2022 Power Wagon in Shop

[Hibiki54]

Hey folks.

Today I took my Power Wagon to the dealer to get it checked out for the following:

1. Front and Rear Lockers not engaging. "Axle Lock System Requires Service" warning.
2. "UConnect Service Box Requires Service" warning. Repeated issue.
3. ZF8 Transmission shifting late, shifting into neutral on gear limit going downhill and make a loud clunk when shifting from Park to Reverse/Drive.
4. Drive line vibration in the pedal. I know why but I want to see what they will say.

So a couple weekends ago I went out wheeling in Lucene Valley, California at Cougar Buttes with a crew for some desert running, exploring and crawling. The first obstacle was a 36* incline over some shelf rock that was pretty much the full sized truck line. 25% up the obstacle I tried to engage my front locker and it wasn't happening. I backed down to let others go and it took a few minutes of dicking around to get my front locker to engage. I did get a couple warning lights about the locker system. Tried again but I couldn't make it because I was running stock 33" wranglers so I was hitting rear diff. Took the loss and backed down again. Later on I did a steep hill climb that had a bunch of loose rock (2in minus) toward the top, but it took 3-4 minutes of messing around to get my front locker to engage. Over the course of a few days after I would test it out on flat pavement and a small hill in my neighborhood and the front would not engage and I would get the warning light and message that it needs service. I did some research and these issues can happen because of a harness issue, connector or the magnets for the lockers are covered in metal shavings. I am 99% sure it's the magnets for the E-locker because I am getting signal to the lockers to lock but they won't engage.

The UConnect Service Box is a re-occurring problem that I have had since I purchased the truck. Everything works fine, but every time I start the vehicle I would get this message on my infotainment screen. This would be the 3rd time I took my truck in for this.

For the transmission, it has always made a "clunk" sound shifting from Park to any other gear. Does not happen all the time but it happens. Over the course of a couple years I have come to learn that the shifting seems to be off, especially at highway speeds. There would be hesitation shifting into a higher gear, especially when I am using adaptive cruise control. What really concerned me is when I was coming downhill on the highway from Big Bear, Ca to Highland, Ca to get on the 210 Freeway (I know many of you guys are familiar with So Cal), the truck came out of gear while in drive when I was engine braking (using Gear Limit) and I had to shift into neutral and back into drive. This happened twice on separate occasions. I have done some research online about this and Dodge Hellcat owners also had to deal with this similar issue (the ZF8 transmission overall) and all problems disappeared when they got their transmission controller flashed/updated. I hope this is the case.

As for the driveline vibration... well, I know I smacked a rock or two and I know it has enough of a dent to change the harmonics when the drive line spins. But I never felt a vibration until two days ago. I just told the service rep that I felt vibration in the drive line and it was a concern. We will see where that goes. If I need a new drive line, and I pray that I don't, I will probably go aftermarket and get a Tom Woods or JE Reel driveline. We will see. Hopefully it will be covered under warranty.

So this is whats happening with my Power Wagon right now. I will keep things updated.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Sorry to hear about all the troubles.

I know my lockers take a bit of time to lock in, but they lock.

So how did she do out on the KOH trails?

 

[Sherwin2004]

Hey folks.

Today I took my Power Wagon to the dealer to get it checked out for the following:

1. Front and Rear Lockers not engaging. "Axle Lock System Requires Service" warning.
2. "UConnect Service Box Requires Service" warning. Repeated issue.
3. ZF8 Transmission shifting late, shifting into neutral on gear limit going downhill and make a loud clunk when shifting from Park to Reverse/Drive.
4. Drive line vibration in the pedal. I know why but I want to see what they will say.

So a couple weekends ago I went out wheeling in Lucene Valley, California at Cougar Buttes with a crew for some desert running, exploring and crawling. The first obstacle was a 36* incline over some shelf rock that was pretty much the full sized truck line. 25% up the obstacle I tried to engage my front locker and it wasn't happening. I backed down to let others go and it took a few minutes of dicking around to get my front locker to engage. I did get a couple warning lights about the locker system. Tried again but I couldn't make it because I was running stock 33" wranglers so I was hitting rear diff. Took the loss and backed down again. Later on I did a steep hill climb that had a bunch of loose rock (2in minus) toward the top, but it took 3-4 minutes of messing around to get my front locker to engage. Over the course of a few days after I would test it out on flat pavement and a small hill in my neighborhood and the front would not engage and I would get the warning light and message that it needs service. I did some research and these issues can happen because of a harness issue, connector or the magnets for the lockers are covered in metal shavings. I am 99% sure it's the magnets for the E-locker because I am getting signal to the lockers to lock but they won't engage.

The UConnect Service Box is a re-occurring problem that I have had since I purchased the truck. Everything works fine, but every time I start the vehicle I would get this message on my infotainment screen. This would be the 3rd time I took my truck in for this.

