Combating Carbon Build-up in Ram Engines
RAM vehicles, particularly EcoDiesel and Hemi V8 models, face mechanical challenges tied to carbon accumulation, EGR/DPF inefficiencies, and fuel system vulnerabilities. These issues stem from direct injection (DI) design, emissions control systems, and crankcase ventilation practices. This analysis outlines prevalent problems, affected models, and targeted solutions for maintaining performance in RAM’s lineup, focusing on engines like the 3.0L EcoDiesel and 5.7L Hemi.
Carbon Build-Up issues
Cause:
DI engines lack fuel washing over intake valves, while diesel models suffer EGR soot recirculation into the intake tract. Gasoline Hemi engines experience buildup from PCV oil vapours.
Symptoms:
- Rough idle, cold-start misfires (P0300–P0304 codes).
- Reduced power and black smoke (diesel).
Affected Models:
- RAM 1500 EcoDiesel (2014–present, 3.0L V6).
- RAM 2500/3500 (6.7L Cummins, EGR-related intake clogging).
Solutions:
- Walnut blasting (severe buildup) or chemical cleaners.
- Oil catch cans to reduce PCV oil vapour recirculation.
Injectors Issues
Cause:
Clogging from low-quality fuel or ethanol corrosion.
Symptoms:
- Misfires under load.
- Hesitation during acceleration.
Solutions:
- Ultrasonic cleaning or replacement.
- Top-tier diesel/gasoline with detergent additives.
Intake Manifold Issues
Common Failures:
- Carbon-clogged EGR passages (diesel models).
- Vacuum leaks from degraded gaskets (Hemi).
Solutions:
- Manual cleaning during servicing.
- Gasket replacement with reinforced materials.
EGR System Issues
Cause:
Soot buildup clogs valves, especially in urban driving conditions.
Symptoms:
- Check engine light (P0401–P0406 codes).
- Reduced power and excessive exhaust smoke.
Solutions:
- EGR valve cleaning (carburettor cleaner) or replacement.
DPF Filter Issues
Cause:
Incomplete regeneration cycles from short trips or faulty sensors.
Symptoms:
- DPF warning light.
- Limp mode activation (P2463 code).
Solutions:
- Forced regeneration via diagnostic tools.
Fuel System Issues
Common Issues:
- Clogged filters (ethanol-related).
- High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures (EcoDiesel).
Solutions:
- Filter replacement every 30,000 Km.
- HPFP resealing or replacement.
Solutions
- Walnut blasting: Mechanically clean intake valves every 50,000-80,000 km.
- Hydrogen carbon cleaning: Non-invasive method for removing deposits.
- Use high-quality, Top-tier fuel to minimise carbon buildup.
- Perform regular “Italian tune-ups” (high-speed highway driving) to help burn off deposits.
- Clean the EGR valve periodically to prevent clogging and maintain proper exhaust gas recirculation.
- For diesel models, ensure proper DPF regeneration through highway driving or DPF Filter cleaning.
- Regular maintenance, including oil changes and filter replacements.
Preventative Measures
- Prioritise Highway Driving: Weekly 30+ minute trips at 80+ kph enable DPF regeneration (diesel) and carbon burn-off (Hemi).
- Install Oil Catch Cans: Reduces PCV oil vapour recirculation in Hemi/EcoDiesel engines.
- Use Top-Tier Fuel: Minimises injector deposits and combustion residues.
- Leverage Additives: Quarterly DPF cleaners and carbon treatments.
- Monitor Recalls: Address fuel pump and EGR issues via dealerships.
- Regular Diagnostics: OBD-II scans to preempt EGR/DPF faults and monitor fuel trims.
By addressing these challenges through disciplined maintenance and leveraging aftermarket innovations, RAM owners can preserve the brand’s rugged reliability and efficiency. Integrating diagnostic tools, quality components, and adherence to service protocols mitigates costly repairs and ensures optimal combustion. Proactive care remains the cornerstone of sustaining RAM’s engineering legacy in both commercial and consumer markets.
Carbon Build-Up Related OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The following OBD-II codes may indicate carbon buildup issues in your engine.
