Love/hate new truck

[Dutch & Di]

Day 2 yesterday
Received a call around 2 that the truck was ready. We went back and asked what the problem was. Answer?? We don't know but we checked the codes, re-flashed it, checked it again-no codes-took it for a ride and no errors. I told them that is exactly what dealer # 1 did and said.
He then said it was probably the remote on our roll top cover causing interference. Dutch just walked away. We started home and within 15 miles NOT USING THE ROLLTOP REMOTE-the same 3 tires went blank again and had dashes where the numbers were. The only thing on was the radio and the gps that we bought with the the truck. What a pain.
I called today and we have been escalated to Enhanced customer service. Which means they still don't know diddly. Now they want us to go back and leave the truck and have the service manager talk to the dodge electrical techs so they can go over things together. Problem right now is they can't guarantee if we leave it Friday they can have it fixed by Monday evening. We have to have it fixed as we have to leave this park. Plan B is to put everything on hold til we come back on February 4th. I have printed out all the posts that y'all talked about about what we actually have. It will probably be a surprise to them but we'll keep trying. Hugs, Di

Day 1
Arrived at dodge dealer at 10 am and gave them our list. He said we didn't have one item even though it had been ordered that way and couldn't help us on the 2nd issue-had to wait for a flash. He took the truck back to check the tpms check light problem. Came to waiting area 1-1/2 hours later and said to bring truck back tomorrow. He said they added a bunch of air then took it back to the recommended pressure as that usually fixes the problem-it didn't.
We told them that was not acceptable {This same scenario happened 2 weeks ago at another Dodge dealer and after having it for 12 hours didn't fix ****. The gave us a rental and said they would start on it this afternoon. They called at 4:30 and said to keep the rental as they had not found the problem and would start again in the morning. Hopefully by tomorrow afternoon after we finish our round of golf, they will have an answer. Will keep you posted. Hugs, Di

 

[MelvinPierce]

Drive it! We have managed from the time tires first came out, until a couple years ago, to get by with a tire pressure gauge. I would not let it stop me from driving it.

 

[MelvinPierce]

Manual p. 558, says that if the Evic is not receiving signals, ----- will appear in place of readings. So, it sounds like it is not receiving signals.

p. 559 says electronic signals may cause that to happen. I wonder if the remote might be sending out signals, even if not used? Try leaving the remote at home, and go for a drive?

Also, some aftermarket window tintings may stop the signals. I wonder if the bed cover itself might be doing that? Did you have any trouble before installing the cover?

tire chains can interfere too, but I do not imagine you are using them!

 

[Dutch & Di]

Manual p. 558, says that if the Evic is not receiving signals, ----- will appear in place of readings. So, it sounds like it is not receiving signals. Fer Sure!!!

p. 559 says electronic signals may cause that to happen. I wonder if the remote might be sending out signals, even if not used?
Try leaving the remote at home, and go for a drive? Even if I wanted to test leaving the remote at home, I couldn't until I took the truck down and had them re-flash the system again before I tried that.

Also, some aftermarket window tinting's may stop the signals.Don't have any after market tinting on the windows yet.
I wonder if the bed cover itself might be doing that? Did you have any trouble before installing the cover?The roll-top cover was installed when we picked up the truck in mid October. The check tpms didn't come on til early December so we've never used the truck without the cover and remote.

tire chains can interfere too, but I do not imagine you are using them! Got that right Dutch said to tell you "Southern California outlawed using tire chains for the season!" Besides at 78, the chains would burn his hands :--)Will keep you posted. Hugs, Di

Manual p. 558, says that if the Evic is not receiving signals, ----- will appear in place of readings. So, it sounds like it is not receiving signals.
p. 559 says electronic signals may cause that to happen. I wonder if the remote might be sending out signals, even if not used?
Try leaving the remote at home, and go for a drive? Also, some aftermarket window tintings may stop the signals.
I wonder if the bed cover itself might be doing that? Did you have any trouble before installing the cover?
tire chains can interfere too, but I do not imagine you are using them!

 

[Dutch & Di]

Melvin. It is not stopping us from driving it at all. In fact it is the only vehicle we own being fulltime Rv'ers. While it may be the new American way to pay a boatload of money then accept that things will not work on a brand new truck, it is just not our way. I would rather have them take the damned things off so I can put on my TST tpms external sensors, from out 96 Dodge, that I KNOW works than keep something on that only works part time. Hugs, Di

Drive it! We have managed from the time tires first came out, until a couple years ago, to get by with a tire pressure gauge. I would not let it stop me from driving it.

 

[DonFitzwater]

You are absolutely correct! Too many people accept BS from companies these days. Make them fix it.

Three years ago my dodge challenger would start all by itself and I couldn't shut it down or do anything with it. They blamed the security system at my wife's work, our garage door opener and even me for driving it through an automated car wash.

It's simply going to take a tech with brain pressure and know how. They will get it fixed, just might take another dealer.

