The world of pickup trucks has experienced a radical revolution over the past few decades. With each new model, we see new features and software updates designed to improve the vehicle’s safety, enhance the driver’s comfort, and much more.
One of those features is the Ram eTorque system. It comes with a new 48-volt alternator that replaced the 12-volt alternator. This new alternator charges a 430-watt Lithium-ion battery pack. In turn, it helps to power different vehicle functions and accessories.
However, like other vehicle features, it’s susceptible to problems. Want to learn more about Ram eTorque problems?
Let’s jump in!
Ram eTorque Problems & Solutions
The Ram eTorque is a popular mechanism that stores the braking energy after capturing it. This hybrid system then provides support to the engine using the stored forces, especially when driving at lower speeds.
However, like any other man-made system, Ram’s eTorque system is susceptible to different problems. Below is a table of Ram eTorque problems and solutions.
| Problems | Solutions |
| Won’t work when ventilated seats and A/C are working | Contact your local truck dealer |
| eTorque stops working suddenly and won’t start | Replace or charge the battery |
| Electronic vehicle information center displays incorrect battery voltage when eTorque is on | Contact your local truck dealer |
| Engine shuts down and switches automatically to Adaptive Cruise Control when driving | Stop your truck, park it, turn off the engine, wait for two minutes and start your truck again |
Won’t Work When Ventilated Seats and A/C Are Working
If you own a Ram 2019 or 2020 truck, your eTorque may not work when ventilated seats and A/C are working. Basically, the eTorque system will function when you switch off the ventilated seats and A/C.
Yes, ventilated seats are not a necessity. But they do provide an enhanced experience. How you may ask. They work by directing air through the seats and unto the occupant. This increases comfort, especially on long journeys.
Like the A/C, they help to reduce sweating and dry any moisture between the seat and your body. They also reduce the temperature of the seats, especially after you park your vehicle in the sun and they become hot.
So, when you turn off your A/C and ventilated seats for the eTorque system to work, it becomes a bothersome issue. When facing this issue, it’s difficult to switch between the eTorque system and the A/C plus ventilation seats. If you choose to switch the A/C and ventilated seats on, a message will pop up on the infotainment display. This message will inform you that the eTorque system is not working.
Solution
If you encounter this issue, we recommend that you contact your local truck dealer. They have certified and experienced professionals who will help to fix the problem.
eTorque Stops Working Suddenly and Won’t Start
It’s common for the eTorque system to stop working suddenly and won’t start in older models. However, some newer models seem to be having the same issue. Well, the problem lies in the eToque batteries.
When the engine is running, the eTorque system delivers a 48-volt current to a 430-watt-hour Lithium-ion battery. The battery pack has a 3 kilowatt DC to DC converter that changes from 48 volts to 12 volts. This helps to power different vehicle accessories that run on 12 Volts.
If you park your Ram truck for a prolonged period after installing the eTorque, you’ll damage its battery. So, when you choose to drive after a prolonged period, the eTorque’s motor will stop working suddenly. This will happen even after you fully charge the eTorque’s battery.
Solution
The solution is to either replace or charge the battery. If you choose to replace the eTorque battery, it will cost anywhere from $400 to $800.
Incorrect Battery Voltage
When you drive your Ram truck, the EVIC display will display incorrect battery voltage when the eTorque feature is on. This means the battery voltage reading may be lower than the actual reading.
Solution
This is a problem that you cannot solve by yourself. Why you may ask. The issue will take a long time to diagnose and solve. So, we recommend that you contact your local truck dealer
Engine Abruptly Shuts Off
Your Ram’s engine may abruptly shut off and go to the Adaptive Cruise Control mode automatically. This may happen when driving at a high speed and the engine suddenly stops due to an auto turn-off feature that comes with the system.
What you need to know is that this is a safety issue, and it activates to alert you that the engine is off. Once in Adaptive Cruise Control, you can safely park your vehicle.
Solution
When you park your vehicle, turn the engine off. Wait for a minute or two before you start your Ram truck again. If the engine turns off immediately you turn it on and turn it off for another minute or two. Note, you may have to repeat this process five to ten times before your Ram truck is ready to run properly again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the Ram eTorque work?
The 2020 Ram eTorque supplies electricity to a dedicated Lithium battery pack. In fact, the motor generator delivers 48 volts to the 430-watt battery pack when your engine is running. It then converts the 48 volts to 12 volts for use in the vehicle.
2. Can Ram eTorque be turned off?
Only the Ram 1500 with eTorque has a start/stop, while the regular Hemi and EcoDiesel do not. You can always tell if a Ram truck has a start/stop by looking near the gear shift knob. So, those with start/stop have a button to enable and disable eTorque.
3. Does eTorque replace an alternator?
Yes, the eTorque feature replaced the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor generator. This is because the traditional alternator can only generate electricity to charge the 12-volt battery. However, with eTorque, you can power several vehicle accessories even those with power-hungry needs.
4. How long is the eTorque warranty?
The eTorque feature is usually covered under the Federal Emission Warranty for 8 years/80,000 miles for 2019 and 2020 Ram trucks. This cover extends to the catalytic converter, powertrain control module, and others.
Final Words
The Ram eTorque problems are common and spread across different Ram truck models – from 2019 to 2022. However, this technology is very useful. Not only does it provide more torque for towing. But it also improves fuel economy and enhances your drivability. If you ever face any one of the Ram eTorque problems above, use the solutions above.