How stupid is the Automatic Air Dam....? A little PSA for all of you.

[Z1_NEESTer]

I own a 2021 Ram Big Horn 4WD crew Cab with the eTorque V6. Several months back, well... last year at the end of summer my truck threw a check engine light. It wasn't running any differently but noticed the cooling fan coming on more often and almost right after I started the truck. The fan would stay on all the time anytime the truck was running including through the winter. After the CEL came on I got my code reader, connected it to the OBD port. The code it showed was a U11E9. That is the lost communication to the grill shutters. That would be correct if it was on a Hemi Ram but the V6 it's the automatic airdam (AAD). It sits just behind the valance under the front bumper. It doesn't activate till you hit 30 MPH and above. According to Stellantis when the AAD is activated it helps add up to 8% fuel efficiency. 8%? ******* really? I would opt out of having the stupid part if that's all it did. But no, its standard on the truck. Because its helps with fuel efficiency, it is part of the emissions system and you can't clear the code until its repaired. In NY with its stupid emissions inspection law, you can't pass inspection unless you repair the problem. And you can't bypass it either. I tried.

So on the hunt I go to find the part I need. Only to find at first that its $500 from Mopar. Checked third party online auto parts sellers and they are maybe $50 cheaper. So last resort I go to Amazon and find it from a source in China for $200. I throw caution into the wind and buy it from Amazon and had it delivers in 3 days. The day it arrives I immediately went to work to change it out. It took me all of 10 minutes to do the swap. Took me longer to get my truck up on ramps in my driveway, get my tool box, my plywood to put on the ground under the trunk along with a moving blanket for some comfort. After the swap and clean up I took it for a drive. After about 15 miles the CEL cleared on its own. Got back to my garage, hooked up the code reader showed no active codes and cleared the old code from the memory. the best $200 and 10 minutes I've spent on my truck. It passed inspection!

 

[Mojo88]

Hahaha, 8% seems like an absolutely ridiculous claim.......................

 

[mikeru]

I own a 2021 Ram Big Horn 4WD crew Cab with the eTorque V6. Several months back, well... last year at the end of summer my truck threw a check engine light. It wasn't running any differently but noticed the cooling fan coming on more often and almost right after I started the truck. The fan would stay on all the time anytime the truck was running including through the winter. After the CEL came on I got my code reader, connected it to the OBD port. The code it showed was a U11E9. That is the lost communication to the grill shutters. That would be correct if it was on a Hemi Ram but the V6 it's the automatic airdam (AAD). It sits just behind the valance under the front bumper. It doesn't activate till you hit 30 MPH and above. According to Stellantis when the AAD is activated it helps add up to 8% fuel efficiency. 8%? ******* really? I would opt out of having the stupid part if that's all it did. But no, its standard on the truck. Because its helps with fuel efficiency, it is part of the emissions system and you can't clear the code until its repaired. In NY with its stupid emissions inspection law, you can't pass inspection unless you repair the problem. And you can't bypass it either. I tried.

So on the hunt I go to find the part I need. Only to find at first that its $500 from Mopar. Checked third party online auto parts sellers and they are maybe $50 cheaper. So last resort I go to Amazon and find it from a source in China for $200. I throw caution into the wind and buy it from Amazon and had it delivers in 3 days. The day it arrives I immediately went to work to change it out. It took me all of 10 minutes to do the swap. Took me longer to get my truck up on ramps in my driveway, get my tool box, my plywood to put on the ground under the trunk along with a moving blanket for some comfort. After the swap and clean up I took it for a drive. After about 15 miles the CEL cleared on its own. Got back to my garage, hooked up the code reader showed no active codes and cleared the old code from the memory. the best $200 and 10 minutes I've spent on my truck. It passed inspection!

The U11E9 is thrown on a Hemi equipped 5th gen for an AAD failure too, even though it’s a code for the AGS system. The two systems seem to be tied together in some way.

I’ve removed the AAD (and stationary air dam) from three different 5th gens (2020 Laramie Hemi w/etorque, 2020 Limited Hemi no etorque, 2021 Limited Hemi w/etorque). No CEL’s on any of them. Plus I gained ground clearance and improved the look IMHO. I honestly didn’t notice a difference in fuel economy after removal.

I’ve read that 2022 and newer 5th gens may throw a code if the AAD is unplugged, but since I’ve never owned one newer than 2021 I can’t say that’s true from experience. I’m wondering if, now that you’ve cleared the code, would you get another CEL if you unplugged the AAD? Maybe because your truck doesn’t have the AGS it might behave differently than my three trucks dis.

 

[turkeybird56]

OP: There was a recall/warranty extension for Air Dam Issues. My 2019 covered, just not done yet. Maybe U c an see if you R included and try and get a reimbursement:

Warranty X96.