 

[MelvinPierce]

I fully feel your pain. I misunderstood, and thought you were NOT going to leave because of this problem. My bad.

I fully feel your pain, and that you want it to work! It should. I am not being critical, just trying to help.

"p. 559 says electronic signals may cause that to happen. I wonder if the remote might be sending out signals, even if not used?
Try leaving the remote at home, and go for a drive?

Even if I wanted to test leaving the remote at home, I couldn't until I took the truck down and had them re-flash the system again before I tried that."

According to the manual, that is not true. Well, at least if it is a normal problem. Which you may or may not have!

Manual says this about resetting the message:

"If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat, providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault no longer exists, the "Service TPM System" message will no longer be displayed, and a pressure value will display in place of the dashes."

So, normally, just cycling the ignition switch on and off "should" reset it.

Did the dealer replace the sensors in the wheels that are not displaying? I would think that would be one of the first things to do. System is saying it is not getting signals from those three sensors, so replacing them would be high on my list of things to try.

Best wishes to you.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Where are you? I will try to get you to a tech who is knowledgeable, etc. if I know one in the area.
If you had bought a leftover 2013 like I did, it wouldn't have TPMS and you wouldn't have any worries, lol.

 

[CBari]

Di, I know this is very little consolation but by new 13 had a quirkie issue that took a couple of trips to the dealer to get it fixed. My back-up camera would work great till the temperature dropped to the mid-30s or lower then the screen would go black. This happened the second day after they delivered the truck to me. I figured it was just water in a connection from where they washed the truck before bringing it to me, so I gave it some time. After about week I had the dealer come pick it up they kept it for 2 days and thought they had it fixed, however it was warm while they had the truck and for the next two weeks it was warm so I thought all was well. Then it got cold again and the problem resurfaced, so once again the dealer picked it up this time they made sure it was going to be cold when they had it. This time they replaced the camera and all is well, not to mention I think the picture is clearer also.

I said all of that to say I am just like you I don't care what the cost of something is if I buy it. It is supposed to work flawless so don't give up make them figure it out.

 

[sag2]

Try and think back to when the warning light started coming on. Was ANYTHING added to the truck that was not there before the light came on? I have seen phone chargers, laptop chargers, ipad chargers, aftermarket alarm systems, power side steps, aftermarket backup cameras, Speed Pass cards, building or gate access cards, and other items that can interfere with the wireless tire pressure sensors. The system uses a wireless signal that operates on very low power. Any item that is on or near the same frequency will adversely affect the system. Your truck may be an exception, but virtually every TPMS system I have worked on that worked when new and then continually fails to receive sensor info is caused by outside interference.
The system is designed to be very forgiving. It sends a pressure signal from every tire about once per minute while driving. The system can not receive 9 of ten signals and still not set a fault. That means your system is missing every signal sent (10 of 10).
Like Joe said, where are you currently at? He might be able to get you hooked up with a factory guy.

 

[Dutch & Di]

We're going back in on February 5th and they say they are keeping the truck til it is fixed. Ours is performing differently. When the check tpms light comes on, 3 tires drop off and will not come on until we have a dealer "re-set" it. Unfortunately what the book says and what happens in reality are not always the same.
I do understand that you were not being critical but I'm just so x$&%# tired of all the things that have wrong in a little over 5,000 miles and I do appreciate all help and suggestions. Hugs, Di

I fully feel your pain. I misunderstood, and thought you were NOT going to leave because of this problem. My bad.

I fully feel your pain, and that you want it to work! It should. I am not being critical, just trying to help.

"p. 559 says electronic signals may cause that to happen. I wonder if the remote might be sending out signals, even if not used?
Try leaving the remote at home, and go for a drive?

Even if I wanted to test leaving the remote at home, I couldn't until I took the truck down and had them re-flash the system again before I tried that."

According to the manual, that is not true. Well, at least if it is a normal problem. Which you may or may not have!

Manual says this about resetting the message:

"If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat, providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault no longer exists, the "Service TPM System" message will no longer be displayed, and a pressure value will display in place of the dashes."

So, normally, just cycling the ignition switch on and off "should" reset it.

Did the dealer replace the sensors in the wheels that are not displaying? I would think that would be one of the first things to do. System is saying it is not getting signals from those three sensors, so replacing them would be high on my list of things to try.

Best wishes to you.

 

[Dutch & Di]

Oo.Ha, ha Ha Joe. You know we had dealers all over the country trying to find a 2 wheel drive, standard cab with the 410 gear and only one could be found-bare bones and white too boot!!! Didn't even want a stupid tpms as my TST system works flawlessly but I according to them I can't use it in the "new" truck. You know me, I'm not proud when it comes to getting something fixed. I'll take whoever can help me out. See you in May -------IF I DON'T HAVE TO WALK THERE Hugs, Di
We are in the Temecula, CA area.

