[gadfly2]

Hello all, I started a thread a week ago or so about the sour smell from my exhaust after starting the engine cold. After reading your comments I agree it was the DEF not flowing due to being frozen. However, I got in my truck tpday to see the check engine light is on and I then checked the message on the evic. It says "Service DEF System". Not sure how this is going to play out, I called my service center at the RAM dealership (11:05) and they said to bring it in today (15:00) so they can look at it. I'll post results when I hear back.
As an additional note, I was worried about the DEF because of its freezing point, so I never had the DEF tank over 50% since the end of October. So I have followed RAM's instructions on winter use. Also o have been plugging in the block heater below -15c all year.

 

[zoomie]

Interesting, we all want to hear what the dealer says.

 

[Haulin]

x2, also interested in reading what you have to report back about what folks at the dealership have to say/do about it.

 

[gadfly2]

So first update: the are completing a "forced Regen" (Which they can activate on demand in the shop once connected to their computer?) So what I was told is that the truck for some reason was not completing its regeneration cycle, and the the filters were very very full. This could also be why I am only getting 17-18 mpg right now.

 

[gadfly2]

No word if the sensor is faulty or damaged, waiting for a briefing of that once the regent is complete.

FYI: I did see a regent cycle after flash updates completed, but it did not complete before I arrived to work. So maybe shutting off the truck before completed cycle can mess with it?

 

[gadfly2]

So regen and a new flash update later the truck feels awesome! It could be that it thawed out in the heated garage for an hour or so, but it feels more responsive and is running much smoother and does not feel sluggish.as for it not activating the regeneration cycle, the mechanic hopes the new flash will correct it. Next oil change is in 5500km, so they will check filters again then. Its flagged if anything pops up in the futer, so im good. I also got some new weather tech mud flaps installed at the same time, so it was a good end resault.

 

[gadfly2]

new update: another check engine light - converter failure and part ordered. ETA is one week plus install, only 14,500km on the truck. I was told the truck should stay at the dealership until the part arrives, loaner RAM was issued until repairs complete. still sucks.

 

[Hershey]

new update: another check engine light - converter failure and part ordered. ETA is one week plus install, only 14,500km on the truck. I was told the truck should stay at the dealership until the part arrives, loaner RAM was issued until repairs complete. still sucks.

I never got any CEL or codes - nothing. I'm fairly certain my truck is doing something similar to your's as I'm getting strange smells in a pattern. My mileage goes up when it's either warm out or the truck has been driven for at least 5 miles - temp stays low even after idling for 10 minutes! All of this crazy cycling or not cycling properly has got to be taking a toll on all the emissions components. If I knew I could take this crap off the vehicle & not void the warranty, I would. History repeats itself - govt. mandated emissions = poor efficiency & durability of vehicle.

 

[gadfly2]

Update: My RAM dealer will not be able to receive the new converter part required for repairs until Feb 14.

 

[zoomie]

That stinks. Are they leaving you with the other RAM to drive while you wait?

 

[gadfly2]

yea, I had a 2014 at first, but it had only the stock tires (and very worn out) and I was getting stuck around town (so much snow). Instead of putting snow tires on the 2014 they gave me a 2011 with some good rubber, so I'm set until the 14th.

 

[Caper0805]

mine in shop for two weeks now .waitin on cat converter and def injector.same prob no parts avaible.starting to p me off.

 

[bradshaw]

Hi guys, 2014 EC outdoorsman here. I found these posts after having a check engine light at 18000km (6 months of solid heavy long haul towing for construction and leisure driving). Just for some simple info heres my little list.
1- low tire pressure for rear right wheel off and on (fixed itself)
2-Remote start didnt work periodically (aware of the low fuel and engine light affecting start up)
3-they reprogrammed the flash 2 days ago for it (remote is ok so far)
4- yesterday check engine on (they redid the same flash again right away- light is still off)
5-last night low DEF warning, service, with three quarters tank. (disappeared this morning, remote worked)

I get a smell of sweet exhaust sometimes in the cab, not worried really.
Did you guys have DEF service messages like i had, Am I a possible candidate....
Averaging about 10Lper 100km (28.2 imp mpg)of mixed driving and 17Lper 100km (16.6 imp mpg)towing. At more like 12.5Lper 100km in the cold weather.Filled DEF 4 times.
Maybe this info can help some of you guys too.

Cheers!

 

[bradshaw]

So the dealer called me back about the DEF service message and although he knows the problem has auto corrected itself, he ordered a DEF sensor to change it tomorrow at 2:30. I will let you guys know. Also the truck drove great today like it always has. BTW the dealer is great here, and quick....so far.
cheers

 

[bradshaw]

So the dealer changed the DEF injector even though the problem seems to have fixed itself.

 

[zoomie]

Averaging about 10Lper 100km (28.2 imp mpg)of mixed driving and 17Lper 100km (16.6 imp mpg)towing. At more like 12.5Lper 100km in the cold weather.Filled DEF 4 times.

Filled DEF 4 times? How many KMs are on that truck. I just turned 13,000kms and I'm down to the 1/4 mark on the gauge for the first full tank of DEF that came from the dealer.

I've only towed a 3500lb boat about 1000 kms in all that. the rest is just me with about 50/50 city/highway.

Showing 11 liters / 100 kms on the evic.

 

[gadfly2]

UPDATE: dealership said that the truck should be ready by 10-11 of FEB, Four days early!

Also to add in regards to DEF consumption: My truck came filled with DEF from the dealership and I have added 3 - 2.5 Gallon cases of DEF and I only have 14,800 km on the truck. It is also showing only 25% left in the DEF tank when I left it at the dealership 12 days ago. (only 1000km of towing <4000lbs) I intentionally left it below 50% capacity in the winter to allow room for expansion when it freezes so it wouldn't break the tank.
I only had the "DEF system maintaince message" with check engine light, then the check engine light three days later. Now DPF system and cats need replaced.

Also, fuel consumption during the severely damaged Cats was at 12.8L/100 km AVG over last two months of recording fuel consumption. Highest fuel consumption was 13.54L/100km and the best fuel economy was 11.91L/100km. That was all highway driving to and from work.

 

[bradshaw]

Zoomie, I pull a heavy construction trailer about 80% of the time 70% highway. I believe at this point in time I may putting this ED through the toughest possible tests yet in north america.

 

[bradshaw]

Filled DEF 4 times? How many KMs are on that truck. I just turned 13,000kms and I'm down to the 1/4 mark on the gauge for the first full tank of DEF that came from the dealer.

I've only towed a 3500lb boat about 1000 kms in all that. the rest is just me with about 50/50 city/highway.

Showing 11 liters / 100 kms on the evic.

18000kms ish... DEF was empty, so say three fills, but only three quarters full each time because the two big jugs at about 9.46L (12.00$)each is not enough to fill it. Which turned out good for the winter!

 

[zoomie]

18000kms ish... DEF was empty, so say three fills, but only three quarters full each time because the two big jugs at about 9.46L (12.00$)each is not enough to fill it. Which turned out good for the winter!

We know towing uses more DEF, so you seem to be right on track. Glad you're here with your heavy towing experience and we love hearing about it. Any chance of a picture with a big load attached, just for fun?