Launch enabled, then engine bogs & loses power (likely driver error)

[Steadi]

Mine hasn't thrown a CEL or required a restart like others here have, but I’ve noticed what feels like a throttle delay or turbo lag both in Launch Control and during "spirited" lane changes at highway speeds.

In Launch Mode, I follow the procedure exactly: brake + throttle, RPM climbs, and then upon releasing the brake, there’s a brief but noticeable bog before it finally hooks and takes off. I've never been able to get close to the claimed 0–60 time — my best is 5.3 seconds vs the quoted 4.6. Still good times considering the size and weight of the vehicle on 35s, but not "as advertised." I get that those "advertised times" are always recorded in the most optimal conditions, and I am probably just seeing real-world standard performance.

On the highway, if I’m cruising around 65–75 mph and punch it to merge or overtake, there’s this 2–3 second pause where the truck just feels like it hesitates before coming alive. Almost like it’s figuring out the downshift + spooling up the turbos.

This seems different from the “hose popping off” issue a few others reported, since I don’t lose all power or need to restart — but it’s not the instant response I’d expect from a 540+ HP twin-turbo.

Would love to know if anyone else has received any updates or found a way to improve this without voiding the warranty. Appreciate the shared experiences!

what RPM are you launching at? I have mine set to 3200 I think, and I’ve gotten a 4.5s best on a stock truck.

 

[FrankNSteinPC]

I think it was 3200, whatever it is initially set at. That is what I used. I'll need to go back out to the lake so I can do a few more launches. Next time I do, I'll bring my GoPro and Drone.

 

[RHOfan]

Here’s a good reference for how launch control works in TRX (see YouTube link). Worth a watch. Not sure it works exactly the same in RHO, but likely very similar. I learned something.

Not 100% sure about the cats overheating with repeated launches. Does retarding the ignition heat the cats? IDK. Update: According to ChatGPT, the YouTuber is correct about the cats overheating with ignition retard.

I’ve read you should wait 5 minutes between launches (drive super easy) to give the transmission time to cool. I’ve smelled burnt tranny fluid in a prior vehicle when I did back-to-back launches.

Something to consider…

When you enter the launch control RPM setting in Race Options, you’ll notice there is a red bar & blue bar around the picture of the tachometer. The blue bar moves depending on the ambient air temp & intercooler temps. Too bad Ram doesn’t provide better instruction, but I believe your set launch RPM should be above the red bar and within the blue bar area.

It may be why I got the “Launch Control Not Available RPMs too High” message when I hit the Christmas tree icon in an attempt to discontinue the launch mode after my engine bogged down.

Also, after a computer update, my launch RPMs reset to 4K after every shutdown/restart. So, it’s likely a good idea to activate LC from Race Options every time, just to be sure your RPMs are set correctly.

 

[RHOfan]

Ok…I’m the OP on this thread. I updated the title.

After some intense research, input from fellow forum members & “playing” with LC feature extensively today, I’ve come to a conclusion:

I can say with 90% certainty, the fouled launch was driver error.

Why? Well, I’ve used the feature a couple times without hiccup, so what changed? When my truck’s software was updated, it changed one of the LC default parameters. I was not aware on the night of the incident & was surprised the next day to see my LC default RPM set at 4K. Part of the software update? I presume so.

What I believe happened based on some testing today:

I activated LC & it self-cancelled. Exactly why? Launch RPMs set too high, maybe? So, when I floored the throttle with hard pressure on the brake, the drivetrain went into “limp mode”. Why it stayed that way? IDK. Maybe when I turned the truck off & restarted it, there was insuffient time for the ECU to reset things back to normal.

From now on, I’m only activating LC from Race Options & only after verifying the RPM setting.

Peace!

 

[MattH89]

Ok…I’m the OP on this thread. I updated the title.

After some intense research, input from fellow forum members & “playing” with LC feature extensively today, I’ve come to a conclusion:

I can say with 90% certainty, the fouled launch was driver error.

