U1428 on 2019-2026 Ram 1500: Inaccurate Engine Torque Fixes

What's Unique About the 2019-2026 Ram 1500

The 5th-generation Ram 1500's complex network of electronic modules is highly sensitive to both software glitches and system voltage. FCA/Stellantis has issued multiple software updates and a major recall (NHTSA 24V-653) to fix logic errors in the control modules that can cause this code and disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Furthermore, owners and technicians on forums like 5thGenRams consistently report that a weak or failing battery can cause a cascade of seemingly unrelated network codes, including U1428, making a battery health check a critical first step in diagnosis.

Generation note: The 2019 model year includes both the new 5th generation Ram 1500 (DT platform) and the 4th generation 'Ram 1500 Classic' (DS platform). This code and its causes are common to both generations due to shared powertrain control strategies and components.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Sudden loss of power as the truck enters 'limp mode'
• Check engine light is on
• Flashing red Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) or 'lightning bolt' light
• Warning message for 'Service Electronic Stability Control (ESC)'
• Hard starting or extended cranking before the engine starts
• Rough or unstable idle after starting
• Multiple warning lights appearing on the dash simultaneously (ABS, traction control, etc.)
• Remote start may fail to work if low voltage is detected

Most Likely Causes

1. Outdated Control Module Software 🔴 High Probability Stellantis has issued multiple TSBs and a recall (NHTSA 24V-653, FCA Recall 75B/85B) for software issues in the PCM and ABS modules that cause communication errors and disable the ESC system on these trucks. This specific recall addresses a software malfunction in the ABS control module that can disable the ESC.
   How to confirm: A Ram dealership can check your vehicle's VIN against their database for any open recalls or applicable TSBs related to the PCM or ABS module software. Recall 24V-653 affects over 1.2 million 2019 and 2021-2024 models.
   Typical fix: Reprogramming (flashing) the affected module with the latest software version. This must be done by a dealer or a qualified shop with a wiTECH scan tool. The recall fix is performed free of charge.
   Est. part cost: $0-$250
2. Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability The crankshaft position sensor provides the primary signal for engine speed. If this signal is erratic, the PCM cannot calculate a plausible torque value, leading to the U1428 code being set by other modules. This is a known failure point on various Stellantis products.
   How to confirm: Scan for other codes. The presence of P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit) or P0339 (Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent) strongly points to this sensor being the root cause.
   Typical fix: Replace the crankshaft position sensor. It's highly recommended to use an OEM Mopar part for reliability. The sensor is typically located on the transmission bell housing.
   Est. part cost: $25-$60
3. Weak or Failing Battery 🟡 Medium Probability Modern Ram trucks have a very high electrical demand, and the complex network is sensitive to low voltage. A battery that is starting to fail can cause communication dropouts and random network codes before it's unable to start the truck. Forum members on 5thGenRams consistently report a weak battery as the source of strange electronic problems, including U1428.
   How to confirm: Do not just check the voltage with a multimeter. The battery must be load-tested using a carbon pile or digital load tester to verify its health under load. Many owners report getting 4-5 years out of the OEM battery before issues arise. A resting voltage below 12.4V is a sign of a weak battery.
   Typical fix: Replace the vehicle's battery. Ensure the new battery meets or exceeds the OEM specifications for Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and capacity. Many owners upgrade from the stock H7 size to a larger H8 AGM battery.
   Est. part cost: $150-$350
4. Damaged Wiring or Loose Connectors ⚪ Low Probability Vibrations, heat, or road debris can damage wiring harnesses. The CAN bus wires, which are essential for module communication, are a 'twisted pair' and can be susceptible to interference or damage. There are documented cases of engine wiring harness chafing on various GM trucks that share similar designs, highlighting potential chafe points near the cylinder head, shock towers, and control arms.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect major wiring harnesses between the PCM, TCM, and ABS module. Check for secure connections at the PCM (on the firewall), TCM (on the transmission), and the Body Control Module (BCM). A Reddit user suggested checking ground wires on the firewall and cylinder heads. Also inspect harnesses for chafing near the upper control arm and shock tower bolts.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean and re-secure the loose connector. This can be very labor-intensive.
   Est. part cost: $10-$500+

