U010E , U040F, and Limp Mode

[Corbet]

Monday AM I got a CEL. Code present was U010E -Lost Communication with Reductant Control Module. Cleared codes and called the dealer and asked if I had recall 67A done, if that would cover diagnostic an replacement parts if applicable. Service advisor said no, the recall would have to be done first. They would not do the software update with faulty mechanical parts. Suggested I call Ram.

Ram customer care (why TF are they in the Philippines BTW) is not helpful, but they offer to escalate.

Truck counts down into limp mode this AM. More DTC'...UO40F- Implausible data received from Reductant Control Module.

How screwed am I? This is the second time there has been a failure with DEF system in 3 years and 30k miles.(NoX sensors) And will be 5th failure that crippled the truck since I've owned it.

Is there a way to reset the miles to Limp mode counter?

Truck is 2016 3500 with an in-service date of 12.16

 

[sag2]

You could try and clear the code again and if it works take it immediately to the dealer for the recall. If it sets again before you get there I think your out of luck. Repair is likely to be $2k+. Just the reason I had mine done in November. Didn't want to roll the dice on a future repair.

 

[Ozymandias]

Never clear a code if you want to go to a dealer, never, just drive on with the CEL on.
You are erasing all the date that a mechanic needs to pinpoint the cause and the fault. The code itself is worthless without the freeze frame data.

 

[Grumpy8811]

Never clear a code if you want to go to a dealer, never, just drive on with the CEL on.
You are erasing all the date that a mechanic needs to pinpoint the cause and the fault. The code itself is worthless without the freeze frame data.

yeah, sort of a good idea, yet if it sets a code one time and you don't clear that code all you do is drive around with that yellow light on wondering if it fixed itself.

 

[Topzide]

No way to reset the limp mode countdown without trying to clear the code. I'll ask, how old are your batteries? This can cause com errors with the low voltage. If your batteries are 5+ years in age, might be worth while to replace them, clear codes and then see what happens. I would think about getting 67A recall done as soon as possible after getting the code to clear. Maybe you'll get lucky with RAM. I would say that you were planning on getting the 67A done when this dropped in your lap. Good luck and keep us posted on the out come.

 

[bcbender]

Not saying this is your issue, but take a look at the harness and connections around the DEF system. I had an issue a few months ago where I was getting a code for lost communication and implausible data from the RR wheel sensor. Replaced the sensor, same issue, as it turned out the release lever on the B&W hitch had rubbed a hole through the harness and was shorting (grounding) one of the 4 wires going to the sensor.. Cleaned up and taped up.. be fine since.. Just may be worth taking a look for any other issues.

 

[Corbet]

@Ozymandias Too late for that. I've cleared the codes. Twice. I don't like having repair decisions forced.
@Topzide The batteries (Interstate AGM), were replaced 6.17.21

Perhaps coincidence, the previous failure occurred after the truck was subject to an extended period of cold...(20 degrees F). The previous week it had been in the 20's in Seattle again. After the first failure I asked the dealer if I should have had the truck plugged in, he said no it wouldn't have made a difference.

I can crawl underneath and look at the connections, but nothing has been changed/installed/altered near the tank. Ever.

Dealer can't get to the truck until next week.

/off topic/
This is now the most unreliable vehicle I've owned. More unreliable than a certain posh British SUV, more unreliable than an obscure Italian sports car. This truck will have effectively been 'bricked' more in the 7 years I've owned it than my previous two trucks (10 and 13 years respectively) with over 500k miles traveled by myself between two of them.

The frustration with this, and every other incident that has crippled the vehicle, is I can't maintain my way out of it. No amount of money spent will make up for poor design, low quality components, or lack of proper service training. Ram (and realistically every other domestic auto manufacturer) seems to forget, that I didn't just buy a truck, I bought a brand. I bought all the professional disciplines required to design, manufacture, and ultimately service the vehicle through a reasonable life span. 137k miles should not be the end of the road for this truck.

 

[Topzide]

@Corbet, I'd load check the batteries. If it's been cold, the grid heaters will sure pull some amps out of them in a hurry! Have you done the RAM reboot yet? Unhook the batteries for 3+ hours to do a reset on the system. The gremlins that possess our truck is amazing! Have done this a couple of times since I've owned the truck in fall 2018. (130K when I got it, now 186K+) How long between codes when you cleared them?

I've had the count down to limp twice, 1st was when the DEF level gauge failed (pump worked), and the second was after the 67A recall was done (cause Nox and SCR to read as failed). The DEF pump was out of pocket and the other was on RAM,67A extended warranty.

How many hours combined on your truck? have you had the turbo actuator replaced yet? Stock unit last about 4K hours. Mine made it till about 4500 hrs. Just trying to rule things out that might be causing comms issues. Have you had the DEF injector out to check for crystallization? Do you have any crystallization (white debris) on the plate to access the DEF pump? How do you drive the truck, everyday driver, towing only, or a combination of both? These trucks like to get out and work, and work hard! I make sure that I get it up to temp and highway speeds for at least 15-20 miles.

