Ram
Ram Trucks has a lineage that began in 1917, though the brand as we know it today was started in 1981 when Chrysler introduced the first Ram-head hood ornament. Historically, Ram was the workhorse arm of the Dodge division, but in 2009, it was spun off as a standalone brand to focus exclusively on the truck and commercial vehicle market. This move allowed the brand to pivot from basic utility toward a philosophy of high-tech capability, pioneering the use of coil-link rear suspensions and the 12-inch vertical Uconnect display that redefined the modern pickup interior.
Ram: beware of the Mechanicals
Ram is regarded as the leader in interior luxury and towing comfort. However, owners of 2021–2026 models frequently report specific mechanical patterns that require proactive attention. In the Ram 1500, a common symptom is the Hemi Tick—a clicking sound from the engine bay that often indicates a failing lifter or an exhaust manifold bolt that has snapped due to heat-induced warping. For those with the 5.7L Hemi, ignoring this tick can lead to camshaft damage and a total engine teardown.
The recent Ram quality discussions often focus on the 3.0L Duramax (early models) and the newer Hurricane inline-six engines. A frequent symptom in 2024–2025 Heavy Duty (HD) trucks involves a shudder or clunk during low-speed shifting in the Aisin or 68RFE transmissions.
Many technicians and customers note that these units are highly sensitive to fluid quality; if you experience a gear hunt while towing, it is often a sign of a failing solenoid pack or the need for a deep software relearn to optimize line pressure. Furthermore, some 2025 Ram 1500 models have faced recalls for engine sand contamination, which can lead to catastrophic internal failure or vehicle fire.
Recently, a discussion regarding the Ram 1500 REV and the Ramcharger thermal management systems should give some drivers pause. Some early reports on these 2025–2026 models have documented a Reduced Power message when towing in extreme heat. While often dismissed as a safety feature, some argue this is a symptom of the battery cooling loop struggling to keep up with the high discharge rates required for heavy hauling. Owners who notice their cooling fans running at maximum speed for extended periods after a drive should seek a coolant flow test to ensure no air pockets exist in the battery's thermal circuit.
Software Integration and Digital Health
The modern Ram experience is focused heavily on the Uconnect 5 ecosystem and the transition to software-defined towing aids. Because these trucks are now rolling network hubs, digital glitches can manifest as serious safety concerns.
Common failures noted by customers include black screens, where the 12-inch instrument cluster fails to initialize upon startup, leaving the driver without a speedometer or critical gauge data. This triggered a massive recall in late 2025 for over 70,000 trucks. Additionally, the Trailer Brake Module Disconnect is a prevalent software error where the vehicle forgets it is connected to a trailer, resulting in a loss of electronic braking control. This is almost exclusively a software handshake issue within the Body Control Module (BCM) rather than a physical wiring fault.
Our approach to Ram service bridges the gap between mechanical grit and digital stability. We utilize factory-level wiTECH 2.0 diagnostics to perform:
Valvetrain Audits: We perform acoustic tests to catch manifold leaks or lifter issues early, often recommending high-strength aftermarket studs to prevent repeat bolt failures.
Network & OTA Health: Since a stalled over-the-air (OTA) update can lead to a parasitic battery drain, we verify that your vehicle's modules are entering standby mode correctly after the ignition is off.
Towing System Calibration: We perform precision resets for the Blind Spot Monitoring and Trailer Reverse Steering modules to ensure your truck's digital eyes remain accurate when you're under load.
