Ram issues... Should have listened to y'all - Page 2

cmccuist · 08-16-2018, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

RE: DEF system. My truck had a CEL shortly after purchase while driving through Ohio. Pulled into the nearest dealer and the code was Contaminated DEF fluid. I had just filled the tank with fresh Peak BlueDEF the night before - probably the most popular DEF out there. Was subsequently told by 2 different RAM mechanics, the system is sensitive and to ONLY use Mopar DEF fluid. They had seen many problems related to aftermarket DEF fluid (not that the fluid is bad, the system just doesn't like it for some reason). Anyway, they just cleared the code and the system re-gen'ed a few times and it went away on the trip south. Have used Mopar DEF ever since and no more problems.

I bought a RAM truck "new". It had 5,000 miles. Loved that truck, but after about 200 miles, the "Incorrect DEF" warning came on. I took it back 3-4 times before they finally looked at the DEF fluid. Turns out there was diesel in the DEF reservoir.

They told me that voided the warranty. Well, I told them that whatever was in there came from Chrysler as I never added anything to the DEF tank.

Anyway, they replaced the whole system and I always put Mopar DEF in there after that and never had another problem.

CurtEgerer · CurtEgerer's Garage

That's crazy. Almost guaranteed some kid running vehicles down to the gas station for the dealer accidentally put that in there (although it would take real effort with the large diameter diesel nozzle).

My daughter was driving one of my old diesel Jettas (only a few years old at the time) and - according to the sketchy story she tells - let a friend drive it who accidentally put gas in it. The car ran for about a mile and stopped. Luckily, it didn't ruin the engine and $400 later it was running fine

afterburn 549 · 08-16-2018, 04:07 PM

The RAM is a suck of a truck and I know all the problems.
If you elect to buy one you will get to buy several front end kits to end the endless steer problems.
Just check any of the forums
endless, endless and more endless.
Light switches that burn up is always a coming attraction too.
Air flaper to the heater that sticks-about 12 hours of serious labor
Power brake systems inop.
Chains in transfer cases...............
Ball Joints .Never mind covered that in steering.
I am serious look before you leap........
OH and OH!
The first gen with the VP 44 and lift pumps, and 2000 dollars more .
and ooppps did it again.
ya sure you want one?

Soterik · Soterik's Garage

Have a 2012 Ram 3500 pre DEF long bed crew cab. Have 125K+ miles on it, and the only issue was that I had to replace the muffler on it that rusted through back by the rear axle. I go over 2 mountain passes every weekend in the winter so that wasn't too surprising. Two sets of brakes so far, and had to replace the front calipers both times due to the winter issues. Other than that it's been great. Half the miles have been towing roughly 5000 lbs, nothing heavier. NO steering issues, NO balljoint issues. Maybe I just got lucky. But then again, I just got through paying it off, so maybe it will fall apart now!

Reg · 08-16-2018, 05:04 PM

Afterburn.. would this apply to the 5500 or just the 2500, 3500?

Really, the GMS and Fords have their own sets of problems as well, right?

Reg · 08-16-2018, 05:07 PM

And about the DEF fluid. Would the Cummins fluid be ok as well as Mopar?

CurtEgerer · CurtEgerer's Garage

Why not just get the Mopar DEF and eliminate that potential variable. It's the least expensive thing you buy for a diesel truck, other than wiper fluid

Eric - just had my original brakes inspected at the 60K service. They feel excellent, but I really wanted the dealer to install new pads just to keep ahead of the game. They said the pads were perfectly fine and no reason to do any work

Not bad for quite a few miles with 25,000+ pounds combined truck-trailer weight. But mine's never seen snow

Arizona_928 · 08-16-2018, 06:42 PM

I was hoping they would have gotten their front ends together by now. Truck has needed an alignment since 3k mi, but I have not had a chance to get it into the dealer until now... I'll have to price front end parts.

Called the dealer yesterday, still waiting on an open rack. No word today. Warranty work is prolly put on hold there.

Here she when she was brand new. Quickly put 500 miles on the truck so I could start towing.

flipper35 · flipper35's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

The RAM is a suck of a truck and I know all the problems.
If you elect to buy one you will get to buy several front end kits to end the endless steer problems.
Just check any of the forums
endless, endless and more endless.
Light switches that burn up is always a coming attraction too.
Air flaper to the heater that sticks-about 12 hours of serious labor
Power brake systems inop.
Chains in transfer cases...............
Ball Joints .Never mind covered that in steering.
I am serious look before you leap........
OH and OH!
The first gen with the VP 44 and lift pumps, and 2000 dollars more .
and ooppps did it again.
ya sure you want one?

That explains why the local company that ferrys Featherlight trailers uses exclusively Dodge/Ram trucks.

DerkPerk · 08-17-2018, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red-beard

I had the 6.0 International with the EGR and particulate filter and had nothing but problems. I had the 6.2 with the DEF system and it was great. No issues. I now have a 6.0 Gasoline engine and it was $10K cheaper!

The 6.0 doesn’t have a particulate filter. That started in ‘08 with the 6.4.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CurtEgerer · CurtEgerer's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

Now to be honest I m not abrest on the little Cummins last couple generations

Obviously

hardflex · 08-17-2018, 04:28 PM

Would anybody here who knows Cummins pwered trucks spend 6k to make a running truck again ? To fix the whole in the engine block my dad's 05. Or scrap it ?

Arizona_928 · 08-17-2018, 05:56 PM

If there's a hole in the block.... That block is scrap.

Price an used long yet?

hardflex · 08-17-2018, 06:09 PM

4k used for a running scrap engine. 1k for no core. For the same money can get a remanufactured long block and I think it go that route. But it needs to be a decent truck when done. I'm not hearing that in this thread

I thought the pre DEF years would be less trouble but could be wrong about that

hardflex · 08-17-2018, 07:59 PM

The rest of the truck is good. Straight body good paint. Interior is good except drivers seat. It has 143k miles.

jyl · jyl's Garage

Get at least 16GB, ECC is nice, and the price is coming down so plan on 32GB next year.

Arizona_928 · 08-17-2018, 08:18 PM

Low miles for a hole in the block... Did you run her dry? G56/4x4?

Dealer finally called for my truck. Def system needs to be replaced. Will be a couple weeks to parts in.

Arizona_928 · 08-17-2018, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyl

Get at least 16GB, ECC is nice, and the price is coming down so plan on 32GB next year.

Hmm where do I plug in!?

look 171 · 08-17-2018, 09:23 PM

Reading all this scares me a bit. I was ready to pull the trigger on a newer diesel but instead looked for a long time on a low mileage Duramax here in LA from an old guy. I gave up my 127000 miles simple, noise and smelly Cummins to one of my sub contractors. I will regret it one day soon. How can a 60,000 dollar diesel truck has so many issues. Are diesel trucks suppose to be hard wearing, reliable trucks? I know all the newer trucks has their issues but all the big threes?

VincentVega · 08-17-2018, 09:30 PM

A friend had similar issues with his duramax. Moderate towing, be bought it because of the mileage, said he planned to keep it forever. I think it took ~3 yrs for the $$$ bill. Wouldnt start, dealer seemed to not know how to fix it. Ended up trading it for a 1500.

I had a GM 6.5 diesel for a few years, all the old stuff wasnt great.