Very sorry to hear the frustration you're having with truck.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

No amount of money spent will make up for poor design, low quality components, or lack of proper service

Not true, it can be done and your truck will be very reliable.

 

[Ozymandias]

I wonder if all the Software updates have been done to the Truck throughout the years passed.

 

[Corbet]

@Topzide-Truck has ~3200 hours. It mostly sits now; primarily driven just once a week. I'll leave the battery disconnected for a few days and check a few of the other suggestions over the weekend.

@Ozymandias the last time the truck was at the dealership was when the failed NoX sensor triggered limp mode. That was about 3 years ago. I would assume the software would be current until then.

 

[Ozymandias]

I hope so, some dealers only do Updates if the customers demands them and ask specifically for it. We have seen it all here.

Because with the updates they corrected many many software issues that plagued these trucks. Pretty much normal today with anything computer related because it is all so complex that you can't have it perfect the first time. Real world is always different then testing.

 

[sag2]

Never clear a code if you want to go to a dealer, never, just drive on with the CEL on.
You are erasing all the date that a mechanic needs to pinpoint the cause and the fault. The code itself is worthless without the freeze frame data.

He was trying to clear the code so he could get the 67A completed, then bring it back for a repair that should be covered under the extended warranty. If the code was there prior to the 67A Ram is not going to pay for the repair.

 

[Topzide]

@Corbet, Got my fingers crossed for you! I hope that the battery reset works enough for you to get the 67A recall done. Keep us posted.

 

[Corbet]

Leaving the batteries disconnected for several days did nothing to reset the system-all the errors were still present Sunday AM when I reconnect them.

Nothing regarding the tank/module seemed amiss-physically Anyway.

I was still living in California, but traveling to Washington when the Nox sensors failed a few years ago. I mentioned this to Ram when speaking with them.
"I've already repaired part of this system out of my own pocket'

Ram: we have no record of these repairs.

I have an invoice from XXXX Dealership, for $1585 for Nox sensors p/n whatever.

Ram: That Dealership is in our network-not sure why we don't have a record.

That conversation occurred Wednesday of last week.

On Friday the service manager from that dealership call me. Indicated Ram had called him and could not accurately articulate what I wanted. So he reached out to me. This dealership is several counties away, other than the repair several years ago, I have no business with them. No parts, no anything. I explain to the situation.
They have no problem doing the update, and submitting the repair for reimbursement (if applicable)

I had the truck towed there this weekend and got a phone call acknowledging delivery this AM.....

 

[Topzide]

This seems to be a good thing taking place. I would hope that due to the fact that RAM was unaware of the previous repair, and now are aware of it, they will take care of it. At least this dealer seems to be stepping up to the plate to try and help out. Hopefully this will have a positive outcome for you! Keep us posted, and try to stay positive that it'll get fixed without great expense to you.

 

[RayaMrdodge]

Monday AM I got a CEL. Code present was U010E -Lost Communication with Reductant Control Module. Cleared codes and called the dealer and asked if I had recall 67A done, if that would cover diagnostic an replacement parts if applicable. Service advisor said no, the recall would have to be done first. They would not do the software update with faulty mechanical parts. Suggested I call Ram.

Ram customer care (why TF are they in the Philippines BTW) is not helpful, but they offer to escalate.

Truck counts down into limp mode this AM. More DTC'...UO40F- Implausible data received from Reductant Control Module.

How screwed am I? This is the second time there has been a failure with DEF system in 3 years and 30k miles.(NoX sensors) And will be 5th failure that crippled the truck since I've owned it.

Is there a way to reset the miles to Limp mode counter?

Truck is 2016 3500 with an in-service date of 12.16

Hello new to this site, did you figure out your issue with code U010E!

 

[Topzide]

@RayaMrdodge, The OP just had his truck towed to the deal a week ago. They may not even look at it for a week or two! Hopefully the OP will post his outcome once he's gotten his truck back. He's on dealership time now!

Are you fighting the same?

 

[RayaMrdodge]

I had a the same issue,,,,, Found DCU was not showing up on my scanner, found the security gateway to be the problem. Just updated the security gateway and my issues when away. .

 

[Corbet]

Closing this out. To the individual who suggested the wiring: 10 points.
Dealer found a the power wires to the control module had becomed damaged and corroded.

The service technician's words:

'Almost looks the front driveline exploded at some point'

This truck went through not 1, but 2 front drive lines in 2019. Both of the failures were well documented and covered under warranty. The first one even got a factory representative to investigate.

I left the truck at the dealership for over two weeks while I argued with Ram about covering the repairs. They did not aqciese, and I got stuck with bill.

I've had 5 crippling failures in 6 years with this truck. 5 times where it has left me stranded. I can only think of a single instance on my previous 3 trucks that required a tow. (Lift pump-'05 Ram...probably 2007).

I'm done with the truck and it's highly unlikely I'd purchase anything new from the brand again.