1. 2005 DODGE CUMMINS DIESEL FAILING

    June 30, 2009 by My Carlady

     

     

     

     

    My comment bag over-floweth with requests for help with troubled Cummins diesels, however this one is different.

    Shawn has a 2005, not usually on the trouble-watch list. They have replaced the fuel filter and it still mis-behaves…

    Here is the dilemma:  

     

    “I have a 2005 Dodge Cummins.

    Several times a day while driving the truck will cut out for several seconds and when you push the accelerator nothing happens. A few seconds later after tapping the accelerator it goes back to running normally. Sometimes it will just shut down altogether. I put the truck in Neutral and crank it back up and we’re off and running again.

    On other occasions it will cut out, you can press the accelerator and the engine will rev-up, but it will not gain speed!!!!!

    I love the truck, but the Mechanic states that he cant find anything on the computer. It shows that the truck is in great condition.

    Please help!!!!!”

     

    If you have a suggestion that may help. Please post it here!———————————————————————————————————– 

     

     

    Thanks. SLM  (*It’s not your eyes, it’s the picture… )

     

     

     

     

    NEED AUTO FINANCE HELP or CREDIT report repair go to www.ecreditadvisor.com tell them MY CARLADY: Sarah Lee sent you. It’s a free consult and they do the right thing by you, fast, easy, cheap. 

    Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS

    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 www.mycarlady.com

     

    PLEASE HELP: 2005 DODGE RAM CUMMINS DIESEL DIES in MOTION?  bottomband


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  2. Diesel Forums weighs in on the 6.7L Cummins

    March 24, 2008 by mycarlady

    Gotta Love ‘em…

    I had the opportunity to query some diesel owners on the various Dodge diesel forums; about their experience with the new 2007-2008 Dodge Ram 2500-3500 Cummins 6.7L.    Kurt was kind enough to fill me in on his understanding of the recurring problem of the check engine light and the poor fuel economy.  “I have experience with all of the Big 3. Ford, Chevy, and Dodge.  For the DPF, I’ve found the best way around that is to delete it.  I’m sure this isn’t something the dealer would suggest or do, but… it saves alot of hassle and keeps the same vehicles from coming in the shop for the same reasons day in and day out.” 

    Now being that I am intimately involved with dealerships and factory-trained technicians, I’d like to think Dodge has the software fix for this issue, (2008’s don’t seem to be as bothered as 2007’s) because removing it would most likelyvoid the warranty, but everyone has their own interpretation of how to make the most out of their truck. 

    For those who don’t know…The DPF isa self-cleaning diesel particulate filter incorporated into the exhaust system built by Cummins Emissions Solutions. The muffler is isolated from the emissions control system, allowing customers to remove the muffler without impacting emissions compliance, Dodge said. The emissions system is designed for a government-certified 120,000 miles.  It’s the clogging/fill-up of this filter that sends the truck into spasms, poor drivability and back to the dealership.

    When I asked about the fuel economy, here is what Kurt said; ” Adding an intake exhaust and a little programmer with the right driving manners will make the 6.7 more fuel efficient.  Also, if the owners will break them in like they are going to drive them everyday that will be a big help. IMHO if the owner would buy the truck right off the show room floor and go hook it to a 15,000+k pound load that will help out with fuel mileage long term. Usually a Cummins or Duramax won’t start to get its mileage up until 30,000 miles or later.Problems.  “In [the Dieselforum.com] stock forum we have seen alot of great things from the 6.7 [Cummins].  If it where not for the DPF filter they would be pretty jammed up trucks.  Note: Dodge isn’t the only one with the problem. I have seen alot of Fords having alot of problems also.”

    Recent posters have commented on their 2007 models visiting the dealerships upto 15 times, in an effort to replace turbos, DPF filters, and exhaust hardware. In many cases the software “flash” upgrade has made a significant improvement in the driving behavior of the trucks, while fuel economy slowly rises.  Don’t give up, the factory and Cummins are working on this.

    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 www.mycarlady.com

    Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS

     

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  3. 2007-2008 Dodge Cummins 6.7L gives owners X@#%**!

    March 23, 2008 by mycarlady

    “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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    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 www.mycarlady.com

    Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS

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