Now, this is interesting. I went to the local Dodge dealer today to get the new computer re-flash done as authorized by Dodge (my truck is a 2007.5 3500 RAM with the 6.7 liter turbodiesel). At the same time, the technician repaired a small oil leak at the front of the engine that had been an ongoing problem (he replaced the timing chain cover and noted that previous technicians at another dealership didn't install the teflon seal correctly). As he was working on the vehicle he noted that the radiator had a pinhole leak, so he replaced that, too. WOW...I've never owned a new vehicle that needed so much work done in such a short period! Still, the truck runs beautifully and I DO love it...I only hope that Dodge/Cummins will come through with permanent fixes for these problems.

For example, my check engine lamp was coming on frequently. The tech said this was a very common occurrence with these new engines and, in my case, was being caused by too much soot in the turbo/exhaust brake mechanism. Hopefully, the new re-flash will address this problem. New turbos are $5,000 I was told. This should prove alarming to all owners of these new emission-controlled engines because once the warranty period is over this is going to be a very expensive repair. The tech mentioned that he expects the government to step in with a recall and require Dodge to provide a lifetime warranty on this component if a fix isn't found. He also said he frequently sees many of these new trucks with similar issues. Why, he had a 6.7L diesel truck next to mine in the shop with only 50 miles on it and already had to re-flash the computer 3 times!

Here are some recommendations he made to help minimize future sooting problems with the turbo:

1. Don't idle these trucks more than 2 minutes (unless you have the high idle feature enabled).

2. Drive with the exhaust brake on ALL the time, even when not towing. This keeps the mechanism moving and helps prevent seizing up due to soot. (I've already been doing this).

3. These trucks aren't meant to be babied. "Drive it like you stole it" was his recommendation. However, I can imagine this will not help fuel mileage too much.

Hopefully, these issues will be resolved and then I'm sure she'll be one great truck. As an afterthought, these issues are not really with the fine Cummins engine...it's all the emissions stuff they've added to the motor. I'm all for cleaner air and hope things will work out.

2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/SRW/SB/4X4/6-speed man/Big Horn Edition

 

X2. i was told the same 3 things. These new engines werent made like the 5.9s. These are meant to tow stuff and race only. Not a family car or construction truck anymore

 

The CEL came on again today. I drove to the dealer and had the code read. It was the turbo, which was expected. They offered to replace the turbo but stated, probably truthfully, that the problem would only reappear in the near future. These turbos need to be redesigned or some other method implemented to prevent excessive sooting. There's nothing that can be done but to keep driving and ignore the CEL, according to the dealer. There will be no driveability problems or harm done to the engine but it's certainly annoying to have that CEL illuminate all the time. I hope the engineers will figure this one out. It's still a great truck....

 

That is not an acceptable answer or option in my opinion from the dealer. Document it and if someone doesn't figure something out they'll have to extend our warantees for ever.

 

If they are offering you a new turbo, take it. It can't hurt, plus it shows you are cooperating fully with the dealer in the event you have problems down the road.

 

Are you running Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel ONLY? These engines do not tolerate Low Sulfur Diesel very well at all and aren't designed for it.

 

Guys just stick with it. I had the same stupid CEL for the turbo and could probly get a new one whenever i need to. The thing is i drove it for 5 K and the light stopped going off. It would stay on once tripped for 30 starts or something like that and then shut off for a week or days then back on. I ignored it as everyone said it is nothing to do with drivability. I am now at 23K on my truck and no problems. I have been driving since the turbo CEL first went off for 16K it went off between 2-5K sometime so dont freak just yet.

Also on a side note, dont freak about the idle thing either. I idle mine all the time. Just this last friday night i idled my truck for 5 hours when i slept in it on a hunting trip. Not a single problem.

Also another note. I have a 07 6.7 with the 6 speed stick built in May. I never asked for the high idle and they never turned it on to my knowledge but for what ever reason the truck has this built in. Like i said it is a standard tranny and i have not bought anything extra. It only does this when it is actually cold. Like in the teens and single digits. I start the truck and let it idle and at around the 3-5 minute mark the high idle kicks in on its own and idles it at 1000 RPM's for about ten minutes. Pretty cool.

 

They ALL have the automatic 1000 rpm idle since 03! The ramp up idle through the cruise control is the feature that has to be enabled.

 

I've been very careful to obtain only ULSD. Not too long ago, in Southern GA I had trouble finding ULSD and had to drive 20 miles to get it...I'm THAT careful. I also smell the fuel nozzle and watch the color of the fuel when I first start fueling up. The CEL problem has been there almost since the beginning. On one occasion the code showed a problem with the EGR. The EGR cooler was replaced. Lately all the codes have been about the turbo. I still retain the option of having them replace it but I don't think that's a real cure. I'll be in touch with DC via e-mail to see what alternatives they give me.

BTW, the G30 reflash and O2 module replacement seem to have made some improvements in performance and fuel mileage (perhaps 1 to 1.5 MPG increase according to the display). I'm still pleased with my truck's overall performance.

2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/SRW/SB/4X4/6-speed man/Big Horn Edition/16k Husky manual slider hitch

 

I never thought about it until now, but what color is ULSD versus LSD? Is there really a noticeable difference in odor between ULSD and LSD?

 

I couldn't tell you, as this is my first diesel. The reason I smell the fuel is to be sure it's not gasoline. I only look at the color out of habit, but I'm sure this isn't telling me anything other than it doesn't appear dirty ot funny looking in some way...just one of my (many) idiosyncrasies .

 

The ULSD in my area has very little "Diesel" smell left, kinda sucks.

That's the only way I can tell.