“The Dodge Ram 2500-3500 6.7l Cummin’s ain’t your father’s diesel.” as the saying goes in garages and forums around the country. Thanks to tremendous pressure from the EPA, all US diesel truck manufacturer’s had to redesign their engines to meet new Clean Air Act standards that included burning Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel. The result was a mis-mash of clever technology that recaptured the exhaust, trapped the nasty carbons and labored the task of keeping the torque/power. In the case of Dodge, this new system also boasted a horsepower gain.
However, the results have been fraught with consumer complaints, many the result of poorly communicated driving, servicing and fuel economy expectations from the salespeople pushing the reincarnation of the Cummins. Those familiar with the previous Cummins engines, should have had special lessons on the new 6.7 Cummins. Posters to CumminsForum.com are quick to regale whose truck is better, however, they also offer some suggestions for why the check engine light pops on in less than 100 miles and why the fuel economy is so poor even at 10,000 miles. “The bad fuel economy comes from the dpf filter anytime fuel gets burned twice that will lead to (poor)fuel mileage. All diesel blow soot stock. It is slight and u dont see it but if u drive a stock diesel like grandma for a month and all the sudden punch it there will be alot of black smoke. The main reason DPF filters are clogging up is people are not getting on them once in awhile If they would open them up a little there wouldn’t be so many problems.” offers Duramaxin14.
Early 2007 releases had to have EGR Valves, Cat, DPF and Turbo’s switched out and computers -reflashed, which seems to have resolved the initial spate of complaints. 2008 Ram owners have had very few complaints, so it appears the computer software upgrades and modifications to the DPF have helped quiet the storm. The oil is blacker than previous models/years and some folks report the vehicle having random fits of tetesterone: a Turbodieselregister poster offered this comment; “I had no clue as to what kind of power was lurking there until the other day, I felt a surge and just sort of wanted to feel it out and went ahead and floored it …..holy smokes it spun the tires… then again as it shifted into second……no spin in third but Oh my god this thing was like a rocket…. ”
The power of the Cummins 6.7L is what brings most buyers to Dodge in the first place. The history of trouble-free engines (one-third less moving parts) running 350k+ miles is what keeps Cummin’s owners coming back. (And in 2008 a Lifetime/Unlimited Mileage warranty and 0% )
Here are a few suggestions offered by readers, Cummin’s owners and Dodge Technologist’s themselves…
1. Drive it hard, often. Get down on the pedal and stay there, DAILY. Push the power curve on and off-load.
2. Don’t let it sit idling. You aren’t waiting for the glow-plug anymore. Idling is bad for these buggars.
3. Let the oil changes go a bit longer. Lubrication of the engine is huge, and the new fuels aren’t helping.
4. Change your fuel filter more often. The factory suggests 10k intervals but those in the know are doing their trucks every 7-8k as preventative medicine. A little expense that could save you BIG later.
5. Watch the quality of the fuel product you are buying. Make note of any changes in performance from one tank to the next, station to station. Not all fuel vendors are created equal.
I will be interviewing a 20yr. Cummins veteran and will share with you more on the 6.7l Cummin’s story.
go to: http://www.youtube.com/mycarlady to learn how you can remove the DPF on your Dodge or Ford diesel. follow this thread here: http://www.mycarlady.com/blog
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If you need further help buying a new or used car, feel free to contact sarahlee@mycarlady.com where advice is free.
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at CAR DEALS
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The diesel line does not come with the unlimited waranty. It only has the 36,000 or 3 year with the cummins 100,000 on the motor.
Comment by David K — 04/11/2008 @ 1:23 am
Iam thinking about buying a 2007 6.7 cummins and would like some input on fuel mileage and problems .I live in saskatchewan Canada.The truck has 81000km [50000 miles] on it.PLEASE HELP
Comment by KEN PAULI — 01/02/2009 @ 12:46 am
I have a 2008 2500 Dodge diesel and am wondering what warranty coverage is or isn’t voided if I remove the DPF and put on a 5″ exhaust system. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Comment by Doug Schaeffer — 05/17/2009 @ 2:48 am
You failed to mention the one third of raw fuel dropped into exhaust to make it smell nicer.
“If the government wanted less CO2 created per mile- WHY DO THEY POUR ONE THIRD DIRECT INTO EXHAUST OF CUMMINS?”
Note: Nice article you have just scratched the surface:
1) EPA forced hiding of MPG in diesels to trick customers
2) Sellers happy to trick and let us think new good as old
3) Sellers happy to buy the junk truck back- for HALF
4) Shiniest Junkers on the Planet.
