service def

[rockinjwolf]

I guess owning one of these diesel trucks is a love/hate affair at some point. This is my first diesel but my fifth Dodge in a row. I have a 2013 SLT with about 54k on the clock. In the past , I have had a couple of CEL and nothing major. The truck has been to dealer for water pump, few other things but all and all, easy to own. The chime with service DEF system started a couple of weeks ago and it appears and then goes and I think, yeah right, not going to dealer for that. It started the count down last night and ruined a fishing trip to Pa. I have read the internet stuff until my head is ready to explode. I had the codes read this am and they are u059 and p229. Looks like nox sensors and stuff. But the more I read, it can be bad def, clogged def, bad def pump, bad connection, and on and on. Now, I guess I have to call dealer on Monday and see where this goes but they like to just start changing parts, etc. Any ideas out there??? ok, rant over. thanks Jeff

ps. Should only be about 80 miles left before limp mode but I haven't had a warning since around 147.

 

[AH64ID]

When did you last add DEF?

How full is the tank?

 

[Newsa]

Take it to the dealer. They will tell you if you are under the federal emissions warranty which you most likely are

 

[Ozymandias]

Maybe just an Update of the ECM, if not done already, will solve that Problem.
Many bugs and glitches were sorted out in later years.
ECM check for updates is always the first to do.

 

[rockinjwolf]

All good advice and one good question. The def tank is just under 1/2. The def usage has been minimal. Can't remember the last time I saw the regen message.

 

[AH64ID]

All good advice and one good question. The def tank is just under 1/2. The def usage has been minimal. Can't remember the last time I saw the regen message.

You shouldn’t ever see the regen message unless it’s been unable to complete routine regents and the DPF is getting near full.

That being said DEF is not used for regen, it’s used at a rate of about 2-3% of fuel to control NOx.

 

[Wayne M.]

That being said DEF is not used for regen, it’s used at a rate of about 2-3% of fuel to control NOx.

True, but I’m pretty sure DEF is used during the regen, though it’s got nothing to do with the DPF.

 

[AH64ID]

True, but I’m pretty sure DEF is used during the regen, though it’s got nothing to do with the DPF.

I never said it wasn’t used during regen, I said it wasn’t used for regen.

DEF/SCR and DPF are 2 separate emissions functions.

Regen is for the DPF, not SCR.

 

[rockinjwolf]

BTW, I want to thank all of you above for not flaming me like you see on some other forums, not necessarily truck forums. I am not a mechanic. That being said, I do all of my fluid changes and enjoy a little hands on stuff with this Ram. I remember thinking to myself when others would ask about the def fluid and did my truck take it, I would think "who cares" it is cheap and goes along way. If that was what they had to do to meet emissions , so be it. I did not know about how the def system can let you down. I thought about draining what is left in my tank but of course there is no tank drain. Still thinking of hooking up a small hose to the shop vac and going at it. Add new fluid and start fresh.

 

[Wayne M.]

rocknjwolf, the TDR is always welcoming to the new to the forum. It’s just that we like to flame each other now n again
True that any current era Diesel pickup is not so easy to maintain as it was 15 years ago, it would go a long way to educate yourself on these systems. The SCR system is amazingly simple in function, but once something goes wrong, certain protocol must be followed to correct it. Unfortunately, unless you have some learning time and the proper ability, you’ll be at the dealers mercy. Pray that you have a capable service dept that can handle this truck.

 

[JR]

One of the few YouTubers I subscribe to



He's done several videos of the 13+ scr equipped trucks. This one isn't particularly informative but it's a good bet you have the same problem. You could check your connections and wiring to make sure everything is sound and clean. You could also replace the sensor on your own but you may or may not still have to go to the dealership to have your flags reset that has tripped the countdown. I went that route when my def injector went TU.

 

[rockinjwolf]

Follow up.... Yup, I went to the dealer. Truck is still there. Its been 3 days but serv. rep. got back to me with some answers. Nox sensor is bad. ( I kind of knew that from code.) It is the downstream one and they want 1020. labor and material. Also, they said that it is not covered by emissions warranty. Not sure why,. Too tired to argue. I know Dorman makes a sensor for 450. but I just want it fixed and get rid of cel. I had asked them to ck air box because that message had turned up a few times. They said it was good. They also want to service rear diff. because I have 55k miles on truck. I won't tell how much $$ that is yet because I want to see what others say. All in all, If I can get my truck back for a grand or so and get this def thing behind me, I won't be mad. Next time, it will be delete.

 

[lpennock]

do the diff yourself. takes about an hour if you haven't done before. Once you have done it, it is about 30m or less.

 

[gsbrockman]

They also want to service rear diff. because I have 55k miles on truck. I won't tell how much $$ that is yet because I want to see what others say.

Four quarts of 75w85 at about $20/quart
1.5 hrs labor at $115/hour

I’m guessing around $252.50 Plus shop supplies charge.

 

[Wayne M.]

You’re getting fleeced!

 

[JR]

There are codes that differentiate upstream NOX from downstream.. I'm not insinuating I know more than an FCA tech, just stating the obvious, that you listed upstream codes in your OP. Hopefully your guy knows what he's doing.

 

[Wayne M.]

There are codes that differentiate upstream NOX from downstream.. I'm not insinuating I know more than an FCA tech, just stating the obvious, that you listed upstream codes in your OP. Hopefully your guy knows what he's doing.

You might, rabbit. You might. Especially if that tech is trying to turn numbers at gunpoint.
I think this should be under fed warranty. Get another opinion.

 

[rockinjwolf]

Thanks again for your imput. Re: nox sensor, I am at their mercy whether it is up or downstream, didn't see report but I want it fixed and my damn truck back.
And yes, I am going to do my own rear diff service. From what I can see and readm, it looks like Valvoline full syn 75w-90 will do the trick. The vids show using the same gasket,?! not sure if that is ok or I am worried over nothing. One guy didn't even drop the cover, just sucked out old gear oil somehow. To answer the ?? of how much dealer wanted here in good ole NJ .....drum role....$650 !! Seemed crazy when he told me, yes with a straight face lol, seems even crazier now!!
OH well, onward and upward. I am learning more all the time about these trucks. Still like mine

 

[Wayne M.]

Where are you in jersey?
I haven’t seen the newer trucks, but the gasket is probably the same. It’s a plastic deal with impregnated rubber seals. It’s reusable, but for peace of mind, you can get a new one here.
https://www.genosgarage.com/product/mop-5086905aa/gaskets-and-seals
In any event, definitely take the cover off. Clean it, paint it, etc etc.

 

[gsbrockman]

And yes, I am going to do my own rear diff service. From what I can see and readm, it looks like Valvoline full syn 75w-90 will do the trick. The vids show using the same gasket,?! not sure if that is ok or I am worried over nothing. One guy didn't even drop the cover, just sucked out old gear oil somehow. To answer the ?? of how much dealer wanted here in good ole NJ .....drum role....$650 !! Seemed crazy when he told me, yes with a straight face lol, seems even crazier now!!
OH well, onward and upward. I am learning more all the time about these trucks. Still like mine

$650 is absolutely insane.........I’d love to see the itemized breakdown of that.

The front and rear differential gaskets are reusable many, many times.