07 Dodge Mega need some help various issues

[Bobby A]

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and really need some help. First off let me start by saying that I do love my truck it is in very good shape, and I try to keep it that way. I am the original owner, there was several issues with the check engine light and limp mode issues when I first bought the truck. In fact, it was in the dealership more the first year than I actually drove it. At one point Chrysler wanted to buy it back from me, and I told them no just to fix it. I had a lot of money already invested in setting up the truck to pull a 40' fifth wheel that we were going to full time in. The truck has had 3 particulate filter changes and a couple turbo changes and have gone thru at least 3 sets of upper and lower ball joints. My current issue, while pulling our 5th wheel on the freeway the check engine light came on and we found a diesel mechanic at our first campground, and he pulled the code and the code read P1011 fuel pump delivery pressure too low. The mechanic changed the fuel filter and cleared the code, he said that was the cheapest thing to do at this point and see what happens. We got back on the freeway, we are 400 miles from home, and the check engine light came on again. Also, a little while later, the overhead display started reading particulate filter 90% full. We were pulling the 5th wheel on the freeway and couldn't figure out why the regen process did not happen. We kept driving because there was no performance issues and the check engine light stayed on but did not flash. We kept driving for about 50 miles and then pulled into a rest area to gather our thoughts, we were there for about 30 minutes and of course the truck was not running. We started the truck and got back on the freeway and a little while later the overhead display started reading regen in process and it went down from 90%, to 80% to 70% then regen complete. We made it back to our home campground in Michigan without issue and took it to the dealership and they could not find anything wrong and just cleared the code and just sent me on my merry way. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to be specific as I was told you guys are very knowledgeable here. The truck is stock all but cold air intake has been added. Thank you in advance, I should have found this forum many years ago. I do have another issue, but we will tackle one issue at a time. Thank you all so very much. Bobby A

 

[NIsaacs]

How many miles on your truck? What mods do you have? You indicate like you have it set up to tow your 40' RV.

I am inclined to think someone is throwing parts at/on it. Do you have the factory exhaust brake? I seem to recall some early 6.7's had it but needed it enabled.

 

[AH64ID]

What code was/is present with the 2nd CEL?

 

[Jim W]

Is this the first time that you have any CEL'S lately? As asked do you have the exhaust brake enabled and do you run the exhaust brake 100% of the time when driving?

 

[Bobby A]

Thank you all for your interest in helping me out, the truck has 155K miles on it, I used the exhaust break 90% of the time, not sure what CEL means ?? The only mods is a Banks cold air intake, I have super springs on the rear because of heavy pin weight on my 5th wheel.

 

[AH64ID]

CEL = Check Engine Light

 

[Bobby A]

CEL= check engine light, thank you, I am new to this forum and don't know the terminology for most things, I run on the freeway from MI. to Fl. a couple times a year. The CEL always comes on during the trip most times. On one trip the CEL came on and I stopped at an auto zone to scan the code, I can't remember the code, but I do remember the guys asking me if I had fueled up recently and I said yes I did. They told me something about the O2 sensors are barometric sensitive, since I was traveling a long distance and the difference in elevations that is what triggers the CEL. I don't know if that was hog wash or for real. I am not a mechanic and I don't know much about diesels, thats why I take it to the dealership all the time. Anyone know about what I was told ?? I am getting real tired of white knuckleing it wondering if and when the CEL will come on when I'm pulling a 40 foot 5th wheel with limited area to stop. Thats why I joined this forum, I was told you guys are the pro's and could help me out with my issues. Thank you very much

 

[bcbender]

Well, I can start by saying you do not have any O2 sensors,... And I have also had guys try to tell me my gas cap was the problem (likely to get me to move on) but Diesel Trucks also do not have pressurized EVAP purge systems. FWIW, if the O2 sensors were that sensitive, every one would be driving around with the CEL on..

 

[Topzide]

@Bobby A, There is a lot of knowledge on here to help. Fill in your signature line with truck information, that way when you ask a question, truck info is there for TDR knowledge guys can give you proper info for your truck without having to request it. Don't be afraid to ask, sometimes there will be an answer from left field, mostly you'll get the help you need. May even find a member that is close to you that would be willing to meet up and help in person. If you're willing to learn, you can learn so much from the "TDR Gang"!

