The last thing you want to see in your new Ram 1500 is some kind of error message that is accompanied by warning lights, chimes, and all those unpleasant things that may drive you mad. Especially, if you own a one-year-old truck that has just several thousand miles on it. This is frustrating, but the internet has a quick answer to your question!
If your Ram 1500 says “Service Electronic Throttle Control”, it’s usually the TRSCM (Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module) glitching and you just need to reset it. The ETC (Electronic Throttle Control), in most cases, works well and doesn’t need any servicing when you see this message. Also, along with this message, you can observe problems with the rearview camera in your Ram truck.
Here’s what I will cover in this article:
- What does it mean when your Ram says “Service Electronic Throttle Control”?
- TRSCM module and its connection with the ETC system.
- How do you reset the TRSCM system in your Ram 1500?
- Is there a recall for the “Service Electronic Throttle Control” message in Ram?
- Can you drive when you see this error message?
Your Ram says “Service Electronic Throttle Control” – why?
When the current generation of Ram trucks appeared on the market with its cool eTorque engines, wonderful features, and technologies, people were super positive about it. But once they had some experience with the trucks, it appeared to be pretty raw in terms of quality. A lot of different error messages, minor problems, and mishaps were happening and the forums nearly broke because of the number of new threads reporting about the problems.
The “Service Electronic Throttle Control” message appeared to be one of the most common problems with the Ram 1500, so Chrysler had to pay attention to it. I read hundreds of reports and finally found several important features that helped me deduct what the problem was.
Here’s what happens:
- when you start your car, the diagnostic system throws the “Service Electronic Throttle Control” message;
- your rearview camera is inactive – it may also show the error message or just be dead;
- if you try to start the Ram truck with the remote start feature, it will stall after 4-6 seconds;
- the scanner will show a strange code – U02BE – and there is nothing much about this code on the internet;
- the truck will still drive and actually show no problems, even the check engine light will not show up or will turn off.
It appeared to be that this problem is common for Ram 1500 trucks made from 2021 to 2023 that come with the TRSCM system. Surprisingly, you can dig in the documentation for the Ram 1500 and find out that the U02BE code also has something to do with this TRSCM.
The TRSCM system stands for Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module. This is the system that helps you automatically control the steering while controlling the direction of the trailer when you are reversing. You just use the knob in the center console and the truck is steering for you. Cool feature but it appeared to be pretty faulty.
How is TRSCM connected to the ETC?
Well, the TRSCM uses many features of the vehicle including the backup camera, braking with the ABS system, cutting off the gas supply with the help of electronic throttle control, and steering with the help of adaptive cruise control features. It has access to almost all controls in your vehicle, so it cooperates with them.
And once something goes wrong with the TRSCM, you may get all different kinds of messages including the “Service Electronic Throttle Control”. Obviously, this is the reason why this module may cause all those kinds of nasty messages and also the problem with the backup camera.
But let’s hold our horses and see what else may happen with your Ram truck and trigger this error message.
Things that can cause the “Service Electronic Throttle Control” fault
Here’s what can trigger this message:
- TRSCM. I’ve also explained why this may happen. In most cases, you will see this message, your rearview camera will not be functioning, and the car won’t start with the remote start feature.
- ETC. Unfortunately, the electronic throttle control module can also malfunction. This doesn’t happen very often but this problem can show up when the module was in contact with water or was hit by something.
- Low battery. Although it’s quite unusual for a new car, the battery can go bad even in a 1-year-old truck. Dead batteries may cause all kinds of issues and random error messages including the “Service Electronic Throttle Control” one.
- Bad fuses. Check the fuse #53 in the interior PDC. This fuse controls the TRSCM and it is usually the one that malfunctions. Ram owners sometimes ended up replacing this fuse and solving this problem in such a way.
- Software issue. Although Chrysler doesn’t like agreeing that they made mistakes, this time they even issues a recall for 2021-2023 Ram trucks equipped with TRSCM. But I heard from people that the software update doesn’t help much and the issue comes back after some time.
The recall was issued in February 2023 but it’s voluntary, so unless you tell the dealership that you want the software update to be installed, they will not offer this to you. But I doubt if this software update can actually solve the problem. So, it’s up to you to decide whether you want this update installed or not.
Resetting the TRSCM on your own – how to do it?
As far as I’m concerned, you can solve the problem without even going to the dealership just by resetting the TRSCM system. For this, you will need to choose one of the two possible ways:
1. Fuse reset
This is the mildest and easiest way to reset the TRSCM system in your Ram truck. Here’s what you should do for this:
- locate the interior fuse box and open it;
- look at the map of fuses on the lid or in the driver’s manual;
- find the TRSCM fuse which should be #53 (but you better check it);
- make sure the vehicle is not on, the ignition or accessory mode is not active;
- take the fuse out of the box and leave it like this for 5 minutes;
- after that, reinstall the fuse, you may also check if it’s not blown or defective;
- turn the ignition on and see if the problem disappeared.
2. Battery reset
One more way to reset the TRSCM and also almost any other electronic module is to just disconnect the battery.
For this, you will need to do the following:
- locate the 12V battery – it’s placed under the hood of your car;
- take the cable off the negative terminal, then from the positive one;
- wait for five minutes, you may also press the honk or turn on the light to release any stored power;
- connect the positive terminal first, then the negative one;
- turn on the engine and see if the car still shows you the error message.
Both methods will take you just several minutes and are easy to accomplish. I strongly recommend resetting the TRSCM with the fuse. This will save all the settings in your truck and will help you reset the needed module separately.
Can you still drive when you see this message?
When your Ram says “Service Electronic Throttle Control”, it may be quite scary. Throttle control takes an active part in the process of driving, so this error may make you think it’s best to avoid driving. Also, other things are happening with the vehicle like the camera isn’t working and some other messages are popping up.
But actually, it’s not that bad and you still can drive when this is happening to your vehicle.
Here’s what you should do:
- according to the information above, reset the TRSCM system by pulling out the fuse and putting it back;
- check if the system is working properly now and doesn’t show any error messages;
- if you can’t locate the fuse, reset the system by disconnecting the battery;
- if nothing helps, contact your dealer – avoid using any DIY repairs if your truck is still under warranty;
- if the truck works well, you may keep driving without any problems, all the needed systems will be operational;
- anyway, don’t ignore the message and address the problem once you have the possibility to go to the dealership.
The worst thing you can do is ignore the issue. This problem may be solved for free in the dealership because there is a recall for Ram 1500 software. Even if you need some repairs, they may be done free of charge. You need to contact the dealership and then decide whether this problem is covered by the warranty.
Final thoughts
Your Ram 1500 is a great truck that is capable of doing wonderful things. But the latest generation of these trucks may have some weaknesses in terms of software, wiring, and electronics. The “Service Electronic Throttle Control” message may be frustrating, but after reading this article, you now have several quick solutions for this problem.
I should remind you that any self-made repairs may void the warranty. So, if your Ram truck is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, just call the dealer and arrange your visit to the dealership to have the issue fixed.