In the “Idle Clatter” column in the Turbo Diesel Register, Issue 89, we briefly discussed the dashboard check engine light (CEL) and what it means. As a TDR member you can download the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that turned on the check engine light using a code reader/scan tool and interpret what they mean. You then can know where to look to fix the problem. A good mid-priced scan tool is therefore the next recommended item to go into your tool kit. The scan tool is plugged into the OBD2…
Maintaining Your Dodge Cummins Fuel Pump and Injectors
The Cummins diesel is a longevity engine. When serviced properly, the engine should last 500,000 to a million miles between teardowns. Peripherals like the turbocharger, fuel injectors and the fuel pump, however, can wear out or fail much earlier. A well maintained fuel system can keep injectors going for 250,000 miles or more. The original common rail diesel injectors and CP3 pump in my 2005 Ram have been trouble free for 180,000 miles now. These injectors have delivered good performance and fuel efficiency. There are no signs of spray pattern…
Your Dodge Ram’s A/C System
Are the summer months in your truck spent with the old-school “2-60” air conditioning (two windows down at 60mph)? A properly operating HVAC system provides comfort and safety. The pages of many prior issues of the Turbo Diesel Register magazines have been devoted to the removal of the instrument panel to replace a leaky air conditioning evaporator core (‘98-‘02), leaking heater core, flimsy blend air doors (‘03-current), etc. And you’ll find some of the A/C parts for the DIY-er at Geno’s Garage. Instead of covering “how to change a part,”…
Dodge Ram Automatic Transmission Temperature Questions
Popular questions about Ram Turbo Diesel automatic transmission temperatures.
The Case of the $942 Fuel Filter
(or How to Change a #5 Injector) Solving the mystery of a vehicle’s mechanical problem can require some lengthy detective work—as demonstrated in this repair that I call “The Case of the $942 Fuel Filter.” The initial complaint by the Ram Turbo Diesel’s owner provided me with scant evidence for solving the problem: “It runs good,” he said, “for a while after I change the fuel filter, but it has low power.” I doubted that the fuel filter was the culprit. But I had little to go on. This would…
The Many Steps to Diesel Success
When I was a small boy I was live baggage on family trips from the Northeast to visit the grandparents a thousand miles away in Indiana. There were no Interstate highways – just the promise of the Pennsylvania Turnpike with its four smooth concrete lanes and many child-pleasing tunnels. The rest of the way was two lanes, small towns, and diners with steamed-up windows. Constantly in the way were highway trucks, only lately powered by weak-but-economical six-cylinder Diesel engines making 160 horsepower. Drivers knew what was next on their routes,…
’94-’97 & ’06-’09 Dodge Ram Driver’s Side Seat Cushion
Several months ago we introduced a driver’s side seat cushion for the ’98-’02 Dodge Ram trucks. Because of the Quad Cab/suicide rear door design of the truck,this cushion was infamous for its “left side lean.” Mopar had discontinued their expensive cushion ($200) and the only option we had to help our customers was to develop a seat mould and sell seats. We are pleased that our ’98-’02 cushion is priced at $125, a big savings to you over the Mopar part. With the availability of the ’98-’02 cushion, we had…
Ram 2019 Introduction
Looking back at Issue 104 in the “TDReview” write-up on the 2019 Ram I see that I made the comment, “I expected more industry ‘buzz’ about the Ram/Cummins 400/1000 power rating.” Perhaps my comment was just a little too early in the cycle of press stories. Because, yes, the press did react to the new 2019 Ram Turbo Diesel. What did the writers have to say? First: The Truth About Cars First, on February 28 there was the website, The Truth About Cars and their story “2019 Ram HD First…
Brake Fluid Expose
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Brake Fluid (And are probably still afraid to ask) by James Walker Without a doubt, changing brake fluid is at the absolute bottom of most owners’ lists of “fun things to do with their trucks.” Unfortunately, this mystery fluid is also one of the most vital components of all of your truck’s safety systems, yet it can be neglected for years and years at a time. Heck, there are some people who would not change their fluid for the life of their truck…
Dodge Ram Spring Cleaning
Whether you want to believe it or not, your RV/trailer/camper/tow vehicle has feelings and a personality. When it’s covered with pitch, bug guts, bird doo, mud or just road grime, and the tires look like they’re about to be recycled at the local flea market, you can see the frown on its face. It’s a scientifically unproven fact that a clean truck runs and pulls better. Got it, unproven, but a clean ride does wonders for the self-esteem. Our personal truck and camper may be different from yours, but it…