So I just bought a used 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 (2WD, Auto, 5.7L) from a local Dodge dealer the day before yesterday. I had the truck home for ONE DAY and the check engine light came on. Just took a casual drive to pickup a pizza last night and when I got back in to drive home with my pizza I noticed my check engine light was on.

The truck is at 75,000 miles and shows a little over 2000 hours on the engine. It did not seem to be running weird or anything on the ride home. Oil looks like new and air filter looked new as well. Checked my radiator fluid and I saw some chunks of gel in the cap area so wondering if a coolant line might have gotten clogged up or fluid just needs to be changed. Could that throw a code?

I had seen before on the older Dodges that you can check your engine codes using the console in the cab with no scanner/code reader thing. Is that possible on the newer trucks like my 2012. Any suggestions? I am all ears here. I love the truck but this is pretty concerning to have it throw a code the very first day.

 

Not sure but you can take it to any auto parts store and they will read it for free. You should buy yourself a code reader. You can get them for less than $20 off amazon. Will be the best tool in your toolbox.

 

Just pick up a cheap code reader. Used to use my tuner on my previous trucks/jeeps but now I'm running a stock CTD. Sold the tuner, bought an Autel Maxiscan off Amazon for under $20 to the door. Keep it in the glovebox to read and clear codes...

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks!

 

So the dealer just let me know they have it fixed. Said it was a clogged sensor in the fuel system and it should be all fine now. Glad to hear i am getting it back right away. Just hope this fix is a good long lasting one. Will buy a reader next time it happens. Thanks guys.

 

Order the code reader now so the next time you get a CEL you'll know right away. Some CELs you can live with, some you need to stop driving to avoid a larger, costly problem. If you can't read the code you won't know.

It's also cheap insurance from getting scammed. Example: Being told you need new Cats at the tune of about $1200 parts and labor when the problem is a $30 sensor...

 

Thanks for following through with an update! I'm happy to hear they got it taken care of quickly for you.

 

Yup, this is what I use along with an app on my phone:




App for phone, laptops, etc
http://www.obdautodoctor.com/

 

Thank you. I will check that out.