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty ABS Module: Beyond software, the ABS module itself can fail, causing this code. The module is manufactured by Continental Automotive Systems.
• Low Transmission Fluid: In at least one owner account, low transmission fluid caused a variety of codes, including U1428, and led to limp mode. Topping off the fluid resolved the issue.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for Recalls: Contact a Ram dealer with your VIN or use the NHTSA website to check for open safety recalls, especially recall 24V-653, which involves a free ABS module software update for many 2019, 2021-2024 trucks.
2. Scan for All Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner capable of reading codes from all modules (Engine, Transmission, ABS, Body). Pay close attention to codes for specific sensors, like P0335/P0339 for the crank sensor.
3. Test the Battery: Have the battery professionally load-tested, even if it seems fine. Low system voltage is a well-documented cause of network communication faults on these trucks.
4. Address Primary Codes First: If you have codes for the crankshaft sensor (P0335/P0339), diagnose and repair that issue first. Replacing the faulty sensor will often clear the U1428 code.
5. Seek a Software Update: If the battery is good and no other specific sensor codes are present, the most likely solution is a software update. This must be performed by a dealership or a shop with a wiTECH scan tool.
6. Inspect Wiring and Grounds: If all else fails, perform a detailed visual inspection of the wiring harnesses and connectors between the PCM, TCM, and ABS module. Check major ground connections on the firewall and engine block. Pay special attention to the CAN bus twisted-pair wires for any signs of chafing, corrosion, or damage, particularly near the upper control arms and shock towers.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Crankshaft Position Sensor (OEM #68477925AB (replaces 68140678ab, 68140678ac)) — This is a common failure point that directly causes the PCM to send implausible torque data when its signal becomes erratic.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NTK/NGK, Delphi
  OEM price range: $40-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$45
• AGM Battery — The complex electronics on the Ram 1500 are sensitive to voltage, and a weak battery is a frequent cause of network communication codes. Owners often replace the OEM battery after 4-5 years to resolve electronic issues.
  Trusted brands: Duralast, DieHard, Odyssey
  OEM price range: $250-$400
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$350

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0335 / P0339 — These codes for the crankshaft position sensor directly indicate the root cause. The PCM is getting a bad engine speed signal, causing it to send implausible torque data to other modules.
• P2173 — This code for 'High Airflow/Vacuum Leak Detected' can sometimes appear with U1428, suggesting the PCM is struggling to maintain control based on conflicting sensor inputs.
• P1DD2 — This code, 'Torque Request Signal From TCM Denied,' is the flip side of U1428 and may be stored in the TCM, confirming the communication fault between the engine and transmission.
• U0401 — This code for 'Implausible Data Received From ECM/PCM' is a general communication fault code that often accompanies U1428, indicating a network-wide data issue.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NHTSA ID: 24V-653 / FCA Recall 75B - ABS Control Module Software Update
• TSB 18-091-19 - Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates (for other models, but lists U1428 as a target code)

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• NHTSA Recall 24V-653: ABS Module Software: Affects over 1.2 million 2019 and 2021-2024 Ram 1500 trucks. A software malfunction in the ABS control module can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which can trigger the U1428 code. The fix is a free software update performed by a dealer.

