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2018 Ram 2500 - my ABS / HCU just failed while the cruise was engaged on the expressway... [EDIT] 3rd HCU FAILED!!!

2037 Views 21 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  catalyst
<UPDATE 3/29>
This is now the 3rd HCU that has apparently failed. My original failed per this thread, Ramcares expedited a replacement, which arrived dead/broken per the dealer, and the dealer to dealer part they replaced it with has now failed 9 days after closing my original case.

<original 2/21>
I own a 2018 Power Wagon and while I was on the expressway my truck had a sudden deceleration and almost got us rear-ended.

I had the cruise engaged and it unexpectedly shut off and the whole dash lit up with ABS/BRAKE warnings and a Service Electronic Braking System was displayed on the dash. It kept dinging and spamming the cluster lights every 30 seconds.

I took it to the dealer and set up an appt (they can't even look at it for 4 days and sent me driving it home - hope it is safe to drive!). I am still under my extended factory warranty, but given everything I've read on these forums, I am now expecting to be told there is a parts issue and to expect months of waiting for a replacement HCU. This could kill someone and needs to be a recall!

My question - Aside from the constant dinging, is the vehicle currently safe to drive? Aside from the TCS and ABS not functioning, is the truck otherwise safe to drive? The failed HCU/ABS module will not completely render the brakes inoperable? It will just be like driving an older truck not equipped with ABS/TCS?

Has anyone recently had the work performed? How long was your parts wait?

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Hey there,

We'd love to get you some help with this while your vehicle is at the dealer. Would you mind sending us a DM so we can dig into this with you?

Callie
Ram Cares
Please file a complaint with NHTSA: Report a Safety Problem | NHTSA
Due to the many complaints this is being investigated, and any specific details could help in the investigation. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2022/INOA-PE22012-9925.PDF
If the truck throws code C0020-01, which most do with this problems, the TSB for the fix is at: S2005000004 RAM Technical Service Bulletin
As you know the parts are the big problem and over the last year both the ABS module and the HCU have been on back order a number of times. The part number for the HCU changed in the last year suggesting the part has been upgraded. Maybe someone else has some idea of the latest on parts availability.. You can also contact @ramcares as they can provide some help.
Please file a complaint with NHTSA: Report a Safety Problem | NHTSA
Due to the many complaints this is being investigated, and any specific details could help in the investigation. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2022/INOA-PE22012-9925.PDF
If the truck throws code C0020-01, which most do with this problems, the TSB for the fix is at: S2005000004 RAM Technical Service Bulletin
As you know the parts are the big problem and over the last year both the ABS module and the HCU have been on back order a number of times. The part number for the HCU changed in the last year suggesting the part has been upgraded. Maybe someone else has some idea of the latest on parts availability.. You can also contact @ramcares as they can provide some help.
Hey,

Thank you so much for tagging us in this. We'd really love to look into this with you, @catalyst . We look forward to assisting you with this.

Callie
Ram Cares
I own a 2018 Power Wagon and while I was on the expressway my truck had a sudden deceleration and almost got us rear-ended.

I had the cruise engaged and it unexpectedly shut off and the whole dash lit up with ABS/BRAKE warnings and a Service Electronic Braking System was displayed on the dash. It kept dinging and spamming the cluster lights every 30 seconds.

I took it to the dealer and set up an appt (they can't even look at it for 4 days and sent me driving it home - hope it is safe to drive!). I am still under my extended factory warranty, but given everything I've read on these forums, I am now expecting to be told there is a parts issue and to expect months of waiting for a replacement HCU. This could kill someone and needs to be a recall!

My question - Aside from the constant dinging, is the vehicle currently safe to drive? Aside from the TCS and ABS not functioning, is the truck otherwise safe to drive? The failed HCU/ABS module will not completely render the brakes inoperable? It will just be like driving an older truck not equipped with ABS/TCS?

Has anyone recently had the work performed? How long was your parts wait?

View attachment 147369
I had the same problem with my 2018 Ram 2500 Mega Cab, the ABS pump or the ABS control module quit working and the cruise control would not work. The problem occurred about 18 months after I bought the truck. I went online and ordered genuine MOPAR replacement parts; ABS pump and control module and did the replacement. I had to take it to an auto shop that had the soft wear to flash the module or something so that my truck recognized the new ABS module. Parts cost me about $300.00 before pandemic.
@ramcares - I have not heard anything else from you since I provided you my VIN and other info about a week ago. Can I please get an update? I took the truck in to the local dealer they diagnosed a faulty HCU and ordered the parts. I have not heard anything else. They reported a 2+ month wait for the parts.
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@ramcares - I have not heard anything else from you since I provided you my VIN and other info about a week ago. Can I please get an update? I took the truck in to the local dealer they diagnosed a faulty HCU and ordered the parts. I have not heard anything else. They reported a 2+ month wait for the parts.
Hey @ramcares what is going on with replacement parts? Why are they still so hard to get? Almost three years ago your TSB for the repair on this said the ABS module was "on restriction," S2005000004 RAM Technical Service Bulletin
And now the HCU is back ordered 2+ months when we recently were told it would be available the end of January. After three years I would have thought you would have solved the parts problem since so many people are experiencing the failure. What is the problem with parts? @ramcares we have all invested good money in your product and we deserve an honest answer. Last year I traveled from California to Wisconsin and back. If this had failed in Minnesota would I still be stuck there? A little less evasion and more honesty would help everyone involved.
@ramcares - I have not heard anything else from you since I provided you my VIN and other info about a week ago. Can I please get an update? I took the truck in to the local dealer they diagnosed a faulty HCU and ordered the parts. I have not heard anything else. They reported a 2+ month wait for the parts.
Hey @catalyst ,

