P014C, P2BAC ...the O2 Sensor saga continues - '12 2500

[lawdog1]

I posted previously about O2 Sensor problems I have had on my 2012 2500. I had it "fixed" 3 times at the dealer, and then the CEL light came on again and I certified mailed the Lemon Law paperwork to Chrysler. So today I had my 4th/Final repair attempt inspection per lemon law requirements. Here is what they said:

Tested, P014C, P2BAC, Recording O2 Sensor Bias Code. Cleared Code and performed 50 minute validation. Vehicle Soot Load increased while driving. Performed fuel supply and injector return fuel sample. Found particles in both injectors sticking. Will have to replace. ...they ordered 6 injectors, 6 connectors (referred to by service writer as "injector tubes"), and 1 fuel pump module. They are also going to drop the fuel tank and completely clean it while doing the work.

They want the truck back when the parts arrive for 2 days, 1 day to repair, 1 day to test/validate after the repair. Chrysler is picking up the cost for all of this work so apparently they are not saying bad fuel...just some unidentified "contaminant". Today mileage was 40,690, as history I had the truck in at 33,266; 37,271 and 39,012 miles for the same problem (O2 sensor)...they have previously re-pinned per TSB 25-002-14. This truck has never been touched by anybody but a dealer, even bought the oil change package (...thank goodness!!)

...So here are my questions (hopefully to CTD mechanic types in the audience):

1. Does the diagnosis make sense? ....seems to me like a bit of a wide swath of repairs, and a different direction than earlier focus of repairs

2. I have a concern that this repair is just a SWAG repair attempt which delays and results in me putting more miles on the truck before the CEL comes on again and we get to the replace/repurchase discussion.

Chrysler literally was a day late in responding to my letter so per the law I do not have to let them make the 4th repair attempt before moving forward with a claim (...and I told them this fact before I took the truck in today.) I am looking for input on validity of diagnosis, reasonableness of suggested repair, advice on best way to move forward. ...this is my second CTD, I like this truck (have accessorized it to my liking) but cannot have it getting out of emissions warranty with this problem lingering and having it be "my problem" to solve. I am trying to be reasonable without being a sucker. I appreciate your constructive thoughts/input.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I'm going for #2............please keep us posted.

 

[sag2]

If the truck is not passing the validation test it is building too much soot. The most common reasons are EGR or contaminated injectors. Have you changed the filter at least twice?
Also don't know what the lemon law is in FL, but here it would cost you almost 1/3 of the price you paid for the privilege of the repurchase, so be careful what you wish for.

 

[EDankievitch]

I went through much the same issues with my 2012 only I was able to get the dealer to take it back with out having to go the lemon law route. In hind sight I did have a good case going for the lemon law. I'd draw a line in the sand if this 4th go around does not fix it then push for the lemon law. That said the 13's and newer trucks have proven to be much less headache/ heartache.

 

[lawdog1]

Thanks for the comments. I understand about being careful what u wish for...out of the frying pan and into the fire as they say. Bottom line, I simply want the truck to work properly and not throw codes repeatedly for normal driving/use...if I can have that, its all good. We will see if round 4 of repairs works (fingers and toes crossed!)

 

[lawdog1]

Well dealer had my truck for 8 days...not 2 days, got to love accurate repair estimates and varied explanations/stories about the status of repairs and when your vehicle will be completed. They replaced fuel injectors, connectors, fuel module, dropped the tank and cleaned it out. Then they tested and re-tested it. Repair paperwork says the source of the problem was contaminated fuel and that it was covered under warranty as a "courtesy." I have decided to just drive the truck and see if the repair solved the problem....and ignore the assertion regarding me having procured bad fuel some 10K miles ago before the problem first surfaced and was apparently misdiagnosed (...I don't think Ram or I could conclusively prove our respective positions and the repairs were done at no charge, so why fight over spilled milk.) Fingers crossed I now have a healthy truck.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Keep us posted. I'm one of those inherently negative people that thinks it really takes the OEM's about 5 good years to actually figure out how bad the engineers effed up and what it takes to make them reliable......like my Jeep CRD for instance!

 

[Wygate]

Have you seen the STAR report and read it yourself? My 09 had bad fuel issues and service manager would say one thing and STAR was much different i. e. Service manager " we had some fuel get in crank case while testing, flushed everything " STAR RPT " 5 gallons of fuel oil entered crank case due to bad seal install on new CP3, total of 8 gallons of fluid drained"
I have had more than my share of issues with my 09 mega cab and my 12.
As I'm sure you are/ have been doing squeaky wheel, seems like I'm on the phone w/ customer service every few months. So far they have been trying to do the right thing and give me the same you want a truck that works as advertised.

 

[inetmug]

I am in the same boat. I have had two O2 modules, two harnesses, and countless O2 sensors, put in over the last 46 months. I have had 18 visits to the dealer in 46 months, that is a 2.5 month average between fixes. This seems to plague the 2012 pre-def models. My truck was flashed by the dealer over time and I regret that. It was perfect initially. My bud has the same truck, never saw the dealer, and it never had a problem. Apparently the dealers must flash the truck is required by law or manufacturer.

I am at a total loss. Chrysler has been good in offering extended warranty, but no real fix. I wish I had enacted the FL lemon law but I love the truck, but it was a mistake. I am now trying to get the dealer and Chrysler to work together and send in field service. Bottom line is there is no fix other than upgrading it to a DEF truck.

I have calls into two attorneys now for the Federal Lemon Law and the Federal Warranty Act. I will also contact the EPA.

 

[kthaxton]

I seriously doubt the EPA will get involved in this.

 

[KenHwy61]

My 02 sensor also lit the MiL. I unplugged the EGR 3 thousand miles ago and just forgot about it and the O2 sensor. It runs much better and gets 2-3 mpg better. If you can live with the dash light on you might want to try that.

 

[lawdog1]

I am in the same boat. I have had two O2 modules, two harnesses, and countless O2 sensors, put in over the last 46 months. I have had 18 visits to the dealer in 46 months, that is a 2.5 month average between fixes. This seems to plague the 2012 pre-def models. My truck was flashed by the dealer over time and I regret that. It was perfect initially. My bud has the same truck, never saw the dealer, and it never had a problem. Apparently the dealers must flash the truck is required by law or manufacturer.

I am at a total loss. Chrysler has been good in offering extended warranty, but no real fix. I wish I had enacted the FL lemon law but I love the truck, but it was a mistake. I am now trying to get the dealer and Chrysler to work together and send in field service. Bottom line is there is no fix other than upgrading it to a DEF truck.

I have calls into two attorneys now for the Federal Lemon Law and the Federal Warranty Act. I will also contact the EPA.

I started this thread over a year ago. In November 2016, I traded my 2012 in on a 2016. Chrysler had given me a 7/100 extended warranty on the 2012 but I did not trust the truck. Great decision, I love the 2016, much nicer truck (Laramie vice Big Horn) and the fuel mileage improvement is 3-4 mpg (20-25%). Front axle disconnect and 3.42 vice 4.10 help. DEF is cheap and easy. Now I just have to pay this beast off!