Ram Cummins DEF Debacle: This Tiny Expensive Part Broke My New Diesel Truck - Can I Fix It Myself?

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#ram #cummins #def

[@wannabeangler]

As a trucker with a couple of million miles under my belt I can say that you should never let your DEF get low. Keep full especially in colder climates. Less fluid will freeze quicker. Block heaters are needed for diesel engines and there should be one for the DEF system. I will stick with a gas engine in all my pickups.

[@CFArmouredCrewman]

Words of wisdom there! I always refill my 2020 Ram 3500 Def at the half-way mark. It is the perfect spot to take an entire jug without spilling. I never let it get lower than that.

[@perpelle]

It probably has a heating core when the engine is running. In Europe there are rules on how DEF should work when the temperatures gets low(when the liquid is frozen). I think the law say ~20-40 min after start up the DEF must be injected.

[@JohnDoe-nz6bk]

@@CFArmouredCrewman pilot DEF is better to use than the jug.

[@duramaxadventures5832]

DEF heaters only work when teh truck is running. this is a KNOWN OEM issue with DEF heaters burning out from being pushed too hard by ECM. GM, RAM, FOrd all have teh SAME exact issue.

[@shermandaniel8285]

Agree , you see the white crystals around the DEF pumps ? That is dried DEF . A near empty tank , the fluid may only splash the top of the tank maybe once a day. A full tank will constantly keep the top of the tank wet (never allowing the DEF to dry) . So those crystals is what clogs up the filters.

[@sierravortec2494]

Work with a big brown courier company that runs thousands of Mack’s and Kenworths and 99 percent of the issues with our trucks are DPF related. These systems simply do not work. It is absolutely relentless the amount of these trucks braking down, needing towed because they’ve been derated or won’t run because these dumb systems are constantly breaking for one reason or another.

[@alextran8188]

Yup I replaced a dpf on a f550 crane truck and the dpf/part alone is around 8k. Definitely not cheap when it's time to replace it

[@mr_canoehead]

The DEF is for the SCR not the DPF. Not saying you're not right about DPF reliability, but the DEF/SCR system is another point of failure.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

​@@mr_canoehead correct

[@sierravortec2494]

@@mr_canoehead i just meant the system as a whole, it’s infuriating how unreliable these things are, regardless what vehicle it’s in. It’s all garbage

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

The diesel engine is a extra cost option plus, def fluids, 12 quarts for oil changes. I’m not feeling it.

[@danielmester2000]

I’ve had 4 Rams since 2014. I was told by a mechanic at the dealership not to use boxed DEF and for that I’ve never ever had an issue. DEF has a shelf life for about a year and most of it it might be expired. I’ve only used the truck stop pump DEF because that’s the freshest that’s available!!

[@JohnDoe-nz6bk]

This comment!

[@kaydendressler4469]

See on my 2020 ram I always use platinum bucks DEF and never had a problem one time I got some DEF at a gas station pump at loves and immediately 100 miles later it did that code

[@t1nt0p]

Costco DEF and no issues yet.

[@daviddavis9720]

Daniel Mester, You said exactly what I was going to so, ditto. I have 68k miles and no issues using the truck stop pump DEF. I had a friend before I got my diesel who was buying the no-name box DEF and he had to limp into Trinidad, Colorado and get serviced at the dealer. He has used nothing but the truck stop pump since and no issues.

[@nunyobizkneez]

boxed DEF is fine if you know how to read the date code on it....

[@briangabriel4165]

Truck stop bulk DEF is way better as it stays fresh. When you buy a box you can look at the expiry date, they are usually well past the date.

[@McTylerMoreTube]

I have 110k miles on my 2018 Cummins. I’ve ONLY ever used truck stop DEF. I’ve NEVER used box DEF. no problems so far. But if I do have problems at this point I’ll just do the weight loss program.

[@wtbman]

You have the last reliable, best, Cummins Ram available for the foreseeable future. I just picked up a low mileage 2017. Keep it until it falls off and then get a gas truck. These new diesels are proving to be a dumpster fire.

[@wgreenjr81]

Strongly suggest avoiding boxed DEF and if you have to use it, be VERY aware of the batch date. DEF expires and frequently can be found on shelves long beyond when it should have been used. Truck stop pumps that have a lot volume turnover are your best bet for getting more recent product less likely to cause issues. Its a BS system but one we are stuck with.