For the transmission, it has always made a "clunk" sound shifting from Park to any other gear. Does not happen all the time but it happens. Over the course of a couple years I have come to learn that the shifting seems to be off, especially at highway speeds. There would be hesitation shifting into a higher gear, especially when I am using adaptive cruise control. What really concerned me is when I was coming downhill on the highway from Big Bear, Ca to Highland, Ca to get on the 210 Freeway (I know many of you guys are familiar with So Cal), the truck came out of gear while in drive when I was engine braking (using Gear Limit) and I had to shift into neutral and back into drive. This happened twice on separate occasions. I have done some research online about this and Dodge Hellcat owners also had to deal with this similar issue (the ZF8 transmission overall) and all problems disappeared when they got their transmission controller flashed/updated. I hope this is the case.

As for the driveline vibration... well, I know I smacked a rock or two and I know it has enough of a dent to change the harmonics when the drive line spins. But I never felt a vibration until two days ago. I just told the service rep that I felt vibration in the drive line and it was a concern. We will see where that goes. If I need a new drive line, and I pray that I don't, I will probably go aftermarket and get a Tom Woods or JE Reel driveline. We will see. Hopefully it will be covered under warranty.

So this is whats happening with my Power Wagon right now. I will keep things updated.

UConnect is a tool of satan as far as I am concerned. So is the entire computerized truck. It longs to wear you down and cost you money.

 

[akguy09]

If you're trying to engage your front locker and not moving, it isnt going to engage, it requires forward or backward movement to engage. and U-connect sucks

 

[Hibiki54]

So how did she do out on the KOH trails?

We were on the other side of the valley doing trail runs and exploring. Did a couple water falls, checked out Mermaid Rock and did some technical crawling near an old stone slab area that was active back in the 1940s before the war. Didn't even get near the KOH side. I wouldn't even attempt any of the KOH trails until I get better protection. After market front and rear bumpers for more clearance and WK sliders. Money is tight right now with how the economy is.

 

[Hibiki54]

UPDATE #1

Got a call from the service department. Let's start with the easy stuff.

I have a dent in my drive shaft. I already knew that so I tried to get away with getting it replaced under warranty, but that wasn't happening. Total estimated cost with labor would have been $1200+. I gave a hard NO to that. I could get a new drive shaft for half that price and get the old one re-balanced depending on how damaged it is. I am going to ask them to put it on the rack and show me the damage.

According to their transmission tech there doesn't seem to be any problem with the transmission. I will talk to the service tech about possibly flashing the transmission to a newer version.

They will be replacing the Uconnect Box for the 3rd time. It should be an updated unit because this is an issue that FCA has been aware of. Hopefully enough time has passed for them to correctly fix it. Doubt it.

Now the Front Locker is a different story. The thing is completely done for and is going to be replaced, according to the rep. Not the entire carrier but the module that connects to the harness that does the E part of the E-locker. I will get more details in a few days when I am getting my truck back, but it's going to be up to 30 days before the actual part comes in and it's replaced. The good news is that the rear is fine and works as it should. It was only when you pressed the Front/Rear button that the rear would not engage because the front was being a pain.

That is the current update. I will have my truck back by the end of the week. Then a wait until the parts come in.

 

[Hibiki54]

UPDATE #2

The good news is that I have my truck back. Here is a breakdown of the bad news and some.

The repeating error for the Uconnect Telematics Module has been fixed. It states that the tech found an internal error and that the module would be replaced. That was done earlier today as of this post. However, this brought out another module failure separate from the one that was replaced. Something something USB module, which probably ties to the center console wireless charging that I never really used (because of my otter box case). A new module has been ordered.

As for the Front Locker, the main culprit is not the actual locker but the actuator that engages the locker. The person that called me initially to report their findings was not the service rep that I usually deal with so there was misinformation telegraphed on their part. As of now I have a full 4WD and a rear locker, but I do not have a front locker until the new part comes in... whenever that is.

 

[RamCares]

Hey folks.

Today I took my Power Wagon to the dealer to get it checked out for the following:

1. Front and Rear Lockers not engaging. "Axle Lock System Requires Service" warning.
2. "UConnect Service Box Requires Service" warning. Repeated issue.
3. ZF8 Transmission shifting late, shifting into neutral on gear limit going downhill and make a loud clunk when shifting from Park to Reverse/Drive.
4. Drive line vibration in the pedal. I know why but I want to see what they will say.

So a couple weekends ago I went out wheeling in Lucene Valley, California at Cougar Buttes with a crew for some desert running, exploring and crawling. The first obstacle was a 36* incline over some shelf rock that was pretty much the full sized truck line. 25% up the obstacle I tried to engage my front locker and it wasn't happening. I backed down to let others go and it took a few minutes of dicking around to get my front locker to engage. I did get a couple warning lights about the locker system. Tried again but I couldn't make it because I was running stock 33" wranglers so I was hitting rear diff. Took the loss and backed down again. Later on I did a steep hill climb that had a bunch of loose rock (2in minus) toward the top, but it took 3-4 minutes of messing around to get my front locker to engage. Over the course of a few days after I would test it out on flat pavement and a small hill in my neighborhood and the front would not engage and I would get the warning light and message that it needs service. I did some research and these issues can happen because of a harness issue, connector or the magnets for the lockers are covered in metal shavings. I am 99% sure it's the magnets for the E-locker because I am getting signal to the lockers to lock but they won't engage.

