EGR Valve problems

[JET]

I have had the MIL illuminated 3 times, with the same indications, the EGR Valve replaced twice, O2 Sensor replaced once. This is my 3rd Ram, first was a 1999 5. 9, second a 2003 5. 9, and now this 2010 6. 7. Other than oil changes, recalls, and lift pumps the first 2 were great. This 2010 really concerns me. See notes from dealer service invoices below...



1. 9000 miles on vehicle: P049D and P2271 DTC 25014540 FC-ML 1. 1 85410000 . 6 Found P049D active and P2271 DTC. Performed Diag for P049D, Test Drove vehicle. DTC did not return. Next checked Diag for P2271. P2271 may have been caused by DTC P049D according to Diag. Test drove vehicle, no DTC's returned.



2. 13775 miles on vehicle: Performed Diag for DTC 2271, Replaced O2 Sensor. Flashed PCM for DTC P21B3. Performed Diag for Code P049D. Remove and clean EGR Valve. Test drove after cleaning. Code P049D returned. Replaced EGR Valve and retest. No further codes after repairs.



3. 32960 miles on vehicle: P049 D EGR Control Circuit Overtravel 25014540 1. 1 FC ML, 25014506 . 4 FC ML Inspected and Tested EGR Valve, Heavily Sooted, Cleaned EGR Valve and Tested, Code Returned. Replaced EGR Valve and Test Drove. Found no Other Problems at this Time.

 

[HBarlow]

If you've followed any of the many threads that have run since the '07. 5 ISB6. 7s went in service you're already aware of the issues that seem to plague many of the trucks that are used as commuter cars or grocery getters.

Unfortunately, thanks to our enemies in the federal government and in particular the EPA, the ISB6. 7 engines are burdened with emissions control crap that causes sooting issues on some trucks that are not used for towing or hauling with a balance of highway driving.

If your truck is primarily operated at low speeds, low power levels for short distances it will be more likely to have sooting issues which set codes. Experience among TDR members is that the trucks that are worked as intended are essentially trouble free.

 

[sag2]

Your dealer needs to find the source of the soot. It is most likely not the EGR valve. The failed EGR is most likely the result of the excessive soot. He needs to drive the truck with the pod and laptop and watch the soot load in grams. Driving steady at 50-60 mph for 10 minutes the soot load should hold steady or slightly decrease. If it increases the problem is not repaired. A can of CRC diesel fuel therapy will not hurt either if the injectors are a little dirty.

 

[Nyoest]

If you've followed any of the many threads that have run since the '07. 5 ISB6. 7s went in service you're already aware of the issues that seem to plague many of the trucks that are used as commuter cars or grocery getters.



Unfortunately, thanks to our enemies in the federal government and in particular the EPA, the ISB6. 7 engines are burdened with emissions control crap that causes sooting issues on some trucks that are not used for towing or hauling with a balance of highway driving.



If your truck is primarily operated at low speeds, low power levels for short distances it will be more likely to have sooting issues which set codes. Experience among TDR members is that the trucks that are worked as intended are essentially trouble free.

Harvey you are way too thoughtful and articulate at 6:20 in the morning!



Hook the truck to a good load,it's not a car.

 

[HBarlow]

Harvey you are way too thoughtful and articulate at 6:20 in the morning!

Hook the truck to a good load,it's not a car.

Thanks for the kind words. Sometimes I return to a thread later to read other comments where I have written a post early in the morning and see sentences where I lost a thought in the middle of a sentence or left confusing typos.

 

[JET]

I pull an 8000 pound travel trailer about 15 - 20% of the time, the rest of the time I drive unloaded. My commute to work is about 15 miles each way on surface streets, and I make 1 or 2 trips a week that are about 50 miles each way on the freeway. I have had it a little less than 18 months and have 34,000 miles on it, so it seldom sits.

 

[HBarlow]

JET,

I know you won't want to hear this but from what we've been reading on the TDR since late 2007 your problem is probably caused by the 15 mile commutes to work. Your commute on surface streets is probably at modest speeds and with traffic and traffic lights.

 

[roberthall0]

Sag2 seems to be experienced at working on these trucks. I would follow his advice.

 

[AH64ID]

A DPF/EGR delete is probably the best and easiest way to fix the problem.

Sadly the emissions junk is very hard on the motor, especially if something is out of spec but not out of tolerance enough to set a code.

 

[GaryCarter]

Jet, I believe SAG has given you some good advice. Freeway for 50 miles once or twice a week should allow a complete regen to occur. Your driving pattern is similar to mine and I have zero problems.



It is clear that in stop and go situations the truck has a hard time completing regens, as regens are interrupted when you go to zero throttle.



That said, your issue is not failing regen, it seems too much soot for the EGR.



YMMV, as I have a heavy foot, which for the 6. 7 I think is beneficial.

 

[JET]

It is really funny, in the 34,000 miles I have been driving this truck, I have only seen the regen alert 1 time.

 

[Simplysmn]

Jet Where are you seeing the regen alert at ? I have a 2011 and haven't seen anything like that . I always say Drive the truck Hard put it away Happy

 

[JET]

The one time I saw it, was on the EVIC.

 

[AH64ID]

Jet Where are you seeing the regen alert at ? I have a 2011 and haven't seen anything like that . I always say Drive the truck Hard put it away Happy

It only tells you when its over 80% full. Most regens are not "advertised"

 

[Tryingit]

I have 23K on mine. I recently had the 80% full message come on. This occured after about a week running back and forth from the hardware store. Once I got the message I immediately hit the nearby highway and drove a whole five minutes before I got the regen complete message. My average commute is 23 miles each way with some towing (mainly vacation).

I never got that message until I did a lot of local traveling. Man I miss my 04. 5... ... .....

 

[rscurtis]

The use of DEF with its accompanying reduction in EGR would solve a lot of these problems. What's the point of having a diesel engine if you periodically have to drive it just to clean it up? That could defeat any fuel savings you might have realized. And I'm not even talking about throwing away almost $100 worth of oil prematurely because of fuel dilution.

 

[HBarlow]

Does use of SCR allow elimination of the EGR? I was surprised and disappointed to learn that SCR is in addition to a DPF not instead of.

 

[rscurtis]

It allows the reduction of EGR, which results in a cleaner running engine. The cleaner running engine does not load the DPF as much, resulting in fewer regenerations. Fewer regens = less fuel dilution and less wasted fuel. EGR and DEF both reduce NOX emissions which have nothing to do with the DPF, which reduces (eliminates) soot emissions. The problem is that the EGR puts more soot into the system, where the SCR system (DEF) does not. The Ram also uses a NOX adsorber catalyst, which requires almost constant regeneration- a further waste of fuel.

 

[HBarlow]

That doesn't make sense because the DEF or SCR system is downstream of both the EGR and DPF.

I don't get it.

 

[EricBu12]

Jet . I have a 2009 6. 7.

I would say on the surface streets, use 5th gear to keep the rpm's at a higher level. . When I am at like 45-50 in 5th, the r's are at 1500 or so. . I'd say this is better for the heat to reduce the soot. . This is also the same rpm when I am at freeway speed. I have 21K on my truck, I do 12-15 mile commutes and have not had any EGR probles as yet. . (knock on wood). . Id say do this and maybe the problem will go away.