Here I am

2018 Ram 2500 - dreaded HCU failure

Attention: TDR Forum Junkies
To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.

Thanks, TDR Staff

Batteries and Long term storage

5500 headlight confusion

Not really much to discuss on this issue, but in my searching around I didn't find much information. I do, however, have some info to share...

For about 2 years now, I would periodically get the ABS dashboard light and "Service Antilock Brake System" message alert. This alert would stay lit for about a minute, then reset itself. Back in July, the issue got MUCH worse where it would ding and reset every couple seconds...so incredibly aggravating.

Anyway - I had my local independent shop diagnose the issue and sure enough, faulty HCU controller is the problem. However...........no repair available. Mopar has a lock on all HCU controllers and will not be selling any of them. The lockout is until February 2024.

The service advisor indicated that in past when he has seen this, it means they are either going to build a new part or the issue will go to a "recall".

Imagine my disappointment when I just received a recall notice in the mail yesterday....for an emissions issue.

Not sure if anyone else has run into the "lock" on purchasing any Mopar parts for faulty HCU's...but that's where it's at.
 
And now the update I'm told is that Mopar's new HCU part isn't available until June 2024.

Made it through the winter with no ABS or TC. Wow...that took a little re-programming of my brain to go back 25 years when I didn't own a vehicle with ABS. :) Ahhh...the good ol' days. Amazing how quick we change and rely on modern technology.
 
If you are looking for the HCU, PN 68143491AA/AB there are 960+ dealers with stock available as of this morning.

I'm pretty sure that's old stock they aren't allowed to sell. That's based on my conversations with 1 independent shop and 1 local RAM dealer...but I'll check it out!
 
I have this issue also, (2017 2500) and video of it going off every 5 seconds (the alert) which seem to have become much worse / more frequent after the dealer did some software upgrade. Its like riding an elevator for as long as your trip. Currently tempted to find the alert speaker in the dash and clip the wires. The fact that this disables cruise control is even more infuriating. The programmers on these systems need to be flogged. Start the truck, receive the error ONCE, write it to short term memory, leave the warning light on, and beep ONCE, not an average of every 5 seconds.
I can also confirm they will not sell you any in-stock AA/AB parts.
 
Pulling the anti-lock fuse should solve the Ding-Ding problem as it will be permanently disabled then. At least on my old one that works flawless. Light stays on, no dingies.
 
Pulling the anti-lock fuse should solve the Ding-Ding problem as it will be permanently disabled then. At least on my old one that works flawless. Light stays on, no dingies.
If that works i am going to be very happy and very grateful. With all the systems interconnected i didn't even try it. I'll give it a shot tomorrow and keep you posted.
 
I took my truck in for a dead def injector b/c the bolts were rotted off on it and a couple on the dpf broke off as well. Dealer said now August to get the HCU.
btw def injectors on-line $101. Dealer wants $552.98. Did I get my lips ripped off? Cost-to-own thread on deck.
 
Pulling the fuse worked on my 2018 , it took a year for them to get the part in , by then I had already got it somewhere else. If you are not familiar with braking a vehicle without the ABS you need to be extra cautious when braking. On a side note I heard them quote a price for replacing the part at the dealer at 1000.00......I spent 150 plus about 20 minutes to do it.
 
Update!!! Well of all the make me happy news, today as i am pushing to get the HCU / ECU replaced per the diagnosis from Dodge / Ram / whoever they are this week, and i am informed that Chrysler has issued a new process and i need to bring my truck BACK IN to re-diagnose what was already diagnosed regarding their recommendation to replace both, as if i had not been in yet for this issue at all. Needless to say, i am less than pleased. I have asked them to pick which one they are replacing when i bring it in, because i am not starting over at step zero, after waiting for these parts for 9 months or more. I had advised them about the LA distribution center per sag2 above, they state they have no eta. Also, although i pulled multiple fuses including Cruise, i cant get rid of the 3 second "ding" on the abs failure. If anyone knows any escalation points, regional, national, i am ready to make some noise.
 
there is a lawyer in Oregon who specializes in auto warranty stuff, can't remember the name. Sometimes if you just mention the word "lawyer" the service manager will step it up for you. I never sued anybody in 70 years but I was starting to think about it when I was waiting for the "travelling warranty examiner" to show up, but once he finally got there and approved the engine replacement everything was smooth as can be.
 
If anyone knows any escalation points, regional, national, i am ready to make some noise.

Call the OEM customer service number, Fiat Chrysler or whatever they call themselves today, and request they step it up to fix this. The number is in the owner's manual. The Dealer is an independent and their hands are tied by the OEM. It got the welded nut steering recall changed to an updated part on mine after a couple rounds.
 
Back
Top