We appreciate your patience as we started your case! We've sent the case number to you via direct message.

Callie
Ram Cares
Hey @ramcares what is going on with replacement parts? Why are they still so hard to get? Almost three years ago your TSB for the repair on this said the ABS module was "on restriction," S2005000004 RAM Technical Service Bulletin
And now the HCU is back ordered 2+ months when we recently were told it would be available the end of January. After three years I would have thought you would have solved the parts problem since so many people are experiencing the failure. What is the problem with parts? @ramcares we have all invested good money in your product and we deserve an honest answer. Last year I traveled from California to Wisconsin and back. If this had failed in Minnesota would I still be stuck there? A little less evasion and more honesty would help everyone involved.
Hey,

We appreciate being tagged in this. We'd be happy to take a look into this for you. Would you mind sending us a direct message with your VIN so we can get a part escalation case started for you?

Callie
Ram Cares
Great News - my parts have shipped. I guess having a case opened to prioritize the parts make a huge difference because I was later told it might be as far back as June for my parts when they created the case. I am getting the updated AB Part #.
I have a 2012 2500 with the traction control issue related to the HCU. Was normal coming from work. Next day start to go to work and light is on. I stopped on way home and read code and it is a pressure sensor in HCU. So now no cruise, light in dash and probably no ABS. I had an 02 Durango had an HCU go bad. Why so many problems with this type unit, and evidently for years across many vehicles.
mine has been repaired. the first HCU sent to the dealer was faulty. They had to obtain another one.
mine has been repaired. the first HCU sent to the dealer was faulty. They had to obtain another one.
I assume since you had that ram cares case that greatly sped up getting the part?
Yes from about 6 months to 10 days
Yes from about 6 months to 10 days
And in the span of 9 days - my HCU has once again FAILED. I've contacted Stellantis to reopen my case. This has been a complete nightmare, especially with dealership delays. They needed my truck multiple days just to diagnose the codes... on top of needing it multiple days again to replace the HCU. I thought the updated parts were less prone to failure?
And in the span of 9 days - my HCU has once again FAILED. I've contacted Stellantis to reopen my case. This has been a complete nightmare, especially with dealership delays. They needed my truck multiple days just to diagnose the codes... on top of needing it multiple days again to replace the HCU. I thought the updated parts were less prone to failure?
Have the codes been pulled to confirm a diagnosis? I assume you are getting the light show and beep from the dash? Today I ran into the letter NHTSA sent to Ram requesting all the information Ram has about the problem as part of the investigation: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2022/INIM-PE22012-89993P.pdf
The answer from Ram was due March 6. Hopefully this will push Ram to come up with a real solution.
Codes have not been pulled yet. It just happened today at 730pm so the dealer was already closed. Did the exact same thing it did the first time though. I am not expecting a different diagnosis unless the wrong part was replaced the first time?

I have a service appt for monday morning. I will update the thread when i know more.
Codes have not been pulled yet. It just happened today at 730pm so the dealer was already closed. Did the exact same thing it did the first time though. I am not expecting a different diagnosis unless the wrong part was replaced the first time?

I have a service appt for monday morning. I will update the thread when i know more.

The service bulletin regarding the issues states to replace the HCU first, if the codes return then replace the ABS control module.
dealer had the truck since Monday. Initially they said there was nothing wrong and could not duplicate the issue. Then I got a call yesterday indicating they were able to reproduce and issue and pull a code indicating that a wheel sensor was failing intermittently and causing my issues. It is supposed to be getting replaced today and I am hoping to have my truck back today or tomorrow at the latest. I am not sure if that was the same issue from the start of this thread, or if my HCU truly did fail.

I also reported spongy / soft brake pedal after getting my HCU replaced. I wasn't sure if there was air in the lines, or if the new HCU just feels different in the pedal. The pedal now travels a LOT more before the brakes engage and if feels really soft with no firm stop eventually sinking to the floor unless I pump the pedal. I don't know how to best explain it other than if feels different than before.
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