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View Full Version : Anyone else have issues with the 2009 Dogde Ram 1/2 ton? I need advice...


purplnurpl
Sep. 22, 2009, 10:34 AM
Dodge is unwilling to help...
I have a new Dodge 1/2 ton. New body style.

Pros?
I love the truck. It's buttery smooth
Cons?
The headlights are useless and I can see better with a key chain flash light. The high beams are terrible and I have no peripheral vision! odd

The biggest issue?
I found a recall on the CD player that Dodge is unwilling to recognize. (at this point)

The issue comes up with with 1/2 of my CDs. They play the first chord of each song, pause, and then restart. The player does not recognize the end of the CD and instead of going back to track 1 it blasts white noise. (not fun the first time it happened!)
So in Aug I take said truck to Dodge dealer and ask them to put in a new CD player. (I've had truck since June)
They give it back to me and say it's fine according to tech.

"Um...negative! Come I'll show you." (and yes, I showed them when I dropped it off earlier in the day too.)

So I showed the service tech I was working with and he agrees there is a problem. So I have to bring it back again and leave it another day so they can reinspect.

I arrive to pick up the truck expecting the OK for a new stereo to be put in and they tell me it's my issue because the CDs are scratched. They tried the CDs in three other vehicles and they did the same thing.
What kind of vehicles I ask?
3 other 2009 Dodge Rams of course.

OK, duh.

"Please try the CDs in another make vehicle."

So instead we try the CDs in the upgraded Dodge stereo system (in a Charger..sooooo nice)

They work fine.

What does Dodge tell me? It would do us no good to put in a new player because it seems as the new technology is causing the issue and all of the 2009 players will do that. A 2008 player cannot be put in.

"Well, it looks like Dodge has a major 2009 recall on their hands."

Basically they told me, sorry Charlie. I'm the only one to complain as of yet.

Personally, I feel like Dodge either needs to recall their standard stereo or put an upgraded stereo in my vehicle.

What would you do?
I don't know where to go next.

The service tech asked me to get a new CD with no scratches and see what happens. I'll do that but I can guarantee you guys it will not make a difference. My scratched CDs work fine in all others players.

I'm about to get a little TO'd and someone from Dodge needs to hear about it. But who? I was so happy to finally buy a NEW truck and not deal with used shortcomings.

wingedmare
Sep. 22, 2009, 10:39 AM
I've got the '06 1 ton. My cd player froze. I just use my ipod. For how great everything else on the truck is, I guess the sterio is the least of my concerns. But just to let you know seems like sterios aren't dodges strong suit! ;)

mjrtango93
Sep. 22, 2009, 10:46 AM
Are you going only to your dealership or have you contacted Dodge Headquarters yet? I had an issue with my Ford dealership not wanting to own up to an issue. After 4 visits and the issue not fixed, then the service manager telling me it wasn't their problem I called Ford headquarters. Within one 20 minute call they not only acknowledged why I was pissed, conferenced in the dealership I was having issues with, got me in touch with a different dealership (I refused to go back to the original dealership after all that) to fix the problem and arranged the appointment, the red carpet was rolled out for me at the new dealership, Ford footed the entire bill, and I got a follow up call a week later making sure that everything was up to my standards. Sometimes you can get a crappy dealership, but overall the parent company doesn't want unhappy customers wandering around. Also I can assure you that what Ford footed the bill for was alot more then a stereo!

purplnurpl
Sep. 22, 2009, 11:19 AM
Ya, the Headquarters idea is what I was looking for.

And frankly, I don't care if the Dodge stereo is a strong suit or not. When I'm dishing out 400 bucks a month the entire vehicle better be working in proper order.

I did say to myself..well that is what I get for not having an ipod. :D
But really, really truly, I should not have to get an ipod to listen
to my favorite music in my brand spanking new truck. Simple as that.
(but yes, I'll get an ipod anyway now!) :lol:

If I wanted a truck with parts that didn't work I would have bought a used vehicle for 1/2 the price. PERIOD.

(I drove my Chevy for 3 years with a non working speedometer--was a recall that didn't apply to me because of the mileage--stupid. The truth actually got me out of a ticket once!! :lol:)

purplnurpl
Sep. 22, 2009, 11:21 AM
I've got the '06 1 ton. My cd player froze. I just use my ipod. For how great everything else on the truck is, I guess the sterio is the least of my concerns. But just to let you know seems like sterios aren't dodges strong suit! ;)


Yes, but did it come with a frozen CD player? And did every other Dodge 06 one ton come with a frozen CD player?

Dodge has a Purp sized issue. And I ain't no small drink o water!
LMAO
:yes:

LexInVA
Sep. 22, 2009, 12:36 PM
It's likely a faulty optical pickup in that run of stereos. Unfortunately, it happens. The dealership can't do squat about it because it's a defect likely shared by the entire stock of that part. I don't know if they will or won't address it since it's not a safety issue (unless you consider the fact that The Wertz might kill someone at the dealership) so you'll just have to wait and see. If you give me the pertinent information (model of your truck and the stereo package) I can see if there's a solution or what others are doing about it.

Ibex
Sep. 22, 2009, 02:06 PM
Wow! I have the identical truck ('09 RAM 1500 SLT). I don't think I've used the CD player yet (usually go with my iPod) but will try it and let you know!

No issues with the headlight... I work with someone with the same truck in a sport package... will ask if he's had any issues!

Grataan
Sep. 23, 2009, 04:00 PM
I switched my factory headlamps out with Hellas, but we did have the stereo problem. Our dealership was great and I'm not sure what they did but they fixed the stereo promptly.

I wonder if you just need to aim your headlamps? Fairly easy to do according to my associate (who lurks over my shoulder lol)