[@volvo09]

Yeah, I have always heard the opposite. Truckers run a ton of it and don't have problems, they just buy the bottles when they have to.

[@joelmora2826]

​@volvo09 nope you are wrong .

[@fearlesscamshaftleader2197]

All I run is truck stop def, I’m at 10,500 on my 22 Cummins ram 2500. Works perfectly.

[@therealjohnsmith4811]

Just traded an F350 with 104,000 miles on it using nothing but Walmart DEF from new. Never a single issue.

[@four-turns]

30 day shelf life I’ve heard…

[@CFArmouredCrewman]

Awesome job and thanks for showing how easy it was to pull that sensor. Due to the amount of headaches a dealer/manufacturer can give you about warranty I only use OEM Ram Def bought by the case (2 x Jugs) straight from a dealer. Date codes are right on the box/jugs and I have a receipt that shows for warranty I only use their DEF. Shuts them up the second they try to say "You have likely been using cheap DEF". I plan to keep running OEM Ram Def until the warranty runs out and then maybe I'll have a look around.

[@Johnny_Kanuk]

I do long haul and have never had an issue with pump DEF. I use Pilot, and it's been good. Run winter, summer, and everything in between. You might be getting air in that injector, and that is causing the crystals. Hope you get that fixed or maybe get a DEF delete?

[@matt34003434]

I run a 2022 Ram 5500 roll off with 18000 miles here in Colorado. So far no issues with the DPF or DEF but we also run the trucks pretty hard 5 days a week. I fill the def up at busy truck stops and don’t let it get below half a tank.

[@stevewood4995]

Thanks for the video. I also was traveling through Colorado and I would always fill up at the truckstops. The dealer told me that was the worst thing to do because their big tanks get contaminated. I had the light come on and I stopped at a Walmart and got a shop vac, disconnected the hose at the DEF tank and sucked it all out And cleaned the bottom of the tank and haven’t had a problem since then. I use only the box stuff now.

[@kevincraftsbcs4488]

Nice work Alex. It was great to see you get hands on with it and inform us about the issues and possible solutions.

[@headdown1]

I had the same warning on my 2017 Ram 3500 at around 50,000 miles. Before I got it to a dealer the warning cleared itself and has not come back. Like you I have recently switched to the expensive Platinum DEF. It seems to be a small price to pay if it prevents crystallization on the DEF injector and SCR problems. I currently have 110,000 miles on the truck and it is running great.

[@mvcharisma]

Being booked out only a week is pretty good for a dealership. All of ours in our area are booked out for months

[@ArtHeppner]

Same issue with DEF warning while on holidays in Oregon. Went to dealer and they ran diagnostics check and found no DEf warnings on the system. So far so good, back home in Canada and everything seems okay. As suggested I will at the premium DEF and hopefully I have no more warnings. Also maybe I keep my DEF tank to full as I refill once I go below the half mark. My truck is a 2022 Limited mega cab with about 18,000 miles on it! What a pain in the "butt". Great video--Thanks very much!

[@JohnDoe-nz6bk]

Your first problem is keeping your DEF tank near empty. Should always keep it full. Once the needle moves to 3/4, top it off.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

With everyone moving to electric and hybrids we shouldnt be dealing with this garbage in the first place

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

Hey John, I’m John Doe 😂

[@brettboyles8130]

you could try keeping DEF tank closer to full to see if that makes a difference too ... at least as a comparison, my '15 Ecodiesel has never had an issue and I always keep it above the halfway mark... and I have always used the box stuff ...

[@1stpaintballmaster]

I would invest in a DEF tester. My dad tests every time and has found many places that had "New" DEF that tested bad. Next best thing would be date codes on the DEF box but tester seems mandatory.

[@capachin]

I have run a FUSO diesel for over 60,000 miles and the DEF system is the most fragile system in the truck. The FUSO is an off road camper and I have been as much as 70 miles off pavement so reliability is paramount. I have switched to Peak Platinum DEF for about the last 20,000 miles and have noticed much less buildup on the DEF injector and I get a little more mileage out of a box of DEF. I am a convert. Be Well, I enjoy all of your work!