Why? Well, I’ve used the feature a couple times without hiccup, so what changed? When my truck’s software was updated, it changed one of the LC default parameters. I was not aware on the night of the incident & was surprised the next day to see my LC default RPM set at 4K. Part of the software update? I presume so.

What I believe happened based on some testing today:

I activated LC & it self-cancelled. Exactly why? RPMs set too high, maybe? So, when I floored the throttle with hard pressure on the brake, the drivetrain went into “limp mode”. Why it stayed that way? IDK. Maybe when I turned the truck off & restarted it, there was insuffient time for the ECU to reset things back to normal.

From now on, I’m only activating LC from the Performance Pages & only after verifying the RPM setting.

Peace!

What is the RPM setting that you've had success with? I can't tell from your post if the 4k was the good or bad setting

 

[RHOfan]

What is the RPM setting that you've had success with? I can't tell from your post if the 4k was the good or bad setting

My best launches have been at 2900-3000. But, some of it depends on ambient temps & engine/intercooler temps.

 

[MattH89]

My best launches have been at 2900-3000. But, some of it depends on ambient temps & engine/intercooler temps.

Been too much of a pussy to even attempt one yet.

 

[BLKRHO2169]

Been too much of a pussy to even attempt one yet.

Glad Im not the only one... Hahaha...

 

[Banger]

Been too much of a pussy to even attempt one yet.

Same. Mine has been pretty problem free. I didn’t want to temp fate

 

[Deange2001]

Same. Mine has been pretty problem free. I didn’t want to temp fate

Haha I guess we are all a bunch of fucking little bitch boys. I haven’t launched mine. Never launched my bmw either, not even once, before I sold it. Def have stepped on it but never launched and don’t really care to.

 

[BLKRHO2169]

Haha I guess we are all a bunch of fucking little bitch boys. I haven’t launched mine. Never launched my bmw either, not even once, before I sold it. Def have stepped on it but never launched and don’t really care to.

Remind me again why we bought these....

 

[MattH89]

Remind me again why we bought these....

Looks cool and all the theoretical cooze.

 

[Deange2001]

Remind me again why we bought these....

In the event I need to go real fast…on or off pavement. Otherwise I just try to love it and clean it and hope it starts the next morning

 

[BLKRHO2169]

Launching mine tomorrow... Might as well melt the cats or blow a hose off sooner than later...


Update: Its going to rain tomorrow will have to reschedule launch.

 

[RamFan]

Thanks guys!! I needed a laugh and the conclusion to this thread brought it in spades!!

Chris

 

[Adub]

I’m sending it at 500.1. Yeet!

 

[Raptor2RHO]

I am hereby revoking all man cards from those of you that have 500+ miles on your RHO and have not used launch control at least once. WTF? I have only used it twice in 1700 miles now, but… I’ve used it! Better to brake boost to 3200 rpm and let it rip, but you gotta try it once.

 

[MattH89]

I am hereby revoking all man cards from those of you that have 500+ miles on your RHO and have not used launch control at least once. WTF? I have only used it twice in 1700 miles now, but… I’ve used it! Better to brake boost to 3200 rpm and let it rip, but you gotta try it once.

 

[NEBOYSA]

I am hereby revoking all man cards from those of you that have 500+ miles on your RHO and have not used launch control at least once. WTF? I have only used it twice in 1700 miles now, but… I’ve used it! Better to brake boost to 3200 rpm and let it rip, but you gotta try it once.

That's what I'm saying don't be hesitant. That's why you got this truck and worse can happen they will fix it and make it right. If it spends too much in the shop who cares you will probably get 10k check in the mail. This company been sending checks last 3 years so you don't lemon and the truck will be fixed and running right.

 

[NEBOYSA]

Ohh and btw at 1200 miles I run 6 launch control runs over 2 days. Truck still running strong 3 months later and my kids had a blast