Where are you? I will try to get you to a tech who is knowledgeable, etc. if I know one in the area.
If you had bought a leftover 2013 like I did, it wouldn't have TPMS and you wouldn't have any worries, lol.

 

[Dutch & Di]

Every after market item we purchased was installed on our truck before we pulled out of the dealership with the exception of the slide out steps. We had to add them in Vegas after not being able to easily get into and out of the truck. I didn't want them but we only had a 2013 brochure to look at when ordering so we had no way to know our 2014 was going to be that much higher.
I am quite knowledgeable on the TPMS systems as I've used them and sold them for over 5 years. If someone has a newer truck with all the electronics which caused interference they only have to call me and purchase a repeater which will take care of the problem and make the sensors once again all respond.
If I remember correctly {I have it written down in my New Dodge Truck Problem Folder}the tpms check light didn't come on til about a month and a half after picking up the truck.
I'm sorry but I just don't believe that in today's age with all the gadgets that are out there this can't be taken care of. It's not like electronic devices came out last week. Interference issues can be taken care of if Dodge wants to OR if enough people start complaining directly to them.
I'm a very small business but I don't have unhappy customers. I only wish Dodge felt the same way.
Maybe we'll get things fixed in February but it sure makes writing that monthly check a real bummer. Hugs, Di

Try and think back to when the warning light started coming on. Was ANYTHING added to the truck that was not there before the light came on? I have seen phone chargers, laptop chargers, ipad chargers, aftermarket alarm systems, power side steps, aftermarket backup cameras, Speed Pass cards, building or gate access cards, and other items that can interfere with the wireless tire pressure sensors. The system uses a wireless signal that operates on very low power. Any item that is on or near the same frequency will adversely affect the system. Your truck may be an exception, but virtually every TPMS system I have worked on that worked when new and then continually fails to receive sensor info is caused by outside interference.
The system is designed to be very forgiving. It sends a pressure signal from every tire about once per minute while driving. The system can not receive 9 of ten signals and still not set a fault. That means your system is missing every signal sent (10 of 10).
Like Joe said, where are you currently at? He might be able to get you hooked up with a factory guy.

 

[AH64ID]

How much did the ride/entry height change from 13 to 14?

 

[Dutch & Di]

A good 3 to 4" but that was comparing it to the height of our 96. Looking at the 2013's and taking a ride in a few, I don't remember there being enough of a difference for either of us to comment on it. Hugs, Di

How much did the ride/entry height change from 13 to 14?

 

[NIsaacs]

The way I understand it, the '13-'14 3500 dually 4x2, has the same front axle as the 4x4, minus the differential so they are tall. The same style as the cab chassis use.

Nick

 

[sag2]

So you sell TPMS systems? I have to assume you have them on your trailer? Do you have a repeater on the truck for the trailer? Do you carry sensors and modules for sale with you? You are in Temecula now. Are you staying there for a while or heading somewhere else?
Does the pressure drop out occur with truck only, truck and trailer only? Do the systems you have operate on 315 or 433 Hz? If you sell them you understand they work on very low power signals (hence the need for repeater) and the signal can be lost with interference. These systems on the new cars and trucks are very robust and they operate within very tight frequency range as required by law. As I said, short of an occasional bad part (module or sensor(s) that usually get replaced by the dealer) virtually every problem with symptoms similar to yours are caused by interference. But sometimes finding the source of the interference can be difficult as any electrical device can cause it.
Had one a while back on a gas truck (the TPMS sensor is on the left inner fender) that started to fail out of the blue. Turns out it was caused by a set of aftermarket spark plugs the customer had installed for better fuel economy. That is why it seems we ask all kinds of stupid questions, because you can't rule out anything these days. And I don't mean to sound like it has the be something non factory, any part on the truck that operates on or near the same frequency can be out of range as well. At this point you will most likely have better repair results if you have one of the factory guys working with your dealer.

 

[Dutch & Di]

By now there is a lot more information about the 2014's than there was when we ordered ours in July of 2013. As we traveled, we stopped at 3 different dealerships to see if we could find a new truck. They only had 4x4's but I was told each time the 4x2's would be lower and showed me the 2013 brochure and said the 2014's would be low too. Actually on page 31 of the 2014 brochure, they show the same low sitting truck. When we stopped by Joe D's, his 2013 4x2 crew cab his was another 3"'s higher than ours so I'm not sure they are the same but then again, I don't build them, I just buy them. Hugs, Di

The way I understand it, the '13-'14 3500 dually 4x2, has the same front axle as the 4x4, minus the differential so they are tall. The same style as the cab chassis use.

Nick

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Uhh, Di, my Ram is a 4x4.

 

[Dutch & Di]

Smack Dutch when you see him at MM. I told him that you had a 4x4 which is why you were taller than we were but he disagreed and I foolishly gave in. Hugs, Di

Uhh, Di, my Ram is a 4x4.