[@mvcharisma]

I’m surprised you’ve actually gotten 60,000 miles accumulated. I’ve gone through 3 duonic transmission replacements and multiple DEF related issues before 30k. Biggest piece of junk I’ve ever owned, I’m so glad I sold it when truck prices were high.

[@mcwne]

Buying a bunch of liquid in one time use packaging, DEF is great for the environment 😂

[@pyroretired]

As well as the plant that makes it... DEF systems are nothing more than a solution looking for a problem to solve...

[@M8Stealth]

Saving the planet one plastic jug and cardboard box at a time.

[@brianklump]

@@pyroretired More like a problem looking for a problem to make worse!

[@JimmyGAR1]

Alex is a true TFL guy taking after Roman’s lead. On a weekend vacation and he still takes the moment to grab content for the TFL engine.

[@kingjames8283]

We are dealing with this same crap with our spotter truck. We have a 2022 Capacity TJ5000 spotter truck (used for moving semi-trailers) which uses the same Cummins Tier4 6.7L diesel engine used for Dodge Ram pickup trucks. Two months ago it went down and needed a new DEF injection pump. We got it back and it ran fine then went down again a few weeks ago and this time they replaced the DPF filter. We got it back and it ran like new for 5 days then went down again. It stopped doing the regen on it's own and now has to go to shop every 5th day for a forced regen which takes the truck out of service for one hour each time. This truck runs 24/7 around the clock non-stop with only 29,000 miles and with the continued emissions equipment failures, it's nothing but a headache and has become unreliable. It's weird that such a small diesel engine can move 80,000-90,000 pound trailers but with it's Allison RDS-3500 transmission and 7.17:1 rear axle ratio it does so very well although not a speed buggy until it derates due to constant emissions equipment failures. Another issue we're having with this Cummins 6.7L diesel is continued snapping of the serpentine belt. It went through three of them in a single week. I've never heard of that happening before in my 39-years of trucking.

[@stevenhugley4025]

Sorry you’re dealing with this Alex. I think DEF has ruined the chances that I’ll ever get another pickup diesel. All diesel mechanics I know talk about how that’s 90% of the problems they see.

[@Redbloodroadrunner]

Don’t turn on diesel because of the new ones, I’ll take an old school diesel any day to pretty much anything else on the road.

[@3076gds]

All this EPA DEF non-sense serves only one purpose. To kill Diesel trucks.....and deture people from purchasing the . Its so sad. DEF to combat all the pollution a diesel truck emits to combat Climate change my butt. These so-called professionals can't even reliably predict the weather from day to day. Let alone the future......its these clowns that are the ones ruining our trucks.

[@stevenhugley4025]

@@Redbloodroadrunner no doubt. I work with old 7.3 power strokes and old diesel equipment regularly.

[@Rattler-1860]

I was having this issue when using Bulk DEF now I use Platinum Box DEF (always check date) and since no more issues and found I use less DEF with the Platinum.

[@jeffs2809]

I ran stuff from the 2.5 gal jugs from the local farm store (Rural King or Tractor Supply) for several years with no problems. It met the spec in the owners manual & cost less than $10/jug. I'd also mention that it's possible there's an updated injector or software that could be available for your truck that could help reduce DEF use. It might still be worth checking in with your local dealer.

[@edgrrmartinez]

I did remember reading a comment that Ram’s are programmed to use more DEF and that there should be a way to lower the amount being sprayed into the SCR system

[@JohnDoe-nz6bk]

@@edgrrmartinez this is true.

[@wtbman]

@@edgrrmartinez My 4th gen ram definitely uses more DEF than my 1st gen 6.7 powerstroke. All us Ram owners should be grateful though because it means fewer EGR cycles and a cleaner intake. They must have learned something from the problematic 2012s...

[@rh-et2vv]

Ive only used pump def and never had issues, 50k on the truck so far. When the gauge indicates 1/4, I fill it up. Clean the nozzle of any crystals and clean the fill tube also.