5) From the wireless key (no mechanical switch) to the regular check engine light problems, to being stranded, to dealers not knowing how to install the fuel filter right, to the fuel filters defective in (my case) one of two units.
6) I have driven 14000 miles and still wait for the “New Car Problems” to go away
7) Ooops! No dealer to take to.
Comment by Mike — 06/28/2009 @ 5:15 pm
Avoid the 2007 6.7 at all costs. My truck was in the shop 14 times in three months with this POS. I still have problems on a regular basis. Have replaced 3 egr valvues out of my pocket at over a grand a pop. Do not buy this year and model FOR ANY PRICE. It is just not worth it.
Comment by shannon — 07/05/2009 @ 2:41 pm
The Cummins diesel engine has a 5 yr. or 100k warranty, whichever comes first. The rest of the truck is a 3yr/36k, except the DRIVEtrain which has the “LIFETIME, unlimited miles” for the first owner only!
Comment by My Carlady — 07/05/2009 @ 6:43 pm
looking at buying a new diesel…i want 08 6.7L but heared the 06-07 5.9L has more power! i dont believe it but dont know! just need help on all info between the 2! plz help me?
Comment by calvin — 07/07/2009 @ 8:26 pm
Avoid the 6.7 cummins in the dodge pickups at all cost!!! It will not stay running!! The computer has way too many sensors and the system is very finicky and will shut you down to about half power!! I would like to choke every one involved that had a hand in the smog and polution crap on this engine!!! Cummins makes an excellent motor and dodge and the EPA ruins it. We should take up arms against the EPA before they completly ruin us. Sincerely Dale Spinar I would like to talk to the EPA if the commies have nerve enough to call me!! 660-281-5966
Comment by Dale Spinar — 07/15/2009 @ 7:00 pm
I have an 08′ outside of consistant trips to the dealer due to power loss, I find little comfort in the semi-availible 350HP. When its in my hands I get the enjoyment of listening symphony that is my truck. I have the entire orchestra, barritones the pop and rattle of the front end, the low tone humm and buzz of the rear end on its way out. The high pitched tone of the brakes squalling. The tenors even pitch in too from time to time to help the harmony with the rattle and shake of the doors. Outside of these minor nusiances I am convinced it is a good truck. On a brighter note I am now getting 13.3mpg up from 12.8mpg. Oh, did I mention my truck has less than 16,000miles and the problems started at 9K. I get horribly sick when I think of my 2001 ext cab 3500 dually, getting 21mpg on the highway and 17mpg on the jobsite with 148,000miles. I miss the rumble and fuel economy of a real truck; but I am doing my part to help the environment by burning more fuel – awesome idea. If you’re thinking of buying a new Ram HD think again – buy used or get a 1500. I have to agree with Dale Spinar, the heck with the EPA.
Comment by William — 09/25/2009 @ 6:55 pm
I dont know what you are talking about fuel mileage I have seen 21-24 MPG on the open hiway and 13-16 towing camper and boat, I am extremely happy with my 08 6.7L. It is twice the truck my 92 ford was and it had the 7.3 and this 6.7 pulls just like the 7.3 cept better fuel mileage pulling.
I would also tell you that no matter what you are getting it has to be better than the 09 ford, I have talked numerous ford diesel owners that are only getting 9 mpg and not even pulling yet
Comment by Craig Clermont — 10/22/2009 @ 5:57 pm
I previously owned an ’04 5.9L 2500 that was one of the best trucks I’ve ever owned. I decided to upgrade and traded it in with 160K miles for ’08 2500 Laramie. I loved the new trans and exhaust break while pulling, but it didn’t have the power of the 5.9L. At 15K miles the check engine light came on and between driving from work to the dealer it barely got to 60mph on the freeway. After several trips to the dealer and a complete parts replacement from the turbo to the exhaust I finally gave up and traded it in for a ’09 2500 with the 5.7 Hemi. It doesn’t have the power of the Cummins, but at least it’s reliable.
Comment by Alan Frese — 11/23/2009 @ 10:12 pm
has any of the problems from the 07-08 6.7 been seen in the 09 6.7 or have these issues been fixed
Comment by Mike — 12/06/2009 @ 8:02 pm
I owned a 07 6.7 2500 sport. I didn’t have any engine issues in the time I owned. I put about 20,000m on it just ran like a beast. I traded it in on an 09 megacab4x4 because I spun out a handfull of time with the 4×2 quad(scary when making a uturn) especially when you get on it. Now my 09 has 18,000m and has only been to the dealership for oil changes at 5,000 intervals. I get about 18c 23h@70mph. Also have a campershell that probably adds 1-2mpg. I just wish Dodge would make a retro fit tow mirror w/lights like the 2010 model. Might just have to trade up.