Documented NHTSA Reports

• An owner reported experiencing a sudden loss of power while on the freeway, with the accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive and the vehicle displaying codes P0340, P0365, and U1428 (NHTSA ODI #11245668).
• A report describes a vehicle that would not accelerate, requiring the driver to pull over with hazards on; the code U1428 was retrieved, and the owner later experienced startup issues and a "Start/Stop System Unavailable" message (NHTSA ODI #11243310).
• NHTSA ODI #11617731 describes an instance where a vehicle displayed codes U1428 and P1DD2, leading the owner to research recall options for their specific model.
• An owner reported their vehicle turned off on its own while displaying codes U1428 and P2172, suspecting a throttle body issue (NHTSA ODI #11424210).
• NHTSA ODI #11638410 notes an instance where a driver was forced to pull over on a highway and retrieved DTCs U1428 and D2171 before being able to restart and continue.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• CAN Bus Network Resistance — expected: 60 Ohms (± a few ohms). Failure: A reading of 120 Ohms indicates a missing terminating resistor or a break in the circuit. A reading around 40 Ohms suggests a third, improper resistor on the network. A reading significantly less than 40 Ohms can indicate a short in the harness or a damaged module.
• CAN Bus Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: CAN High (H) line should be ~2.5V and CAN Low (L) line should be ~2.5V, both relative to ground. During data transmission, CAN-H pulses to ~3.5V and CAN-L pulses to ~1.5V. An oscilloscope is required to see this accurately.. Failure: Voltages that are stuck high or low, or do not mirror each other (sum should be ~5V), indicate a short to power, short to ground, or a faulty module. If CAN High voltage is lower than CAN Low, the wires may be reversed.
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Air Gap — expected: Approximately 0.050 inches (1.27mm). This is not typically adjustable but should be checked.. Failure: An incorrect air gap, often caused by debris on the sensor tip or rust on the mounting flange, can cause a weak or biased signal, leading to intermittent codes like P0339 and the resulting U1428.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (or advanced aftermarket tool with FCA license): Proxy Configuration Alignment — This is mandatory after replacing any major control module (PCM, BCM, ABS, etc.). It's a procedure that introduces the new module to the vehicle's network. Failure to perform a proxi alignment will result in a flashing odometer and persistent network communication codes like U1428, even if the part is correct and functional.
• wiTECH: Restore Vehicle Configuration — Used to rewrite the vehicle's factory settings (VIN, sales codes, options) to a module. This is necessary if a module's configuration is suspected to be corrupt, which can cause communication faults. It's often done before or after a module replacement.
• wiTECH: Network Test (Bus Diagnostics) — This function polls all modules on the network and displays their status in a topology map. It quickly identifies which modules are not communicating, helping to isolate the source of a network-wide fault code.
• wiTECH: Reprogram PCM / Flash ECU — This is the specific fix for TSBs and recalls related to software logic errors. It updates the module's internal software to the latest version, correcting the flaw that causes the inaccurate torque signal.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• PCM Connectors — Located on the firewall, typically on the passenger side of the engine bay.. These are the main connection points for the engine's sensors and the CAN bus network. Corrosion or backed-out pins here can be a direct cause of U1428.
• Main Engine Grounds — A Reddit user identified key grounds: one on the driver's side top of the fender near the firewall, one below the PCM connecting to the Bank 2 (passenger side) cylinder head, and one on the back of the Bank 1 (driver side) cylinder head, visible from underneath.. A poor ground connection for the PCM or other modules can cause floating voltages and data corruption, leading to a cascade of network codes.
• CAN Bus Twisted Pair — Runs throughout the engine harness. These wires are intentionally twisted together to resist electromagnetic interference. On Ram trucks, they are often a white wire paired with another color (e.g., white/dark green, white/gray).. If these wires become untwisted, damaged, or run too close to high-voltage sources (like alternator wires), it can corrupt the data signal and trigger communication codes.
• ABS Module — Located in the engine bay on the driver's side, below the main fuse box. Access often requires removing the driver's side front wheel and fender liner.. The ABS module is a primary recipient of the engine torque signal for ESC and traction control functions. A bad connection here or a faulty module is a direct cause of the code, as highlighted by recall 24V-653.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RamForum.com user (2020 Ram 1500 Bighorn, 5.7L Hemi, 39k miles) — Sudden limp mode at highway speed with flashing check engine light and 'Service Stability Control' message. Codes U1428 and P2173 appeared.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Dealer cleared codes, but the problem reoccurred., Dealer suspected a vacuum leak but couldn't find one., Dealer proposed replacing the MAP sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The forum community overwhelmingly pointed to a weak battery as the likely culprit, even on a relatively new truck. The consensus advice was to perform a proper load test on the battery, as these trucks are extremely sensitive to voltage drops which can cause numerous, seemingly unrelated electronic faults and codes. The original poster did not report the final fix, but another user with identical symptoms confirmed a new battery and the recall flash solved their issue.