[@dannonebr]

I've always used boxed DEF in my Ram 2500 with zero issues, lately from O-Reilly's. But I ALWAYS check the date on the box of blue def and if questionable I use a purity tester. If there is no date code or any crystallization on the container, I don't buy it as it may be old and some one may have erased it. If I get an extra jug I store in the basement on the floor. At work I used to buy bulk DEF for our Cat 824 wheel dozers and other Cat equipment and we had a lot of problems with the def systems. Cat recommended buying their Def that's in boxes as we don't use enough to justify a UBC and we have not had any issues for years and it's reasonably priced. I buy a pallet at a time, store it inside out of the sun and heat and the pallet usually lasts about 2-3 months - everything keeps running. With the UBCs I was concerned about the def setting outside in hot weather.

[@manyowefew1]

At 65k miles the DEF tank on my 2015' f350 was so crystalized that it decided it could not go on and said I had 500 miles before being disabled. I was having significant loss of power too. Had to get a brand new DEF tank. Now I only buy platinum DEF and try to keep it as full as possible with DEF. The drying DEF makes more crystals as I understand it.

[@qhiggie]

Try running the platinum DEF. A few guys have changed to it from the original version and it’s not plugging the injector at all after they cleaned the injector changed to the better fluid.

[@Mike-xr3yt]

On my 3rd emissions diesel truck never had a def issue always run Box def the cheap stuff. But I always keep the tank full to the top. Currently have a 2022 ram 3500 dually with the HO Cummins. Got 14,000 miles on it go through a 2 and a 1/2 gallon jug about every 1000 miles. I do pull trailers which I think helps by putting a load on it.

[@Eveloffroad]

My 22 throws that if I’m towing, and using truck stop DEF. Last week towing through Colorado I got a check engine light for EGT and service DEF. They all went away eventually. I don’t ever let mine go below half though. Half tank is one box.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Bought a 22 GMC Sierra 3500 AT4 with the Duramax. I was so scared of the emissions system that I bought an 8 year 100k bumper to bumper warranty, just in case...

[@jakemarley5783]

Emissions kill these trucks. Delete if you can if not then trade it before 100k. Deisels simply dont run reliably for 300k like they used to. Ive seen heavy equipment have 30 thousand dollars put in them and still dont run right

[@roybje]

There is another video on KZbin from a guy in Canada who was going through the same thing with a brand new ram. He was also going skiing for the weekend.

[@moonshinebandit106]

I had an EGT sensor fail @ 82K miles. So to "protect" itself the diesel would not do an active regen, not even a forced regen. I have used the Platinum Blue DEF since it was introduced. I have noticed it uses less DEF and goes more miles between active regens than before it's use.

[@bradleyspear167]

A 2021 Ram 2500 Laramie with the Cummins with almost 38k miles. I have never used boxed DEF. I have always used truck stop DEF, usually from the Kwik Trip truck stop in Eyota, MN. I have never had any issues with that at all.

[@pmtips4482]

Go Blue DEF Platinum and never look back. Trust the science. Hundreds of 3/4 ton turbo diesel pickup trucks running BDP for 100K miles with zero buildup and zero issues. Including me, but with only 25K miles.

[@danieldrazan6958]

You shouldn’t really let your def go bellow half because the def will crystallize and those bits will fall in the fluid and mess up a lot of the systems

[@samlaurie1455]

I have a 2018 and I never let it get below half a tank of def. It’s the perfect spot to put a full box of def in. I only use the blue def and I am almost at 100k miles. I did have to clean the def injector once so far and that was around 75k. Sucks you had to clean yours at 11k

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

So many of the new Rams are having issues. The 2022s. Lifters and cams are failing along with DEF issues. Going to hydraulic lifters was such a bad idea.

[@MrSkyentist]

Never had it myself but the 2.8 gm engines seem to have def issues. Most common is one of 2 nox sensors going out, but some have had the def heater/pump assembly replaced and it's very expensive. Worst part is your speed will continue to be restricted until it hit 5 mph, so if you're out wheeling or far from a dealer you're screwed. Parts are generally backordered several months as well.

[@jdfleetguy28]

Good video Alex. Never heard that about box def being better then def at the pump. Never had a Def issue before with any of mine. I have owned 5 different diesel trucks that used Def, 3 Cummins and 2 Duramax trucks. I have never used box def, I have always bought def at the truck stop pump. I used the same theory, as I have with fuel. Big truck stops sell a lot of fuel and def. So always felt that was a good thing.

[@fivesfilms]

I’ve had the def pump fail/seize up in both my 20 and 21 during the winter months. I switched to pump def from Kwik trip and never had def issues in my 22.

