2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn Problems: Diagnosed & Fixed
The 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn is a workhorse, but age is beginning to show in specific, repeatable ways. Owners are frequently plagued by the infamous HEMI tick, transmission shift quality nuances, and finicky electronic systems that can turn a reliable truck into a headache. As these vehicles pass the 100,000-mile mark, understanding how to diagnose and address these systemic issues is the difference between a long-term asset and a perpetual repair bill. This guide provides the expert diagnostic steps and repair paths to keep your Ram running for years to come.
Diagnosing 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn Problems and Symptom Patterns
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When approaching a diagnostic session on the 2016 model, clarity is the best tool in your arsenal. Many owners rush to rebuild engines or replace expensive computers before performing basic mechanical verification. By isolating symptoms, you save significant time and money.
Why the HEMI Tick is Often Misdiagnosed
The 5.7L HEMI V8 is legendary for its longevity, yet it is equally infamous for a specific audible ticking noise. Many owners immediately assume the worst—a failed lifter or piston slap. However, this is frequently a misdiagnosis. In reality, the ticking sound often originates from broken exhaust manifold bolts, which causes a small exhaust leak at the cylinder head flange. Use a mechanic’s stethoscope to listen near the exhaust ports while the engine is cold. If the sound dissipates as the engine reaches operating temperature and the manifold expands, you are dealing with a manifold seal issue, not an internal valvetrain failure.
Distinguishing Electrical Gremlins from Grounding Faults
Electrical issues in the 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn often manifest as flickering interior lights, Uconnect lock-ups, or erratic gauge sweeps. While many blame the infotainment unit itself, research indicates these are frequently chassis grounding faults. Check the primary ground straps located near the firewall and the frame-to-engine grounds. Corrosion here can lead to a voltage drop that mimics computer failure. If you encounter shifter issues—notably the truck failing to engage gears or showing an error light—check the NHTSA recall databases; there were specific campaigns regarding the electronic shifter assembly that may still be pending on your VIN.
Industry Data: Common Failure Frequency
Exhaust Bolt Failures
Electrical/Ground Issues
Repairing Exhaust Manifold and Engine Ticking Issues
Addressing the tick is a straightforward repair if you have the right tools, but it requires patience to avoid snapping hardened bolts within the engine block.
How to Diagnose Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage
Broken bolts are almost always located on the rear-most cylinders of the manifold. Visually inspect the flange; look for soot marks or missing bolt heads. As the engine warms, the heat cycles of the manifold cause it to warp, putting immense stress on these fasteners until they fatigue and snap. Using a torque wrench, verify if any of the exposed stud nuts are loose.
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Step-by-Step Manifold Repair Procedure
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Apply high-quality penetrating oil to all manifold studs 24 hours before beginning the repair to prevent shearing.
Remove the manifold. If warped, take it to a machine shop for resurfacing; otherwise, replace it to ensure a flat sealing surface.
Always use high-strength, aftermarket stainless steel manifold studs. OEM bolts are prone to identical failure modes.
Troubleshooting 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn Transmission Faults
The ZF 8HP 8-speed transmission is a masterpiece of engineering, but it is highly sensitive to software logic. If you experience “hard shifts” or “gear hunting,” do not assume mechanical failure immediately.
Performing a TCM Relearn After Software Updates
After installing any updated manufacturer software for the Transmission Control Module (TCM), you must perform a “Quick Learn” procedure. This resets the transmission’s internal adaptation tables, allowing the unit to re-learn your driving style and the friction characteristics of the clutch packs. Failing to perform this step after a software update is the most common cause for continued rough shifting.
Why Manufacturer-Specific Tools Matter
Generic OBDII scanners often lack the bi-directional communication required to command the TCM to clear its memory. Tools like AlfaOBD or JScan, paired with a high-quality Bluetooth adapter, are industry-standard for DIY owners to diagnose these transmissions properly. They allow you to view individual clutch pressures and solenoid duty cycles, which is critical for identifying whether you have a legitimate internal hydraulic fault or a simple logic glitch.