 

[Jim W]

Bobby A, I use to pull a heavy 5th wheel trailer (34RL Cedar Creek) for approximately 30,000 miles all over the US. This year we decided to stay in an RV resort in southerner MI., boy was I glad we did that with diesel fuel prices. As I stated I only had one CEL for the turbo in the years I was pulling.

My truck was very similar to your truck. I purchased a 2008, 2500 MEGA CAB with the 6.7L Cummins and the 68RFE Auto, this was in NOV 2007.

Your cold air intake system might be causing an issue too. I am still running the stock CAI system. Never have had any CEL'S due to the stock CAI.

When was the last time that you cleaned the EGR system on your truck? This is to be done ever 67,500 miles on your truck.

Now to the point due yourself a favor and purchase a good code reader that you can read and clear the codes (CEL) with. I carry one in my truck all of the time, just in case. This way you can know what the issues was, and you can search either on this forum or on-line for the solution to your problem. Most but not all of the auto parts stores do not know anything about a diesel engine and the components used on them.

Another resource for knowledge on your truck is for you to review on the member site, LH column. There are two areas to review the RAM DIAGONOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (CEL) and the Buyers Guide for your year of truck. This will explain the truck issues and what to look for in operation.

 

[Ozymandias]

Two things, get AlfaOBD* so you can do codes easily yourself.
Second, have a dealer check that the trucks ECM (engine control module) runs on the latest software revision.
Throughout the years there have been several updates to correct problems, but not all owner/workshops updated the vehicles.

*cheaper then any decent code reader and an incredible powerful tool

 

[Bobby A]

wow guys, thanks for all the great posts, I just wanted to check in quick, its getting late and I will post back to answer your questions and make some comments. I really do appreciate all your help and advice. Thank you so much !!!!

 

[Bobby A]

Bobby A, I use to pull a heavy 5th wheel trailer (34RL Cedar Creek) for approximately 30,000 miles all over the US. This year we decided to stay in an RV resort in southerner MI., boy was I glad we did that with diesel fuel prices. As I stated I only had one CEL for the turbo in the years I was pulling.

My truck was very similar to your truck. I purchased a 2008, 2500 MEGA CAB with the 6.7L Cummins and the 68RFE Auto, this was in NOV 2007.

Your cold air intake system might be causing an issue too. I am still running the stock CAI system. Never have had any CEL'S due to the stock CAI.

When was the last time that you cleaned the EGR system on your truck? This is to be done ever 67,500 miles on your truck.

Now to the point due yourself a favor and purchase a good code reader that you can read and clear the codes (CEL) with. I carry one in my truck all of the time, just in case. This way you can know what the issues was, and you can search either on this forum or on-line for the solution to your problem. Most but not all of the auto parts stores do not know anything about a diesel engine and the components used on them.

Another resource for knowledge on your truck is for you to review on the member site, LH column. There are two areas to review the RAM DIAGONOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (CEL) and the Buyers Guide for your year of truck. This will explain the truck issues and what to look for in operation.

HI Jim,
Thank you for all the info, I have had CEL issues long before I put on the Banks cold air intake, so I don't believe that had/has anything to do with my issues. I will take your advise and buy a code reader. Also, I think the EGR system was cleaned last year but i will check my paper work, I have kept every piece of paper work with work that was ever done on my truck. There is so much info that you have given me and I appreciate it. Thank you

 

[Bobby A]

Two things, get AlfaOBD* so you can do codes easily yourself.
Second, have a dealer check that the trucks ECM (engine control module) runs on the latest software revision.
Throughout the years there have been several updates to correct problems, but not all owner/workshops updated the vehicles.

*cheaper then any decent code reader and an incredible powerful tool

Thank you, where do I purchase the said code reader ?? Is it easy to do it yourself, I am not a mechanic and know little to nothing about diesels. I will have the dealership check the ECM for latest software version, thanks very much.

 

[Bobby A]

@Bobby A, There is a lot of knowledge on here to help. Fill in your signature line with truck information, that way when you ask a question, truck info is there for TDR knowledge guys can give you proper info for your truck without having to request it. Don't be afraid to ask, sometimes there will be an answer from left field, mostly you'll get the help you need. May even find a member that is close to you that would be willing to meet up and help in person. If you're willing to learn, you can learn so much from the "TDR Gang"!