[@srad98ful]

I just purchased a ram 2500 6.4 gas truck. I am a diesel guy and have owned 4 diesel trucks. The def systems scare me. Those emissions equipment are killing diesels of all brands. They have made it harder to delete them and it’s crazy.

[@dang5553]

I’ve got a friend refuse to buy a def truck all the added maintenance decease in mpg. A 5.9 Cummins 20-32mpg no way by hand any new Diesel does that. My buddies 7.3 PS 18-19 mpg no def or dpf to catch fire 🔥

[@bentonheath7838]

Had a similar problem. The dash menu showed the DPF filter was full. A manual Regen was performed at the dealership and fixed the problem. So what happened? We know the filter was full. The real question is why the Regen system failed to Regen. Dealership didn't know. Another dealership looked at my repair invoice and and stated a full system diagnostic scan wasn't performed or it was but not listed. They recommended doing a full system scan to ensure no component(s) had failed. The Regen system is working now. I think that maybe something is intermittent. Who knows. I mentioned to the mechanic about cleaning the DPF injector and he said that wasn't the problem. More to follow.

[@volvo09]

The def injector is a separate system entirely from the DPF. It is in that part of the exhaust, but it's separate. How many miles on the truck? What type of driving do you do? Highway driving and heavy load is best for the DPF and the regeneration process, if the truck is lightly used (travels unloaded at low speed) and used for short trips (landscaping truck, around town delivery truck) regeneration will never fully complete. Dpf soot loading is done based off pressure sensors in the exhaust. Heat from regeneration heats it up like a furnace and burns the soot away. But over time it can still clog with ash and never fully clean out without a specialty shop doing an oven bake and air blast.

[@bentonheath7838]

Happened at 37k.

[@alastairmacdonald-pb9ki]

Saw a video earlier today to do with dpf in a Ford van. The dpf was getting blocked because some £300 part wasn't working which meant the exhaust wasn't getting up to temp to regen. The problem was missed by a Ford dealer

[@wchougland1]

If you don’t get to temperature on a long haul/drive, you have o do a manual regen… what great waste of fuel

[@thecookiedude85]

It’s the cold weather that causes the crystallization to be more severe. I’ve been having same issue with my Cascadia. We’ve had a colder and wetter winter out here in California. I suggest you use the premium DEF in the winter and go back to regular DEF the rest of the year. Side note I use pump DEF on my semi and haven’t had any issues until now that it’s cold.

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

And that's what happens when you build the truck that EPA wants, it becomes far less reliable. I tell you what happens when you never fill the DEF tank all the way up, the fluid crystallizes on the in-tank sensors will also cause issues. Keeping the def level above 1/2 is usually enough for splash to prevent this from happening, but no guarantees if you're driving in hot climates as def evaporates at a higher rate.

[@bertwilson4311]

This problem seems to be specific to certain designs. Sprinters and many medium duty trucks are the ones I hear the highest incidence of issues with in my community. Just had a neighbor have the countdown start on their Ram; however, which is the first one I heard of locally. I personally have DEF systems on two vehicles, one is a Volkswagen (130,000 miles) and one is a Ford (80,000 miles) and neither has ever experienced any sort of DEF issue. For everybody that says use Platinum DEF, or only fill them half way or never let the system get below half, I have used whatever is on sale at my local store. My only special treatment is to store my DEF in the basement to keep it cool. I run the DEF tanks until almost empty, and then fill to the top. These vehicles can sit at the airport in Fairbanks, Alaska for a week in the middle of January the DEF system does not complain. I've crossed certain makes (such as the Sprinter) off my shopping list, simply because of the DEF issues I see reported. I'll keep watching to see how your Ram fares over time.

[@TexanSlappy]

I have a 2019 Ram 3500 HO with 57k miles and no def problems (bad fuel once). I tow all the time with it and constantly need to add def. I fill it up all the time at the pump. Bucees, truck stops, and the cheapest def from Walmart in a pinch. Never had a problem with gas pump def. The nozzles are always crystal free from the cycling. Also my def filled neck is crystal free. I noticed yours had build up. Might clean it. I also generally keep my def tank between 1/4 and full. When I get down to 1/4 or less is when I fill up. But I’m not doing anything special just using it. All of the def is regulated and formulated the same. I don’t waste money on “premium” water and ammonia. It’s all the same. I used to buy it from the vw dealer as it was cheaper for my bmw 335d

[@MrStwebber]

A little older truck 2018 3500 and the 10mm bolts broke off when trying to remove them. My truck has almost 70K miles. Not as easy to remove as shown unless they have upgraded the 10MM bolts.