Use our searchable table to identify and address potential problems:
| Code | Description | Symptoms | Affected System |
|---|---|---|---|
| P246C | Diesel Particulate Filter - Soot Accumulation for Bank 1 | Check engine light | DPF |
| P246B | Diesel Particulate Filter - Soot Accumulation for Bank 2 | Check engine light | DPF |
| P2463 | Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction - Soot Accumulation | Check engine light, reduced power, limp mode activation | DPF |
| P2459 | Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency Too High | Check engine light | DPF |
| P2458 | Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Duration Too Long | Check engine light | DPF |
| P244A | Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too Low | Check engine light | DPF |
| P242F | Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Incomplete | Check engine light, poor acceleration | DPF |
| P2176 | Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited Power | Reduced power, check engine light | Manifold |
| P2008 | Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed | Check engine light, poor acceleration | Manifold |
| P2007 | Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open | Check engine light, rough idle | Manifold |
| P2006 | Intake Manifold Runner Control Actuator Performance Problem | Similar to P2004 symptoms | Manifold |
| P2004 | Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Actuator Range/Performance Problem | Check engine light, reduced engine performance | Manifold |
| P2002 | Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) | Check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, possible limp mode | DPF |
| P0421 | Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) | Similar to P0420 symptoms | Carbon Build-Up |
| P0420 | Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) | Check engine light, failed emissions test | Carbon Build-Up |
| P0404 | EGR Control Range/Performance Problem | Check engine light, rough idling, hesitation in acceleration, poor fuel economy | EGR |
| P0403 | EGR Control Circuit Malfunction | Check engine light | EGR |
| P0402 | EGR Flow Excessive | Check engine light, surging at idle | EGR |
| P0401 | EGR Flow Insufficient | Check engine light, engine knocking, poor acceleration | EGR |
| P0400 | EGR Flow Malfunction | Check engine light, rough idling, reduced power | EGR |
| P0304 | Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected | Similar to P0301 symptoms | Carbon Build-Up & Injector |
| P0303 | Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected | Similar to P0301 symptoms | Carbon Build-Up & Injector |
| P0302 | Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected | Similar to P0301 symptoms | Carbon Build-Up & Injector |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected | Rough running, poor acceleration | Carbon Build-Up & Injector |
| P0300 | Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected | Rough idle, engine shaking, reduced power | Carbon Build-Up & Injector |
| P0230 | Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction | Hard starting, stalling while driving | Fuel System |
| P0206 | Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 6 (if applicable) | Similar to P0201 symptoms | Injector |
| P0205 | Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 5 (if applicable) | Similar to P0201 symptoms | Injector |
| P0204 | Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 4 | Similar to P0201 symptoms | Injector |
| P0203 | Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 3 | Similar to P0201 symptoms | Injector |
| P0202 | Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 2 | Similar to P0201 symptoms | Injector |
| P0201 | Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 1 | Check engine light, rough idle, poor acceleration | Injector |
| P0200 | Injector Circuit/Open | Active check engine light, engine misfires, rough running | Injector |
| P0183 | Fuel Temperature Sensor Circuit High Voltage | Check engine light; possible performance issues | Fuel System |
| P0182 | Fuel Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Voltage | Check engine light; possible performance issues | Fuel System |
| P0174 | System Too Lean (Bank 2) | Increased fuel consumption and decreased performance | Fuel System & Injector & Manifold |
| P0172 | System Too Rich (Bank 1) | Black exhaust smoke, poor performance, increased fuel consumption | Fuel System |
| P0171 | System Too Lean (Bank 1) | Check engine light, poor acceleration | Carbon Build-Up & Fuel System |
| P0106 | Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Range/Performance Problem | Check engine light, poor acceleration, rough idle | Manifold |
| P0101 | Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Range/Performance Problem | Check engine light, reduced power, poor fuel economy | Manifold |
| P0093 | Fuel System Large Leak Detected | Check engine light, rough running, decreased performance | Fuel System |
| P0090 | Fuel Pressure Regulator Control Circuit Malfunction | Check engine light, poor fuel economy | Fuel System |
| P008B | Low Pressure Fuel System Pressure - Too High | Check engine light, rough idle, reduced power | Fuel System |
| P008A | Low Pressure Fuel System Pressure - Too Low | Check engine light, poor acceleration, engine stalling | Fuel System |