• Reddit user u/Fancy-Surprise-5132 (2019 Ram 1500) — Cranks but does not start, with code U1428 present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The user had already replaced the battery 4-5 months prior.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The resolution was not posted, but a master tech in the thread provided a detailed diagnostic path that represents a professional approach: 1. Perform a hard reset by disconnecting the battery and touching the cable ends together. 2. Check all main engine grounds, specifically calling out locations on the fender, and both cylinder heads. 3. Disconnect PCM harnesses to check for corrosion or damage. 4. Check all wiring harnesses around the transmission for physical damage. This advice highlights that after software and battery, the next step is a physical inspection of the wiring infrastructure.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• A common scenario for U1428 is the battery passing a simple multimeter voltage test (e.g., showing 12.5V) but the truck still exhibiting problems. The actual cause is the battery failing under load. A carbon pile or digital load tester reveals the battery's inability to supply sufficient, stable voltage when the starter engages or when multiple modules are active, causing communication dropouts on the CAN bus.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68140678ab, 68140678ac → 68477925AB — Standard part revision and consolidation by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: While older numbers may still be found, using the latest superseded part number (68477925AB) is always recommended to ensure you have the most recent design and manufacturing updates.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2019, 2021-2024: These model years are covered under NHTSA recall 24V-653 (FCA recalls 75B/85B) for a mandatory ABS control module software update. A software glitch can disable the ESC system, which relies on the same torque data as this code.
• 2020: The 2020 model year is notably EXCLUDED from the major ABS software recall 24V-653. While a software update from a TSB may still be the fix, it is not covered by this specific free recall program, which is a key distinction for owners.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Cracked Exhaust Manifold / Broken Bolts 🔴 High — Very common on 5.7L HEMI engines, often manifests as a 'tick' noise during cold starts that disappears as the engine warms up. Can occur at any mileage, but more frequent after 50,000 miles. (Ref: TSB 09-011-22, TSB 09-019-23)
• Rear Window Frame Leak 🟠 Medium — Common on 2019-2021 models with the power sliding rear window. The plastic frame cracks, allowing water to leak into the cab, potentially damaging the headliner and electronics behind the rear seat (like the RF Hub or 48v battery pack). (Ref: TSB 23-016-21, Warranty Extension TSB 23-098-23)
• eTorque System Faults 🟠 Medium — Affects models with the 5.7L eTorque mild-hybrid system. Issues include sudden stalling, battery charging problems, and rough start-stop operation. Some issues were addressed by a recall for an over-rich fuel condition. (Ref: NHTSA Recall 23V-054 (PCM software update))
• Infotainment System Glitches (Uconnect) 🟡 Low — Owners report occasional issues like screen blackouts, unresponsiveness, or features not working. Most are resolved with a system reboot or a software update from the dealer. (Ref: Various software update TSBs exist, e.g., TSB 08-044-23.)
• Air Suspension Faults 🟠 Medium — The optional Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension can experience leaks from airbags or lines, or compressor failures, especially in cold climates. Repairs can be expensive.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: Used parts are generally not recommended for fixing this code due to the complexity and sensitivity of the electronics. However, if a major control module (PCM, ABS, BCM) is confirmed bad, a used module from a donor with an identical part number can be a cost-effective alternative to a new one, BUT ONLY if you have access to a shop with a wiTECH tool to perform the mandatory 'Proxy Configuration Alignment'.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Verify the part number on the used module EXACTLY matches your original part.
• Source from a vehicle with a known, verifiable history and lower mileage if possible.
• Inspect connectors for any signs of corrosion, bent pins, or heat damage.
• Avoid modules from flood-damaged or heavily wrecked vehicles.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Crankshaft Position Sensor: Forum consensus strongly advises using only OEM Mopar sensors. Aftermarket versions, even from reputable brands, are frequently reported to cause persistent or intermittent issues on this platform.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Battery: While not a 'fix' for a bad part, a high-quality AGM battery is critical. Brands like Odyssey, Northstar, and DieHard Platinum are often cited as reliable upgrades by owners.
• Scan Tools: For advanced diagnostics beyond reading codes, Autel and Snap-on scanners with the appropriate FCA software license can perform some of the needed functions, but the proprietary wiTECH system is the gold standard.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Avoid generic, unbranded electronic sensors (like crankshaft or camshaft sensors) from online marketplaces. These are a very common source of failed repairs and repeat codes.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0335 — Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit. This code directly points to a potential root cause of U1428. If the PCM receives an invalid signal from this sensor, it cannot calculate engine torque, leading to communication faults with other modules like the ABS and TCM.
• P0339 — Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent. This is a very common companion code to U1428 on Ram trucks. An intermittent signal from the crank sensor is a frequent cause of the implausible data that triggers the U-code. Fixing the P0339 issue often resolves U1428.
• P2173 — Throttle Actuator Control System - High Airflow Detected. This code has been reported by owners in conjunction with U1428. It can be set when the engine's actual airflow (measured by the MAP sensor) doesn't match what the PCM expects based on throttle position and engine speed, a condition that can be triggered by an erratic crank sensor signal.

Frequently Asked Questions