U11E9 code Dodge Ram 1500 (Everything You Must Know)

Diagnostic trouble codes help detect, analyze, and highlight problems and faults in your vehicle by generating unique codes tailored to those specific problems.

Unfortunately, however, a vast amount of trouble codes exist. And each trouble code represents a different specific fault in the car.

The need to understand what problem belongs to the trouble code your vehicle highlights becomes crucial to fixing that problem.

Let’s find out what the U11E9 code means for the Dodge ram 1500.

U11e9 is an OBD-II trouble code highlighting lost communication with the vehicle’s Active Grille Shutter. U11E9 is one of the most frequent OBD-II codes. When communication is lost between the Active Grille Shutter, the check engine light comes on, and the U11E9 code is set and stored.

What Does U11E9 mean?

U11e9 is an error code usually in Dodge and Jeep vehicles that highlights an issue in the car’s system.

For example, the U11E9 error code points to an issue in the Active Grill Shutter of your Dodge Ram.

The Active Grille Shutter rests behind the fascia at the front of the vehicle’s radiator.

The Active Grille Shutter is responsible for regulating extreme temperatures within the Car’s engine and primarily reduces aerodynamic drag on the vehicle.

U11E9 works by alerting the driver as soon as the communication suffers disruption with the Active Grille Shutter.

Once communication is lost, the check engine light comes on, and the code is set. 

Trouble codes are peculiar to specific parts of a vehicle.

Trouble codes come in standard abbreviations, with each character having a unique meaning that adds to the fault codes meaning.

To understand better what U11E9 means and the area it refers to in your Dodge Ram, here’s a breakdown of the meaning behind each character in the code’s name and subsequent characters of other abbreviations:

#1. 1st Character 

The first characters are mostly alphabets that vary between U, P, C, and B.

• U: Network and vehicle integration. Represents functions managed by the onboard computer system.
• P: Power train, including transmission, engine, and connected accessories.
• C: Chassis. Covers mechanical systems and functions, including suspension, brakes, and steering.
• B: Body. These are for parts mainly found in the passenger compartment area.

#2. 2nd Character

 Second characters are mostly numbers that usually vary between 0 or 1

• 0: Standardized (SAE) code. Also called generic code.
• 1: Manufacturer-specific code. Sometimes called enhanced code

#3. 3rd Character 

These are powertrain codes. The number tells you where the fault lies in the vehicle’s subsystem. 

• 0: Fuel and auxiliary emissions. Also, air metering.
• 1: Air and fuel metering.
• 2: Fuel and air metering (Injector circuit)
• 3: Misfires or Ignition system. 
• 4: Auxiliary emission control.
• 5: Vehicle speed control, idle control systems, and auxiliary inputs.
• 6: Computer and output circuit.
• 7: Transmission

You might see A, B, or C. These refer to hybrid propulsion systems. 

#4. 4th and 5th Characters 

The fourth and fifth characters tell the exact problem the vehicle is experiencing. They usually fall between 0 to 99. 

Deciphering U11E9 from this breakdown gives Network and Vehicle integration, Manufacturer-specific code, Air and fuel metering (hybrid propulsion), and faulty active grille shutter.

How do I Fix my U11E9 Code?

To fix the code, you have to understand it. A few possible causes for the U11E9 code include:

• Faulty Active Grill shutter assembly (AGS)
• Poor wiring and other electrical connections in the Active Grill Shutter Assembly.
• Wiring and connectors are shorted, burnt, disconnected, or corroded. 
• Faulty Powertrain control module.
• Poor ground connection.

The symptoms of these common causes include: 

• Overheating
• Illuminated check engine
• Low engine performance

To diagnose and trace the U11E9 code generated by your Dodge Ram, a technician would require a scan tool to check for codes in the electronic control module.

You can also do this yourself if you purchase a scan tool. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process to follow when running diagnostics on your vehicle:

• Using the scan tool, scan for codes in the electronic control module and check the freeze data for failure.
• Inspect all the electrical wiring and connectors in case of damage, burns, shorts, or corrosion.
• Test the Active Grill Shutter motor for proper functioning.
• Inspect all ground wires for cleanliness and connection.

• Replace or repair damaged, burnt or corroded parts as necessary.
• Clear the codes, test drive, and recheck if it appears again. 

Technicians make common mistakes while running diagnostics in vehicles.

You can correct some of these mistakes if you choose to run diagnostics on your car yourself since you would naturally put in more focus and attention.

A few of these common mistakes include:

• Not checking and rechecking all ground wires
• Not testing the Active Grill Shutter 
• Replacing car parts without first running a proper diagnosis.
• Not thoroughly inspecting all wiring and electrical connectors

U11E9 code is a very serious fault code and should be taken seriously. Repairs should be done immediately, as quickly as possible.

Delaying may lead to disastrous consequences over time. With time, this code can cause engine overheating, reduced engine performance, and severe damage to engine parts.

To fix the issues associated with the U11E9 code:

• Replace and repair faulty parts like wiring, connectors, or the Active Grill Shutter motor.
• Ensure to check and recheck all ground wires, repair and replace if any is damaged or found out of place.
• Ensure to clear codes and test drive the vehicle to find out if the U11E9 code returns.

Some other codes U11E9 is related to, but peculiarly different from, include: 

• U11EA:  Lost communication with passive grill shutter
• P00A7: Engine coolant temperature (ECT) too high.

Also read: Why Won’t My Dodge Ram Start in the Cold?

2019 and 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 U11E9 Codes?

The U11E9 code for both these vehicles means the same thing: Lost communication with Active Grille Shutter.

However, let’s take a look at a detailed table highlighting other Dodge Ram trouble codes and their meanings:

Codes	Meaning
U011A	Lost communication with exhaust gas sensor module
U0100	Lost communication with the electronic control module or powertrain control module.
P2742	Transmission fluid temperature sensor too low
P2743	Transmission fluid temperature sensor too high
U010C	Lost communication with turbocharger or supercharger control module
U0101	Lost communication with the transmission control module
P2741	Transmission fluid temperature sensor 2 performance.
P2463	Diesel Particulate Filter–Soot accumulation
P2454	Diesel Particulate filter pressure sensor, a circuit low.
P2455	Diesel Particulate filter pressure sensor, a circuit high.
P242F	Diesel Particulate filter restriction–ash accumulated.
P244A	Diesel Particulate filter differential pressure too low.
P2281Air leak between Mass Airflow sensor and Throttle body.
P2262	Turbocharger boost pressure not detected.
P2299	The brake pedal position and accelerator pedal position are not compatible.
U1401	Implausible engine speed signal received
U1407	Implausible engine torque request received.
U1448	Implausible ignition off time received (signal stuck)
U1111	Lost odometer message
U1441	Implausible or missing programmed transfer case low ratio

Conclusion

In summary, U11E9 highlights problems with the Active Grill Shutter or lost communication with it.

Therefore, it is crucial to run proper diagnostics on the vehicle before replacing or repairing damaged parts.

Furthermore, ensure to fix the issue(s) highlighted by the code as soon as possible by visiting with a technician who can use a scan tool to run a proper diagnosis.