NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10173369: 2016 Ram 1500

Official manufacturer communication context for 2016 Ram 1500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10173369 summary graphic for 2016 Ram 1500
10173369NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
1affected product rows
92/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the TCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has been set:P0731 - Gear Ratio Error In 1st. The customer may describe the following condition:Rough or harsh shifting during coastdown to a stop (might also be described as a 2-1 bump)(Sales Code EZH). In addition, the following software enhancements are also available:2-1 coast down improvement(Sales Code EXF). 3-2 coast down improvement(Sales Code EXF). Improvements to 5-3 downshift with pedal to improve 5-3-2 shifts(Sales Code EXF). 6-5 coast down improvement(Sales Code EXF). 2-3 upshift with less than 30% pedal(Sales Code EXF). Clutch C adaption stability (improves shift quality for new transmissions on gear shifts that use Clutch C)(Sales Code EXF). Garage shift to D improvements(Sales Code EXF). Rolling garage shift(Sales Code EXF). Implementation of End Of Line (EOL) adaption to improve shift quality on brand new transmissions. Diagnostics improvements(Sales Codes ERB, ERT and EZH). Improve shift quality on brand new transmission(Sales Code EZH). Improvement to first 1-2 shift after start(Sales Code EZH). Improvement to 1-2 shift, especially for colder operating temperatures(Sales Code EZH). 2-3 shift feel improvement especially for colder operating temperatures(Sales Code EZH). Coastdown shift improvements (6-5, 5-4, 4-3, 3-2 and 2-1)(Sales Code EZH). Coastdown shift feel refinement for double downshifts(Sales Code EZH). Kickdown improvements for the following shifts (7-6-5-4-3, 8-6-5-4, 6-3-2, 5-3-2 and 4-2)(Sales Code EZH). Improvement to 4-2-1(Sales Code EZH). Improved 7th gear upshift timing. Downhill engine braking improvements.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10173369?

Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the TCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has been set:P0731 - Gear Ratio Error In 1st. The customer may describe the following condition:Rough or harsh shifting.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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