The UConnect Service Box is a re-occurring problem that I have had since I purchased the truck. Everything works fine, but every time I start the vehicle I would get this message on my infotainment screen. This would be the 3rd time I took my truck in for this.

For the transmission, it has always made a "clunk" sound shifting from Park to any other gear. Does not happen all the time but it happens. Over the course of a couple years I have come to learn that the shifting seems to be off, especially at highway speeds. There would be hesitation shifting into a higher gear, especially when I am using adaptive cruise control. What really concerned me is when I was coming downhill on the highway from Big Bear, Ca to Highland, Ca to get on the 210 Freeway (I know many of you guys are familiar with So Cal), the truck came out of gear while in drive when I was engine braking (using Gear Limit) and I had to shift into neutral and back into drive. This happened twice on separate occasions. I have done some research online about this and Dodge Hellcat owners also had to deal with this similar issue (the ZF8 transmission overall) and all problems disappeared when they got their transmission controller flashed/updated. I hope this is the case.

As for the driveline vibration... well, I know I smacked a rock or two and I know it has enough of a dent to change the harmonics when the drive line spins. But I never felt a vibration until two days ago. I just told the service rep that I felt vibration in the drive line and it was a concern. We will see where that goes. If I need a new drive line, and I pray that I don't, I will probably go aftermarket and get a Tom Woods or JE Reel driveline. We will see. Hopefully it will be covered under warranty.

So this is whats happening with my Power Wagon right now. I will keep things updated.

Hey there,

We're sorry to hear that you've had these concerns with your truck. If you'd like some assistance with this, please reach out to us via direct messaging.

Callie
Ram Cares

 

[Hibiki54]

Hey there,

We're sorry to hear that you've had these concerns with your truck. If you'd like some assistance with this, please reach out to us via direct messaging.

Callie
Ram Cares

I appreciate the offer. If other issues occur beyond the scope of what I have covered I will be sure you DM you. So far the dealership I am working with, Glenn E. Thomas CDJ in Signal Hill, Ca has been very upfront with the issues found on my truck and providing a rental while it was in shop.

 

[jetrinka]

I appreciate the offer. If other issues occur beyond the scope of what I have covered I will be sure you DM you. So far the dealership I am working with, Glenn E. Thomas CDJ in Signal Hill, Ca has been very upfront with the issues found on my truck and providing a rental while it was in shop.

Great to hear they are treating you well.

 

[RamCares]

I appreciate the offer. If other issues occur beyond the scope of what I have covered I will be sure you DM you. So far the dealership I am working with, Glenn E. Thomas CDJ in Signal Hill, Ca has been very upfront with the issues found on my truck and providing a rental while it was in shop.

We're glad to hear that you're pleased with your current service! Please reach out if you need anything

Callie
Ram Cares

 

[Hibiki54]

UPDATE #3

Been driving my PW since my last update. Did a couple of easy/moderate trails without a front locker (I mean, I never engaged lockers at all. LSD FTW!) and some sand action.

I got a call today that my parts for my front diff came in and also confirmed that the new USB module is already there. Going back to the dealership Monday afternoon after work.

 

[2powerwagons]

The only time my ZF clunks coming out of park is when it's parked on a hill.

Mine shifts fine. As for the shift points, did you calibrate the BCM and ABS module for the tire size?

 

[Hibiki54]

The only time my ZF clunks coming out of park is when it's parked on a hill.

Mine shifts fine. As for the shift points, did you calibrate the BCM and ABS module for the tire size?

That is a fair point. The clunking out of park, if I think back, has always been on an incline/decline.

And I used the AEV Pro Cal Snap to calibrate the tire size.

 

[2powerwagons]

The shifting into neutral thing is odd. Have you tried to see if it happens without the programmer plugged in?

Is it actually showing as being in neutral? I drive mine up and down a mountain to get to my place and at some speed (around 20 mph maybe) while descending, the torque converter will unlock and it almost feels like it's free wheeling.. I've never found a way to force it to stay locked up in that situation. You just have to use the brakes to get it down to the speed/rpm it wants.

 

[Hibiki54]

The shifting into neutral thing is odd. Have you tried to see if it happens without the programmer plugged in?

Is it actually showing as being in neutral? I drive mine up and down a mountain to get to my place and at some speed (around 20 mph maybe) while descending, the torque converter will unlock and it almost feels like it's free wheeling.. I've never found a way to force it to stay locked up in that situation. You just have to use the brakes to get it down to the speed/rpm it wants.

What programmer? And no, it doesn't physically shift into neutral. It comes out of gear. It only happened twice. Both times in the same general area on different dates. I have been up and down that stretch of highway a couple dozen times in my PW.

 

[Hibiki54]

It's fixed. Seems it was more than just the actuator arm for the front locker.

Just glad to have my truck back. Front locks up good when it engages. It seems no matter what the programming for PW eLockers doesn't have them immediately engage when you press the button. You still need to do sacrifice a chicken and do a rain dance before your lockers engage.

 

[2powerwagons]

Pretty sure the bearing is destroyed and has to be replaced any time the coil needs to be changed. I had a rear actuator replaced in one of my older trucks.