Topzide, thanks for the words of encouragement, I will go to the signature line with info on my truck. That would be awesome if a member was close to me, so I don't have to take it to the dealership all the time $$$$$ thank you

 

[Bobby A]

Well, I can start by saying you do not have any O2 sensors,... And I have also had guys try to tell me my gas cap was the problem (likely to get me to move on) but Diesel Trucks also do not have pressurized EVAP purge systems. FWIW, if the O2 sensors were that sensitive, every one would be driving around with the CEL on..

Thanks for your help, I thought there was O2 sensors on the exhaust system ?? I am sorry for my ignorance, but I am not a mechanic. Thanks for helping me out. I have been overwhelmed with how helpful you guys are on this forum.

 

[06 Dodge]

Thanks for your help, I thought there was O2 sensors on the exhaust system ?? I am sorry for my ignorance, but I am not a mechanic. Thanks for helping me out. I have been overwhelmed with how helpful you guys are on this forum.

Glad to see you made it over here from ram fourms, as you have found out the guys here are very knowledgeable that is why I wanted you to come here for help...

 

[Ozymandias]

Thank you, where do I purchase the said code reader ?? Is it easy to do it yourself, I am not a mechanic and know little to nothing about diesels. I will have the dealership check the ECM for latest software version, thanks very much.

It's very much self explaining. And the guys here are very helpful if it comes to help you using it.
The AlfaOBD software you buy on the Google Playstore (50$), it is made to run on Android. Most here use it with a Tablet, and the once that did not already have one bought a cheap 100$ Tablet for that.
There is also a Windows version available but not many use that as it seems to be more difficult to use or so.
As hardware you need a more or less generic Bluetooth dongle (~50$) that you plug into the OBD2 port under the dash, this you have to buy separately. I forgot which one is most popular for these, someone that knows it will chime in. Amazon is the source here.
With Alfa you can do more then a dealer is able to do with wiTech, so powerful it is.

 

[xcc_rider]

Ok, just to clarify a few things.

First, you have a 2007.5 and yes you have 2 0² sensors and 3 temperature sensors in your exhaust.
You won't get an O² code based on barometric changes. I tow from 1500 ft to 9000 ft in 5 hours and don't get codes.

Second, there may not be a vacuum in your tank but if your fuel cap is loose or missing you will get a code
Don't know what triggers it being vacuum or pressure but the ecm knows and you will get a code.

Hypothetically speaking, the low fuel supply pressure may have caused a lower than desired fuel rail pressure that then caused an imbalance in the fuel/air ratio and created more soot than the system could burn off in regeneration.

Now why your regen finally reduced the dpf soot loading to normal when you restarted the truck, I don't know.
BUT, I would take a look at your fuel pump strainer in the tank to see if it's clogged.
(Common issue)

Also. What was your tank level when you got the code?
The stock pump and screen set up doesn't like it when it's below 1/4 tank and can cause low fuel delivery issues.

 

[Bobby A]

Ok, just to clarify a few things.

First, you have a 2007.5 and yes you have 2 0² sensors and 3 temperature sensors in your exhaust.
You won't get an O² code based on barometric changes. I tow from 1500 ft to 9000 ft in 5 hours and don't get codes.

Second, there may not be a vacuum in your tank but if your fuel cap is loose or missing you will get a code
Don't know what triggers it being vacuum or pressure but the ecm knows and you will get a code.

Hypothetically speaking, the low fuel supply pressure may have caused a lower than desired fuel rail pressure that then caused an imbalance in the fuel/air ratio and created more soot than the system could burn off in regeneration.

Now why your regen finally reduced the dpf soot loading to normal when you restarted the truck, I don't know.
BUT, I would take a look at your fuel pump strainer in the tank to see if it's clogged.
(Common issue)

Also. What was your tank level when you got the code?
The stock pump and screen set up doesn't like it when it's below 1/4 tank and can cause low fuel delivery issues.

GREAT info, thanks for clarifying, I will never drive with tank less than a 1/4 full usually I will fill it up between 1/2 and a 1/4. You mentioned about a fuel pump strainer, is this something that you have to drop the tank ?? You guys have been so willing to help with all your knowledge, I am overwelmed with all the info. Thank you all so much, I know I keep saying thank you in all my posts, but again I am very appreciated your help.