Owner Name1234 Anywhere StAnytown, St XXXXXVIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDear (Name):This letter is to inform you that the warranty period on your vehicle’s Active Air Dam has been extendedto 8 years / unlimited miles for vehicles already out of the warranty period. This warranty extension onthe Active Air Dam applies to certain 2019 Ram 1500 Pickup vehicles. Our records show that you eitherown or lease one of the vehicles affected by this warranty extension.We are extending the warranty period on the Active Air Dam because some of the vehicles within theabove referenced population may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination due towater intrusion into the motor circuit. If you are experiencing this condition now, or if youexperience them in the future, simply contact your dealer to have the appropriate repairs performed.Conversely, if you do not experience this condition, then your Active Air Dam is operatingcorrectly and no repair is necessary.If you have already experienced this condition and previously paid for a repair, you may be eligible toreceive a reimbursement. Visit www.fcarecallreimbursement.com to submit an onlinereimbursement request. You may also complete the enclosed Customer Reimbursement Claim Formand send your original receipts, invoices and/or repair order to the following address forreimbursement. Your claim will be acted upon within 60 days of receipt:FCA US LLC Customer CenterP.O. Box 21-8004Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004Attn: ReimbursementIf you have questions or need any assistance, please contact your dealer or the FCA US LLC CustomerCare. FCA US LLC Customer Care is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. They can be reachedat: 1-866-726-4636 or 1-866-RAM-INFO.Please keep this letter in your glove box along with your vehicle’s other warranty information for futurereference if necessary. This warranty extension applies only to the Active Air Dam condition describedabove; the other terms and the “What’s Not Covered” items of your warranty remain the same as statedin your Warranty Information book.FCA US LLC is taking this action to demonstrate its commitment to your continued satisfacti

 

[Z1_NEESTer]

OP: There was a recall/warranty extension for Air Dam Issues. My 2019 covered, just not done yet. Maybe U c an see if you R included and try and get a reimbursement:

Warranty X96.

Owner Name1234 Anywhere StAnytown, St XXXXXVIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxDear (Name):This letter is to inform you that the warranty period on your vehicle’s Active Air Dam has been extendedto 8 years / unlimited miles for vehicles already out of the warranty period. This warranty extension onthe Active Air Dam applies to certain 2019 Ram 1500 Pickup vehicles. Our records show that you eitherown or lease one of the vehicles affected by this warranty extension.We are extending the warranty period on the Active Air Dam because some of the vehicles within theabove referenced population may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination due towater intrusion into the motor circuit. If you are experiencing this condition now, or if youexperience them in the future, simply contact your dealer to have the appropriate repairs performed.Conversely, if you do not experience this condition, then your Active Air Dam is operatingcorrectly and no repair is necessary.If you have already experienced this condition and previously paid for a repair, you may be eligible toreceive a reimbursement. Visit www.fcarecallreimbursement.com to submit an onlinereimbursement request. You may also complete the enclosed Customer Reimbursement Claim Formand send your original receipts, invoices and/or repair order to the following address forreimbursement. Your claim will be acted upon within 60 days of receipt:FCA US LLC Customer CenterP.O. Box 21-8004Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004Attn: ReimbursementIf you have questions or need any assistance, please contact your dealer or the FCA US LLC CustomerCare. FCA US LLC Customer Care is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. They can be reachedat: 1-866-726-4636 or 1-866-RAM-INFO.Please keep this letter in your glove box along with your vehicle’s other warranty information for futurereference if necessary. This warranty extension applies only to the Active Air Dam condition describedabove; the other terms and the “What’s Not Covered” items of your warranty remain the same as statedin your Warranty Information book.FCA US LLC is taking this action to demonstrate its commitment to your continued satisfacti

I checked into that recall with my local dealers and my truck didn't fall under that recall.

 

[Z1_NEESTer]

The U11E9 is thrown on a Hemi equipped 5th gen for an AAD failure too, even though it’s a code for the AGS system. The two systems seem to be tied together in some way.

I’ve removed the AAD (and stationary air dam) from three different 5th gens (2020 Laramie Hemi w/etorque, 2020 Limited Hemi no etorque, 2021 Limited Hemi w/etorque). No CEL’s on any of them. Plus I gained ground clearance and improved the look IMHO. I honestly didn’t notice a difference in fuel economy after removal.

I’ve read that 2022 and newer 5th gens may throw a code if the AAD is unplugged, but since I’ve never owned one newer than 2021 I can’t say that’s true from experience. I’m wondering if, now that you’ve cleared the code, would you get another CEL if you unplugged the AAD? Maybe because your truck doesn’t have the AGS it might behave differently than my three trucks dis.

