there was a speed sensor mounted to the real axle as in those years there was a Tone Ring, also known as an Exciter Ring, which was used with a sensor to monitor wheel revolutions. Should be easy to spot a 3-wire harness that goes to the rear differential.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 065677 miles.

 

[Dusty]

Also you wouldn’t have a link to that MOPAR site or a picture of the output &
Input sensors?

Well, the Input and Output Speed Sensors are the same side on a 545RFE transmission. They are connected to a 3-wire harness and both are mounted on the left side of the transmission case (driver's side). They are held in with one bolt. I thought I had one in my collection of used but good parts that I could take a picture of. But I can't find it. Sorry.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 065677 miles.

 

[wlatch]

The Electric Vehicle is the next coming thing. Hopefully, that won’t last but 5-7 years until everyone has experienced that debacle. Then gas will get cleaned up a bit.

Where’d our OP go?

I told you o don’t trust a guy who calls a truck a car.

I tried ignoring it for a week or so and it didn’t go away. After a trip to the dealer to try to get it cover under the drivetrain warranty (No such luck) I took it to my preferred local shop. Indeed a bad wheel bearing. Brakes were about 80% gone and when they went to turn the rotors found pitting so bad that new rotors were required. Guys at the shop said they had never seen them pitted so bad (but we are in the south!)

I dont think it is a flood vehicle but I guess I could be wrong. I do think beach or northern is more likely. Something I saw said Detroit (maybe in the Uconnect registration) so that explains the salty roads maybe? Wheel hub from a pot hole? Windshield wiper motor burnt from snow/ice? Pitted rotors from road salt? IDK. Guess I am just the unlucky one that got the end results. Not sure any of them would have been found before hand. The “tick” in the Ac Fan motor was probably always there. The radio just ****** me off at this point. The screen looks like crap… the wifi doesn’t work… But I am hoping that a class action will come through at some point before it goes complete out.

Thanks for all the feed back. I guess I was just looking to see if I was alone in some of this or if there were that many issues. Seems like most of these are random. I did look over the lot when I was there and though about trading up. If it had been a 4x4 I would have.

 

[wlatch]

OP, who has vanished, is from Georgia, and you're probably right. I have 37,000 miles on my 2018, and haven't had a single issue, knock on wood, aside from the steep gas filler neck. He should be able to do a search and see if the vehicle was ever totaled for flood damage.

So I guess you can never walk away from the pump either? Is the steep neck why I can never lock the pump on and walk away?

I had a clean carfaxs so unless something really fishy went on it shouldn’t be a flood.

Sorry I didn’t intend to disappear was thinking I got notifications of reply’s but apparently don’t.

 

[wlatch]

Either he's out fixing the wheel bearing (which you know *can* be a real bugger, or maybe out walking the lots for a new car truck

I considered it… watched a video… and said nope going to the shop. Probably should have saved a few bucks and done the brakes myself but they had it all apart anyway.

 

[wlatch]

If you WERE inclined to get rid of it and get something else, I would do it ASAP ...like in the next week. If this whole Russian Invasion thing gets really nasty and protracted (could be like our Afghanistan), expect oil & gas prices to go way up. What if it does become protracted resistence?? How long before someone blows up the Russian pipeline? If they wanted to hit Putin below the belt, that would be a way to do it. Either way, it has the distinct possibility to put a real major damper on gas-guzzling pick-up sales. I've been driving by dealers lately and most have gradually built up somewhat of an inventory of used pick-up trucks (not very many new ones yet). But guess what? They paid top dollar for those trucks, and they're not selling them cheap either.

I know a guy who is a buyer at car auctions, and he was telling me not long ago, hardly any decent pickup trucks come through the auctions. Those that do are selling sky high. So, dealers who *have* trucks are sitting on over-priced inventory that's going to be real hard to unload if gas goes sky-high. Which it probably will. Don't you remember in '08 how people parked their trucks and nobody was buying them?

Right now you might still be able to unload your truck outright to Carvana or elsewhere ....at these once-in-a-generation outrageous used-truck prices. If you want to do it, I'd dump it real quick before the bottom falls out on truck prices.

This post didn’t age well. put $4.59/gallon gas in it today. Painful after the repair bill this week. I told them not to drive it to far diagnosing the problem.

 

[Rodney Belair]

He didn't say if he got the Hemi or the Pentastar. If he got the Pentastar he won't have those issues.

Hemi, sorry.