[@AgentSmith911]

If you do a lot of small trips, the engine doesn't get enough time to get warm enough to burn off sot. That can also be a problem with diesel trucks with a clogged DPF (diesel particulate filter). Not sure what causes the DEF system to stop working though.

[@Pesmog]

I am on my fourth personal diesel car that uses DEF in Europe. DEF systems get a bad wrap here too. I recently got letters from dealers on each of my DEF cars saying the recommended process to top up DEF has changed. They said that after topping up DEF do not start the vehicle immediately, but cycle the ignition and wait with the red dash lights showing for 30 seconds before turning the starter, this gives more time for accurate internal diagnostics and for the ECU to realise that the DEF level had changed. You only have to do this after a top up. Having said that I have never had a DEF problem, but I do filter it as it goes into the tank to collect any pre formed crystals.

[@pernell4351]

Sorry to hear that about your DEF. Hope you get a chance to fix it. We delete it our DEF system got rid of DEF. We go to Vail a lot

[@DyingCatalyst]

EPA bouta come for you.

[@gregbrooks3577]

If caught, heavy fines.

[@tnargdonald]

I keep a spare DEF Injector in my truck. It sucks when it fails because it’s usually Cold AF in the dark but hey. Keeps me from having a $1000 dealer bill when the injector just needs to be cleaned ultrasonically.

[@tbrick9344]

Alex show us more about your truck. It looks great with the AEV wheels!

[@nunyobizkneez]

boxed DEF is fine, just know how to read the date code on the box. I've got double the miles you have and have only used the cheap boxed DEF, I never let it get below 1/4 tank. Once it hits 1/4 tank 1 box added, keeps it at 3/4 tank and wont have freeze issues either. oh and btw, AEV ftw!

[@rabjustus]

Great video Alex you showed all of the steps to fix this

[@hamiltmb]

So many haters in the thread... Sure it had an error. It didn't go into limp, and you figured it out on your own. The only bad thing about this is the dealer not getting you in quickly. Great job! I don't know how large the tank is, but I've had issues when low that I pretty much fully attribute to having a low tank level and it sloshing around. If I refill fully when the first tank level warning comes on, I've never had an issue.

[@1guyin10]

I've never had an issue with the quality of pump DEF. Just make sure to wipe off the nozzle before pumping so you don't knock crystals off in the tank. They will eventually dissolve, but some systems are sensitive to them. It's bad ju-ju for Freightliners in particular.

[@Kyfordman1989]

I am a commercial truck driver and that’s why I drive a 2004 freightliner Columbia I do not have DEF my boss is offered me newer trucks. No I will stay in this truck no DEF

[@kevingroulx9205]

I normally fill up with a fresh box when the tank gets to the halfway point. I also didn’t know that there was a premium def on the market

[@jwv8038]

I have a 2020 ram 3500 H.O. that i bought brand new. Truck has 175,000k and my original def injector just failed. Ive only used peak blue def brand and no issues until now. I tried cleaning it, but that did not work. Just bought new mopar injector from dealership. The new injector comes with the gasket installed. You can also buy the gasket alone for around $20.

[@glennhartwig5977]

There is supposed to be a gasket between the DEF injector and where it mounts to the SCR catalyst, the remnants you found are in fact what’s left of the old gasket.

[@brentcates2214]

Also try using the truck as it was built for and tow some loads regularly. I find it to be a huge hassle and twice the cost to use the boxed def and see no difference. I was forced to buy boxed def in Arizona during covid with my old 2019 duramax and it cost me more and was pain to put in. As soon as I got out of the area that was completely closed down then I found a truck stop and continued to refill my def there without any issues. That trip was towing a 10,000lbs toy hauler camper with two motorcycles in it over the million dollar highway in Colorado with a 3500 duramax. I now have a 2022 Ram 3500 Cummins HO and absolutely hate it because of the transmission and electronics. I’m trying to be patient while waiting for my 2023 Ford f350 HO. My current camper is my house. It it a 43’ triple axle 5th wheel at 20,000lbs loaded

[@richardnottelmann58]

I do OTR Trucking. My current truck has 209000 miles and never had any problems with truck stop DEF.

