"Roaring" Sound During 2014 Ram 3500 Test Drive

[JLandry]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I took our first test drive in a 2014 Ram 3500 SRW with a 68RFE auto transmission today. It was brief, only a few miles on city streets at 35 mph max.

Overall it was WAY quieter than my current truck (obviously)... BUT... I was surprised by a roaring noise coming from either the engine or transmission area during low speed acceleration. At steady cruise it wasn't there. The noise sounded similar to the roar when a radiator fan clutch is locked up and the radiator fan is turning at engine speed. The salesman was at a loss to explain what it was.

If it matters:

The windows were rolled up, the AC was on, the outside temperature was about 85F, and the engine/transmission hadn't fully warmed up.

Does this sound normal?

Thanks,

John L.

 

[Slow Six]

I think this is normal as you said the AC was on. When the Ac pressures up the fan cuts in to get air flow for the system to function. When you are at speed there is enough air flow and the fan cuts out. I know my fan cuts in at times when I think it shouldn't but overall it does a good job. I don't understand all the functions of these new trucks, they just do it. I drive class 8 trucks and the fans run a lot more on new trucks than they did on trucks of yesterday.

 

[TCDiesel]

The noise was most likely the fan, if you are looking at 3500s find one With Aisin the extra cash is worth it and when you go to sell you will recoup some $$$.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I too assume that noise was the engine fan being actuated with the A/C. If you ever see the engine fan out of the truck it is HUGE..

 

[JLandry]

Thanks guys.

The radiator fan sounds like reasonable explanation.

John L.

 

[Doubleclutch]

I suspect there was a Chevy or Ford in the area, and turf was being claimed!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Look at the size of the fans. They are huge.