I am new here and need some serious help. I bought (new) 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Big Horn Quad 6.7 BlueTec. It currently has 50,000 miles. And has NO modifications. It is all stock. Up until now, I have had *******ly zero problems with my truck and I like it very much. It did have the turbo replaced at about 25,000 miles. I also drive basically 24/7 with exhaust brakes on.

Two months ago while hauling my 31ft travel trailer I noticed it running a bit strange. Going into a very heavy wind I could not keep the speed constant and it would slow way down on hills. I just attributed it to the strong winds. Short time later without the camper I noticed a sluggish feel when accelerating from a stop. It almost felt like it was winding up.

About a month later, again hauling camper, the truck began to lose power to the point I had to pull over. Nothing helped. Had it floored. Down shifted. Nothing. I thought I lost the tranny. I limped to a gas station and did a physical inspection. At this point, no warnings or codes pulled at all. Got back in and proceded to campsite. Less than two miles later engine light came on. But still ran Ok.

Next day took to nearby Dodge dealer and they ran the computer and it showed up as particulate filter code. At this point my overhead computer did not indicate any issue. Just engine light. A few days later overhead computer finally came on and said regeneration needed. I did it.

The following week, dealer could not locate issue because no codes would show. They replaced turbo but problem still exists. During normal driving with exhaust brake on truck has trouble maintaining speed and struggles up hills. Also very poor accelertion from a stop.

Yesterday hauled camper less than 20 miles and lost nearly all power again. After letting it sit idleing for a few minutes it ran like a race car. Then next time I got in it late in the day it was back to running poorly.

Sorry so long but didn't want to leave anything out. Dealership is at a loss and mechanic friends are at a loss. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Welcome to DF

I will move your post to the diesel section, But do you have a EGR system on the motor?

 

Thanks Master Tech. I am assuming there is an EGR system and that would be a good place to start since I have replaced the turbo twice and have done at least two filter regenerations.

I appreciate the help and will check this out ASAP.

 

Sounds like your DPF is plugged. Instead of the dealer throwing turbos at it, I'm thinking the DPF needs to be manually cleaned out or replaced.

Yes it has an EGR system on it.

I would suggest two things, a) possibly keep fighting it for another 50k miles, in which case you need to find a dealer that isn't going to just throw turbos at it, or b) delete the entire emissions system; no more EGR, no more DPF, no more problems.

I'm assuming they did the latest flashes when they replaced the turbo?

 

I would love to delete all emissions components but I have an extended warranty up to 80,000 miles. I'm at 50,000 now.

Not sure I can fight it another 30 since when I haul my camper it becomes undriveable.

The biggest issue with dealers right now is they won't do anything because it is not throwing any codes. And I'm not sure what you mean by "latest flashes".

Thanks

 

Honestly, **** on the warranty and delete. It'd be the best thing for your truck and your sanity/wallet. I realize that's not always an option though...

As for latest flashes, Chrysler continually updates computer programming to address any issues, in your case, they had numerous flashes/updates when the 6.7 came out due to the large number of problems with turbos sooting up or DPF issues or anything like that.

You are right though, many dealers just won't touch a vehicle if there aren't any codes, they don't want to spend the time actually digging in and trying to track down the issue(s). A code gives atleast a general idea where to look or start. If you know a competent mechanic with his own shop, try there. They may be a little more willing to dig into it, although the emissions could scare them off.

 

I'm checking with the dealer that just had it and replaced the turbo a few weeks ago. I don't know if they updated the computer, cleaned/replaced filter or checked EGR. I'm guessing not.

Thanks again. Will keep you posted.

 

Good luck. If I were you and not going to delete, I'd be pushing real hard for a DPF replacement, maybe EGR as well. The turbo isn't the problem most of the time (it gets caked with crap via the EGR; I can post pics of the inside of the intake tract on the 6.7 I swapped into my 03 if you'd like. Give an idea what goes through these...)

Also on the turbo front, the CCV (Crank Case Ventilation system) vents into the intake; the turbo blades get coated with oily residue. The turbo does lead a rough life in the 6.7

 

OK!! The dealer did the latest flashes but did nothing else but swap out turbos. Did not check or clean DPF, EGR or CCV. The are willing to take a look at these items. I am taking it Friday morning. I hope this works. Have 3 camping trips scheduled in the next four weeks. I need my truck.

 

Could be promising. At least you didn't get the blanket-statement "no, I don't think that's it." Keep us updated