[@robertgorman8977]

I had the same issue on my ram 2022. Took it back to the dealership and on the third try they were able to fix it. It was free as it was under warranty. I feel the use def that was not stable for the 6 month it sat waiting to be sold. It was a frustrating experience because I just bought the truck and was driving it home and I was like 50 km mark.

[@reghendawson9896]

As a heavy duty mechanic I would strongly incourage you keep the def tank above half. When you’ve got it down as low as you do, there’s crystallization that can occur because of the amount of air that’s in the tank. Also there should be a sealing washer between the def doser and the decomposition tube

[@machfive916]

Good video and good luck with your Ram's DEF system.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Glad you got this temporarily resolved. Looks like a long term issue. Just 1 more reason why I don't need a diesel in my life. 😂

[@gogofastful]

I had a similar issue (once in 51,000 mi) that resolved itself . Not a reason to avoid diesels.

[@2packs4sure]

The real miracle of modern day diesel pickup trucks is that they're not broken every damn day due to all the government mandated emissions crap...

[@jillianknight7685]

This happened to my 2022 Ram 2500 at 40k miles. My EGR literally blew apart underneath my truck. The trapped heat causes melting of the intake causing air to be pulled into the turbo….2 injectors, new cam, new EGR system, new pump for the fuel system.

[@InLineDiesel6]

Sorry to hear that. My 3500 Cummins is just about 8 years old and to date, zero issues with the truck, powertrain, or driveline. I use DEF platnum in my ECODiesel since this vehicle does a lot of short trips in a Michigan climate, no issues. In the Cummins, I use pump DEF or good old no-name DEF from the big box store, never an issue but the truck is never short-tripped.

[@horaciolopez7721]

Psa- the def from the pump is great, cheap, and always fresh.

[@martinwheat2018]

I always thought they were cool trucks seen one around my town all the time but it disappeared about 7 years ago and always wondered what happened to it...I feel like it was before its time I feel like with the days of luxury trucks now I could see these selling really well in all the high class areas

[@the_jarmel]

Thanks ALEX and the TFL CAMERA NINJA 👏👏👏👏..... HAVE A BEAUTIFUL MONDAY EVERYONE ✌️

[@clayrhodes9284]

Mine did the same thing around 12k miles. Dealer said it was a def pump failure and replaced under warranty.

[@dmanthebeastful]

I always keep my DEF topped off. As soon as I can fit a box I put one. Seems to prevent crystallization better than anything else.

[@matthewprather7386]

Curious if the problem could be duty cycle related - are you working the engine hard enough to have proper flow through the system? Another idea is fuel - is there any chance this issue only happens with certain fuel sources? Or fuel additives? Another thing I’ve read is with the recent chip shortage a part of the DEF metering logic got omitted from certain RAM 6.7 builds - any chance your truck is missing that part?

[@wtbman]

Fuel has nothing to do with the SCR system, neither do additives. A 2022 Ram is likely missing the secondary post DPF nox sensor I believe (and they plan to add those later and tune PCM). This definitely is causing serious issues with the 2022s in addition to EGR valve failures. You should check out @pddieselpower's channel here on YT where he has a fleet of 2022s with issues. I wouldn't buy one one, that's for sure. That leaves only the 2021 model year as a good buy for a 5th gen Cummins Ram (2019-2020 have failing CP4 fuel pumps).

[@rjl7765]

I don't know if anyone else said it, but there should be a gasket in there. Also the little bolts that hold the injector on have a tendency to seize and snap off when you try to remove them. Don't ask me how I know.

[@williamgarland121]

The " white stuff " around injector is a Teflon seal ,if is deteriorated or gone need a new one also a brass brush works excellent for clean injector holes , again brass nothing else and why it happens is not doing cycle for clean , at least once a week on freeway , open road at operating temp 50 to 60 mph constant for 20 mins

[@jyharris]

Great video Alex. Isn't the truck still under warranty? After you fixed it, I would still take it in. Diesel seems like a big headache to me.

