Just had my 2012 2500 RAM Cummins serviced for a service engine light. Turns out to be a clogged EGR valve at only 19k miles. The valve was replaced and sensors were cleaned. Service manager said that I need to "get on it" a little bit. The problem is that with 350 hp and 800 ftlbs torqu at 1400 rpm there is never a need to "get on it". It doesn't need to downshift on hills and since I'm towing I rarely downshift to pass. If I "get on it" when not towing, the DW reads me the riot act. (Was never an issue when we were dating 40 years ago.) :)

Before "he" shows up, it's common from what I've read if babied. Leave the DW at home once in a while and go chasing down some PSD or DMAX trucks on the highway :W Legally of course!

45Ricochet wrote:Before "he" shows up, it's common from what I've read if babied. Leave the DW at home once in a while and go chasing down some PSD or DMAX trucks on the highway :W Legally of course!X2. Even more fun to leave some rice rocket in the dust at a stop light

I see your problem WB. If I lived closer to you I would be glad to solve it for you. I never beat on my own truck, but I would be glad to beat you yours for you! :B

What do you tow besides the Bass Boat?? Diesel is happiest when it is worked HARD. I don't mean thrashing on it I mean putting a load behind it and tow some hills.

What they all said. You need to work that engine to keep in clean. Our '08 6.7L did not get any better fuel economy driving like Grandma because that just made them Regen more.

Clogged EGR Valve at 19k miles | Good Sam Community

44 Replies

45Ricochet
Explorer
Apr 15, 2014
mileshuff wrote:
45Ricochet wrote:
:H I've been running mine for 8 years now that way, no slamming of gears. It will lockup the TC though which kind of feels like a shift but again no slamming. 2006 was the 1st year they offered it with the auto tranny. Previous years did have that problem thus Ram didn't offer it.

The 2007.5 has a different engine and tranny combination than your 2006. Many on these forums have said their 2007.5 and newer Rams slam gears when using EB or T/H in city driving.

You said a " 2007" not a "2007.5" :B Yes a slight change happened in that .5 model which I avoided for some reason :W Sounds like you found the fix.
AH64ID
Explorer
Apr 15, 2014
N-Trouble wrote:
What is the logic behind the exhaust brake making the truck run "cleaner"? And does this only apply to Cummins diesel motors?

The engines don't run cleaner, in fact when the EB is on with fuel applied (warm up idle) they run dirtier since they act like an EGR and decrease combustion efficiency.

What they do is keep the the turbine nozzle cleaner by scraping the soot off as they actuate. Without the EB on the vanes don't fully close, and soot buildup occurs.

This is true with any VGT turbo, but the HE351VE seems a little more prone to the issue.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Apr 15, 2014
FishOnOne wrote:
Turtle n Peeps wrote:
N-Trouble wrote:
What is the logic behind the exhaust brake making the truck run "cleaner"? And does this only apply to Cummins diesel motors?

It traps the heat between the combustion chamber and the brake which heats the engine up faster which makes for a cleaner burn. It will work on all engines (even gas engines) but some engines are more susceptible to EGR problems than others.

It's a Band-Aid at best.

Not if used all the time! it would be a band aid if the truck was running poorly and was clogging up EGR`s as a result. but when the truck does this as designed (side effect) due to emissions then running the exh brake will help keep it clean.
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
Apr 15, 2014
And they all have the same EGR issues, even the Ford 6.7. It's not just a Ram Cummins problem.

Don
FishOnOne
Nomad
Apr 15, 2014
Turtle n Peeps wrote:
N-Trouble wrote:
What is the logic behind the exhaust brake making the truck run "cleaner"? And does this only apply to Cummins diesel motors?

It traps the heat between the combustion chamber and the brake which heats the engine up faster which makes for a cleaner burn. It will work on all engines (even gas engines) but some engines are more susceptible to EGR problems than others.

It's a Band-Aid at best.
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Apr 15, 2014
N-Trouble wrote:
What is the logic behind the exhaust brake making the truck run "cleaner"? And does this only apply to Cummins diesel motors?

It traps the heat between the combustion chamber and the brake which heats the engine up faster which makes for a cleaner burn. It will work on all engines (even gas engines) but some engines are more susceptible to EGR problems than others.
N-Trouble
Explorer
Apr 15, 2014
What is the logic behind the exhaust brake making the truck run "cleaner"? And does this only apply to Cummins diesel motors?
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Apr 14, 2014
mileshuff wrote:
45Ricochet wrote:
:H I've been running mine for 8 years now that way, no slamming of gears. It will lockup the TC though which kind of feels like a shift but again no slamming. 2006 was the 1st year they offered it with the auto tranny. Previous years did have that problem thus Ram didn't offer it.

The 2007.5 has a different engine and tranny combination than your 2006. Many on these forums have said their 2007.5 and newer Rams slam gears when using EB or T/H in city driving.

I would also recommend looking into getting your truck flashed. My FIL had an '07.5 CTD, and had no slamming fo the transmission. I know guys with 2010's that it doesn't happen with and it does not happen with my 2012.
Perrysburg_Dodg
Explorer
Apr 14, 2014
mileshuff wrote:

Can't do that. At least on the 2007 Rams there is a flaw in the transmission programming that has never been resolved. Turning the EB on in town often causes the tranny to slam hard when slowing from around 35mph. Not just a little harsh...it slams!! This has been reported by numerous people. Something in shift points is changed when using the EB and/or T/H mode. I can only use either when on the highway.

I talked to one of the quality engineers (powertrain) and he said there are several flashes that will take care of this. The correct flash is determined by your VIN.

Take it to your dealer and ask them to check to see if your truck has an update to take care of your problem.

Don
mileshuff
Explorer
Apr 14, 2014
45Ricochet wrote:
:H I've been running mine for 8 years now that way, no slamming of gears. It will lockup the TC though which kind of feels like a shift but again no slamming. 2006 was the 1st year they offered it with the auto tranny. Previous years did have that problem thus Ram didn't offer it.

The 2007.5 has a different engine and tranny combination than your 2006. Many on these forums have said their 2007.5 and newer Rams slam gears when using EB or T/H in city driving.