Comment by shaun — 03/03/2010 @ 9:14 pm
I have an “08″ 2500 w/Cummins. Like the truck, don’t like the mileage and the check engine light nonsense. Got 20+ hauling a heavy slide-in camper; took the camper off, mileage went to 12-13?? I don’t get it.
Comment by Rich Prange — 03/05/2010 @ 7:51 pm
I Drove the ’07 3500 Diesel as a commercial vehicle. I started this with about 26K on the odometer. After about 5K miles of driving this POS decided to start up with all kinds of strange shit that I have never seen a diesel do. The DPF system, what a freakin’ joke. It never works right no matter how many times they flash the chip. DPF filter holds the soot in the exhaust system until it is full and then is supposed to crank of the heat to an extremely dangerous temperature to cook to soot off. But of course I is a faulty design. This truck singly cost me at least 30K dollars of profits last year. Do yourself and your wallet a favor, go get a Ford F350 Power Stroke, I had one til we were in an accident and NEVER EVER had a problem with that truck. Makes Chevy and Dodge 1 Tons look like VW Beetles.
Comment by Thom Savidge — 04/06/2010 @ 12:51 am
November 4/11. Now I’m a little worried. Today I left a deposit on a 3500 dually with the 6.7 turbo cummings! Dealer said one owner towed big fifth wheel getting 13-15mpg and regualar 21mpg when not towing! Any suggestions on what I should do to avoid problems. Signed up for extended warranty good for 115000kms or 7 years that ends in September 2015. Truck has only 53600 kms. Dealer says owner traded it in for a new 2500 as he now only has a boat? Please let me know what is best to do ASAP. Maybe some upgrades will avoid problems? Thanks, Steve
Comment by Stephen Ross — 11/04/2011 @ 8:17 pm
Hi Stephen,
What I am about to say won’t make you very happy.
If you read the 50 blag posts and hundreds of comments on them you will find the consensus is to run away form this truck or prepare to violate the laws of the US EPA by removing the DPF designed to manage the smog.
You may live in a place that has no emissions testing for diesels, which is all well and good, but if not, every day driving will become a nightmare. The engine light will always be on, and your visits to the dealership will number to high to count and your fuel economy will be 15-16 not towing, on a good day.
The people who report on this blog of loving their truck, have generally removed all remnants of factory installed EPA mandated equipment, and wax poetic. The rest of the owners are in line on a class-action lawsuit against Chrysler, waiting in the hopes of a payout, buyback or both.
Some have received flat sums to “go away quietly” with a GAG order, no less, that they cannot talk about their settlement. Some have told me they received a warranty, a few thousand bucks etc. I never saw the paperwork, so it is hearsay, but they are loyal followers, so I have no reason to doubt them.
Otherwise, you can ask for the entire history of service on this truck from a Dodge dealership, other than the one selling it to you, and see what shows up. (call the service dept. and give them the vin #).
Since you haven’t taken delivery, you can still get your money back, it’s not too late.
Go buy a Chevy duramax, they are the least troubled of the 3, since the EPA took over the DPF/emissions of lightweight diesels.
Yours,
Sarah Lee
Comment by MYCARLADY — 11/04/2011 @ 8:43 pm
The same issues seem to be consistent in the 2009. The 2010 theya dded an idle regulator on the top of the negine that seems to have mitigated a numebr of complaints but there are those who have reprted similar DPF, regan and check engine lights up through the 2011.
Comment by MYCARLADY — 11/04/2011 @ 8:45 pm
bought a new 2007.5 in october of 2007. pull 5th whl camper, mtl25 track loader and use as a daily driver. did a dpf and egr cooler and egr valve delete kit last year. truck has been to dealer once for a software upgrade and 2 ujoints on rear shaft under warranty. the fuel milage i get would put most compact cars to shame. all diesel motors will get good fuel milage and be a good every day driver if the proper steps are taken. yes i do own and work at a diesel repair shop so i have done all the work myself but its not rocket science, its out there for everyone to use, you just have to look for the solution
Comment by dave schank — 12/26/2011 @ 1:55 pm