[@mikemedina9071]

Replace that gasket on the DEF injector. You can get them at Geno's Garage or maybe the dealer. My 2014 gave me problems but all went away with a new gasket. I've heard 2022's are problematic with EGR/DEF but also the Cummins motors a suspect also. That is based on PD Diesel Power videos I've watched.

[@duramaxadventures5832]

it tends to crystalize when exposed to air, in winter teh truck had a warm up time for DEF to start injecting. if you are doing shorter trips NO def is injected, as it is frozen.

[@ColeSpolaric]

If you didn't do something about it already, beware of the grid heater bolt that can disintegrate and fall into your engine.

[@bradjd6957]

The company I work for only fills def at the pump. The trucks are 2022 and up, one has 85k on it 0 problems. Bad spot for def tank. Def fluid stars to crystallize at cool temps. I have installed def warmers on stand along filling contained for distribution centers because the def was crystallizing at 40deg f and ruining the pumping system

[@MrMini500]

I found with a DEF system that if you go to a tuner and have them do their best to do a nice, clean power tune, I have lfound there to be little to bo issues or have seen that with my uncles truck

[@edgrrmartinez]

Don't run the premium BLUE DEF from peak. use the DEF at the pump from a truck stop as that is the freshest DEF. Here in Texas I use Noxguard DEF in my 2022 Silverado 2500, 47k miles, and no issues so far. I also fill it up every time I put in DEF.

[@volvo09]

Man, I would not buy a modern diesel unless I HAD to. Screw def...

[@moonshinebandit106]

In Europe, M-B and BMW already have gas engines with GPF systems. Your gas engine will be sporting one soon, ask the EPA.

[@timbowhite6674]

Good Afternoon My Good Little Bro Alex Of The Fast Lane Trucks

[@sycamorefarms5612]

I only use truck stop def in my f350 and have had no issues for 108,000 miles

[@jimsparano2762]

My 22 2500 always use pump DEF but did have DEF pump replaced at 11k no issues since I run DEF to 1/2 an re fill

[@Costanza009]

If you're not absolutely doing anything requiring a diesel, trade it for a 23 2500 with the 6.4L. Regardless of make, seems all these modern diesels are a pain in the ass and not worth a damn unless you legitimately need one.

[@rondail5675]

Thanks for sharing Alex.

[@TJY2K]

Crystallization usually means air is getting onto the fluid, so it's possible the injector/seal is defective. Stick to dealer DEF. Have them replace the injector and top off your DEF.

[@ScottHellstrom-ry9vy]

Blue DEF I heard has a crystallization problem. I stick with the OEM (AC Delco) DEF and have not had a problem.

[@reednash5412]

They need to make the parts alot cheaper if they want people to keep that stuff on them. That injector should be a $40 part. And I run the DEF from big truck stop pumps because it gets filled all of the time due to lots of trucks using the pumps. But when you buy the stuff in the box it can be old or exposed to temperatures that are bad on the def. Def is very temperamental to time and climate that is to hot or cold. And it's alot more expensive in the box.

[@leardi58]

Roads up there are very bumpy and sometimes that part of your exhaust falls off just saying

[@stevenlord6120]

I only buy truck stop def. They cycle through it more often. Never had an issue with my Ram clogging

[@042452]

I have a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Eco Diesel had lots of problems they have replaced almost all of the sensors and the cat have been replaced….Thankfully covered by the AEM Warranty

[@CACressida]

As a big rig owner, ALWAYS keep that crap topped off. That crystallization on your doser valve is caused by you sucking DEF gunk from the bottom of your tank. DEF/DPF systems are total junk ripoffs and it boggles my mind why people who are too afraid to delete their DPF systems buy these pieces of crap especially for people that just casually drive modern diesels like a run around town car. These things hate constant hot cold cycles, they hate never reaching DPF optimum Temps and staying there forever and they hate parked regeneration. If you're too scared to break the law then don't buy a dumb diesel powered vehicle unless your income totally relies on it. Then you'll have something to dump all your income into fixing it when it goes crazy.

[@jrhunt414]

For any fluid held in any tank. Keep the tank full all the time, occasionally deep drain the tank and then continue keeping the tank full. Clean metallic parts with 100 percent alcohol. This should make it last longer. If it keeps crusading up after doing this a couple times I would loose my mind and delete it.