I tried the first time clearing the code and unplugging the AAD. Because I live in a part of NY with tight emissions inspection laws, it is in my opinion, the OBD captures the code after being cleared and sees the issue not repaired. So disconnecting the AAD still has the computer seeing a communication issue with the AAD and the CEL comes back on.

 

[Z1_NEESTer]

What it comes down to with me, is that it's a stupid part that is completely unnecessary for very little gain and should have no bearing on emissions or engine performance.

 

[DanAR]

8% increase in fuel efficiency huh. I think someone in advertising left out the decimal point at the front.

 

[turkeybird56]

I checked into that recall with my local dealers and my truck didn't fall under that recall.

Tried...

 

[turkeybird56]

8% increase in fuel efficiency huh. I think someone in advertising left out the decimal point at the front.

Yup 8% on Air Dam. 10-20% HP increase on oiled air filters, dang, need to go out and buy some stickers, LOL.

 

[Z1_NEESTer]

8% increase in fuel efficiency huh. I think someone in advertising left out the decimal point at the front.

More like .0000000000000008%.

 

[Z1_NEESTer]

Yup 8% on Air Dam. 10-20% HP increase on oiled air filters, dang, need to go out and buy some stickers, LOL.

How about the fact that Stellantis calls the eTorque a mild hybrid system. It's more like an electric boost assist that you never can feel or tell if it's doing the job hybrid system. That should be a sticker.

 

[Docwagon1776]

Hahaha, 8% seems like an absolutely ridiculous claim.......................

I suspect the actual claim is reduces drag by 7-8% and that's getting confused with increases mpg by 7-8%.

 

[Docwagon1776]

I own a 2021 Ram Big Horn 4WD crew Cab with the eTorque V6. Several months back, well... last year at the end of summer my truck threw a check engine light.

It should have been covered by warranty, since they decided it's emissions equipment. Emissions equipment gets an 8 year warranty. 2019 and before got a warranty extension of 8 years unlimited miles on the active air dams, but the later ones may just be 80k miles. Not sure.

 

[ts27330]

The U11E9 is thrown on a Hemi equipped 5th gen for an AAD failure too, even though it’s a code for the AGS system. The two systems seem to be tied together in some way.

I’ve removed the AAD (and stationary air dam) from three different 5th gens (2020 Laramie Hemi w/etorque, 2020 Limited Hemi no etorque, 2021 Limited Hemi w/etorque). No CEL’s on any of them. Plus I gained ground clearance and improved the look IMHO. I honestly didn’t notice a difference in fuel economy after removal.

I’ve read that 2022 and newer 5th gens may throw a code if the AAD is unplugged, but since I’ve never owned one newer than 2021 I can’t say that’s true from experience. I’m wondering if, now that you’ve cleared the code, would you get another CEL if you unplugged the AAD? Maybe because your truck doesn’t have the AGS it might behave differently than my three trucks dis.

Can you share what part was replaced? It may benefits others.

 

[RamDiver]

So disconnecting the AAD still has the computer seeing a communication issue with the AAD and the CEL comes back on.

I wonder if you can fake out the ECM by adding a resistor (of some unknown value) to the connector in place of the ADD.

Something to explore, should this issue return.

.

 

[Whammer1]

True. Stupid air damn throws error code constantly on my 2020 1500 Laramie. I removed it since I put a 6 inch lift. Error code comes back soon after I clear it.

 

[Dusty]

The U11E9 is thrown on a Hemi equipped 5th gen for an AAD failure too, even though it’s a code for the AGS system. The two systems seem to be tied together in some way.

I’ve removed the AAD (and stationary air dam) from three different 5th gens (2020 Laramie Hemi w/etorque, 2020 Limited Hemi no etorque, 2021 Limited Hemi w/etorque). No CEL’s on any of them. Plus I gained ground clearance and improved the look IMHO. I honestly didn’t notice a difference in fuel economy after removal.

I’ve read that 2022 and newer 5th gens may throw a code if the AAD is unplugged, but since I’ve never owned one newer than 2021 I can’t say that’s true from experience. I’m wondering if, now that you’ve cleared the code, would you get another CEL if you unplugged the AAD? Maybe because your truck doesn’t have the AGS it might behave differently than my three trucks dis.

The reason why a faulty Air Dam Module will throw a U11E9 is because the monitor line is in parallel to the AGS circuit. Yes, Hemi equipped trucks will also see this code, as a matter of fact I have one now! On older 5th gens (at least my '19) you can disconnect the ADM and the code will go away.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 149919 miles.

 

[TradesmanGuy]

8% increase in fuel efficiency huh. I think someone in advertising left out the decimal point at the front.

Same % when you put a Nascar Racing sticker on the rear bumper.

 

[Grams]

Funny how CAFE and Emissions per-centages seem insignificant … But if it were a similar number in banking Interest-rates…..