Hi, this is my first post, so lets not bet up the new guy too bad. I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 with automatic and Cummins Turbo. I have owned the truck for 5 months and it's got 4,600 miles on it. On Monday the check engine light came on. There were no signs of trouble or performance problems. I went to the dealer on Tuesday for a checkup. The dealer called me back and said I add an issue associated with the turbo and they needed to order parts. They went on to say the repairs would take about 14 hours and they would have to drive the truck 175 miles after the repairs. They also said they needed to clean some small tubing or piping. The parts would not be in for one to two weeks so they said it was OK to drive the truck in the meantime. They also said they have had to perform this maintenance on several similar trucks. Am I not being told the whole story or what? Somebody out there must have had a similar experience. Can someone tell me what's really going on?
Hi Bill Austin
Actually by your description the dealer (Service Advisor or Manager) gave you a fairly good overview. On your call back for more information, they gave you even more specifics. All things considered not a bad job at all.
In a VERY quick summary, I’ll elaborate a bit more. Nobody is going to dispute the fact that Cummins did not get the whole package dialed in right out of the gate in both hardware & software in regard to engine controls and after-treatments.
Although the basic design was 2010 EPA compliant and provide some best in class in torque & horsepower, some functional issues quickly arose.
Soot related failures in the form of clogging DPF’s (Diesel Particulate Filter), Mechanical components of the turbo and EGR valve and passages. The engine control software wasn’t any better. Soon after release,
These issues began to rear their ugly heads. And just like the “whack a mole” popup game at the carnival, no sooner would the factory whack one issue, another would pop up.
At this point in time, after more than a dozen Technical Service Bulletins, which includes revised parts, service procedures and software the situation appears to be under control. Since the latest bulletin, which supercedes and/or includes other technical bulletins, IF done correctly, will render the engine controls to a level of expected functionality as intended by the designers.
Now bear in mind that while what I just described was unraveling, the performance enthusiasts started to re-engineer the product to their own version of what it should be. So here you are in the midst of the quagmire, asking wassup with that?
My view is from the standpoint of making and keeping the vehicle performing to the levels intended by the designers, manufacturer and the law of the land. However that is not the view of the majority on this site.
Now I am not one to stand in someone’s way if they wish to engage in self-destructive behavior. There are sub-forums here, expressly for that purpose. However I’ll give you my opinion in a short metaphor.
Modifying you vehicle often is similar to snorting cocaine, “one mod is too many, a thousand is not enough”.
If you are so inclined you may want to read some of the threads titled:
My warranty is voided.
I just blew my head gasket.
My transmission is screwed. Or my clutch is slipping.
What are these codes?
Help………
If you read every thread in the 6.7 sections, you will see a pattern developing.
OK/ end rant.
Charlie
