Questions and advise....

[drifter106]

Hello,

Have a few questions I hope that can be answered:

1) e-torque
2) u-connect
3) sun roof

Getting ready to purchase a 2019 Ram 1500. If you have any advise I would be glad to here it.

1) e-torque

From my understanding, when you come to a stop the gasoline engine shuts off and the e-torque will do its thing when... you push on the accelerator it starts the gas engine. Does all of your electronics, heat, A-C, radio, wipers, etc. shut down until you step on the accelerator? I can see where this, in certain situations be annoying or uncomfortable. Like the idea of e-torque but what do you have to sacrifice?

2) u-connect

Have read where this option is causing some headaches for owners. To eleviate some of the problems does FCA automatically send out software and update unit because of specific "gremlins" as they occur? Seems that if it a 4th generation they would finally get it right. Are the number of "instances" with the u-connect on the decrease? Does FCA use the internet to send updates or do you need to go to a dealer to get a fix?

3) sun roof

Have read that some people have had problems with the sunroof leaking and getting the liner wet inside the cab? Is this usually fixed by the dealer under warranty?

Some may think that my questions come from the **** bin....but I am old enough to know this will be my last truck and I want to make the best decision as to what I should get. Not like 2004 when I paid 28,000 for my new truck....can you imagine what they will be like 10 years from now. Anyway, thanks to all who reply. Enjoy going thru the threads here and over at 5th generation ram. Lots of honest good people helping one another.

Any other thoughts or advise would be appreciated also!!!

regards,

john

 

[avantiguy]

My understanding is the e-torgue works like my wife's Prius, it will not shut down if you need heat or cool. My concern would be the extra battery and other things not covered under the warranties as the truck ages.

As far a uconnect, I have it and I'm not sure what I'll use it for. Probably nets out at zero.

I love sun roofs but the new panorama one on my Laramie is a bit of over kill. I use them mainly for ventilation so I just need a tilt on it and a manual shade I can use to just open enough to let the air flow out. The new one controls everything by switches and is a bit more than I need. Still a decent addition but if you never plan to have a cap on the truck, the power rear window works well for ventilation.

I did have wind noise in my sun roof but the dealer took care of that issue. It's your call here.

As far as your last truck, meh! I'm 76 and not sure my new Laramie is my last. I've never had a leak on the sun roof in my last four vehicles, two of them Ram's.

But because of all the expensive items on it I will buy an extended warranty as I plan to drive it for 7-8 years.

 

[pacofortacos]

Etorque will shut down at a stop, you still will have cooling/heating up to a point. Once beyond that point the motor will restart. Everything will work while the motor is off just as it would if the motor was running - you just are saving fuel.

Unless you pay extra for uconnect yearly (if I am not mistaken), it will be done within the first year (maybe longer with the higher end packages).
I had it only for 6 months on my 2016 and never used or even activated it.

 

[JD Martin]

My understanding is the e-torgue works like my wife's Prius, it will not shut down if you need heat or cool. My concern would be the extra battery and other things not covered under the warranties as the truck ages.

As far a uconnect, I have it and I'm not sure what I'll use it for. Probably nets out at zero.

I love sun roofs but the new panorama one on my Laramie is a bit of over kill. I use them mainly for ventilation so I just need a tilt on it and a manual shade I can use to just open enough to let the air flow out. The new one controls everything by switches and is a bit more than I need. Still a decent addition but if you never plan to have a cap on the truck, the power rear window works well for ventilation.

I did have wind noise in my sun roof but the dealer took care of that issue. It's your call here.

As far as your last truck, meh! I'm 76 and not sure my new Laramie is my last. I've never had a leak on the sun roof in my last four vehicles, two of them Ram's.

But because of all the expensive items on it I will buy an extended warranty as I plan to drive it for 7-8 years.

Even with a cap the rear window works well for ventilation. I have a cap and I use my window down some/all and back window open all the time and get a nice air flow.

 

[pacofortacos]

When I run highway speeds with the back window open, the only flow I get is air in. It will blow rain and snow clear up to the dash! I want air out that window not in! haha.

 

[quikmofo]

I just bought a new 2020 Limited with e-torque. So far it’s great. The truck is so quiet you can barely tell when the motor shuts down. Then when you take your foot off of the brake the electric motor gives the truck a bit of a start before you even hit the accelerator. It takes a little getting used to but so far I really like it. I have that star/stop function on another vehicle I own and turn it off all the time. It’s not nearly as seamless as the Ram. BTW the stop/start function can be turned off in the Ram also. Not sure if it can be configured to always be off. Haven’t got that far in the manual yet.
I have Uconnect also. Have it in my 2014 Laramie Long Horn (for sale)and use it all the time for phone calls, music from my phone, NAV etc. Never had a problem with it.
As for the sunroof...have a regular one in the ‘14 and the pano in the Limited. Love them both and wouldn’t buy a truck without one. Never had a problem with the one in the 2014. In fact that 2014 is one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned and I’ve owned MANY.

 

[drifter106]

appreciate the responses....coming from every day people they carry a lot insofar as to how everything works out with their trucks. Carries more weight than hearing it from someone who is trying to sell you a vehicle.

 

[reefer451]

Etorque is pretty seamless, does not turn off all the electronics even during a restart. The initial start uses the conventional 12 V starter & battery but after that the Etorque start/stop is handled by the 48 volt Li-Ion battery and belt driven motor generator so all the 12 V stuff does not see any interruption of voltage.

Can't really say about Uconnect. It's not something I'm interested in or would use. It does not automatically update in my Gen 4 but all the car makers are moving toward automatic downloads.

Personally, you couldn't give me any vehicle with a sun roof. Had my fill of them 30 years ago, problem just waiting to happen.

 

[runamuck]

have had sunroof in last 3 vehicles. like the light they let in and like to run with it open in the fall and in the summer I pop one end open to let hot air out when parked. only had 1 leak a liittle spot when the drain got clogged. blow out with air hose and good to go. the new ones are too large in my view but they dont offer other sizes so it is what it is.