Fixing 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn Suspension and Electrical Gremlins
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Beyond the powertrain, the air suspension and infotainment systems require a systematic approach to maintenance and repair.
- Air Suspension Diagnosis: Do not immediately replace your compressor if the system drops overnight. Often, the failure point is a small leak in the nylon air lines or the air spring bags themselves. Use a spray bottle with soapy water to find bubbles at the connections. A burned-out compressor is usually a symptom of overworking itself to maintain pressure against a persistent leak.
- Uconnect Stability: If your screen freezes or the system reboots randomly, check for available firmware updates on the Mopar support site. Many 2016 units suffer from memory leaks in the software that can be resolved via a USB flash update.
- Active Grille Shutter (AGS) Issues: The AGS system is notorious for throwing “Check Engine” lights when the actuator motor gets clogged with road debris. Before replacing the assembly, attempt a manual clean of the shutter tracks. If the shutters remain stuck, check the sensor signal with a multimeter to ensure the control module is receiving power.
- Grounding Maintenance: Use a digital multimeter to check the resistance between the battery negative terminal and the chassis. Anything over 0.2 ohms indicates excessive corrosion, which is a known catalyst for mysterious electrical gremlins across the 2016 Ram platform.
Never attempt to service the air suspension system without first placing the vehicle in “Jack Mode” via the Uconnect settings. Failure to do so can result in severe injury or damage to the suspension sensors when the vehicle is lifted.
Final Recommendations for Your 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn
Maintaining your 2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn requires proactive, rather than reactive, attention. To keep your vehicle reliable, prioritize fixing exhaust manifold leaks early to prevent warping and potential cylinder head damage. Always attempt a software update and a TCM relearn before replacing transmission hardware. Do not jump to conclusions about suspension compressor failures until you have pressure-tested the lines, and ensure your Uconnect software remains current to avoid system lock-ups. By following these diagnostic paths, you can effectively manage the age-related issues common to this platform. Check your VIN for outstanding recalls today using the Mopar recall portal to ensure all safety-critical repairs are up to date.
2016 Ram 1500 Big Horn Problems: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my 5.7L Hemi make a ticking noise?
The ticking noise in the 5.7L Hemi is most commonly caused by broken or sheared exhaust manifold bolts. Over time, the heat cycles cause the bolts to expand and contract, eventually snapping them. This creates a leak between the manifold and the cylinder head, resulting in an audible tick that often stops as the metal expands and seals the gap when the engine reaches operating temperature.
Is the air suspension worth it or is it prone to failure?
The air suspension provides an excellent ride and towing leveling, but it is notoriously prone to failure as the truck ages. Moisture in the system can cause the compressor to burn out, and rubber air lines often dry rot, leading to leaks. While high-performing, it requires regular inspection of the bags and lines. Many owners eventually opt for a coil-spring conversion kit once the air system fails beyond repair.
Does this truck have a recall for the shifter?
Yes, the 2016 Ram 1500 was subject to recalls regarding the electronic gear shifter and the brake-transmission shift interlock. These issues can allow the truck to move even when in ‘Park.’ It is critical to check your VIN on the official NHTSA website to determine if your specific vehicle has outstanding recall repairs that require a dealership intervention to resolve safely.
How often should I change my transmission fluid?
The 8-speed ZF transmission in the 2016 Ram 1500 is technically a ‘sealed’ unit, but experts recommend a fluid and filter service every 60,000 to 80,000 miles, especially for vehicles used for heavy towing. Using the specific Mopar-certified 8-speed fluid is mandatory to prevent shifting delays, solenoid sticking, and premature clutch wear within the transmission valve body.
Can I upgrade my infotainment system to fix glitches?
If you are experiencing persistent freezing with your Uconnect system, check for available software updates via the Uconnect portal using your VIN. If the hardware is failing, many owners choose to install aftermarket head units. These replacements often offer better stability and modern features like wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, completely bypassing the software bugs found in the original 2016 infotainment factory system.
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