Ram Cummins Catalytic Converter Failures

[KJRitchie]

I read an Airstream blog

https://livinginbeauty.net/

They have a 2014 Ram 2500 Cummins. They are having a warning code that pops up for a faulty catalytic converter. Apparently he's been told 18000 vehicles are affected nationwide and all are waiting in line for 5 or 6 weeks to get the part replaced under warranty.

Anyone here having the issue? I have a 2015.

Kelvin

[KJRitchie]

Found this. One post states a TSB was issued yet I'm having a hard time finding which TSB responds to the issue and what VINs are affected.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/t...ytic-Converter

Kelvin

[SpletKay06]

Ram had a similar issue with the 2014 1500 ecodiesels they replaced all the scr's for being faulty.

[mefly2]

I never did get that repaired nor did I get the front end recall done (we don't yet have the parts ... whenever yet is)....but, every time I took it in they had to "update" my software which resulted in lowered fuel efficiency. Finally I gave up and went to GM.

[bradt]

I have a 2014 ram 2500 diesel and recently had my catalytic converter replaced under warranty. Issues:
As it is beginning to fail, computer disables cruise control and exhaust brake. These are clues to watch for. I took truck to dealer several times with cruise control and exhaust brake problems. Each time, no problem found. I was having mysterious intermittent behavior with these prior to failure. After failure, dealer confirmed computer disables these when catalytic fails.
When it fails, the dash display sends error message "120 miles remaining until speed is limited to 5 mph". It was on for a few minutes and then never reappeared. Good thing I saw it. I quickly figured I had 100 miles to get home. And once home, 10 miles to dealer. So I was ok. Glad I wasn't in the desert somewhere. Took 2 weeks at the dealer.
I love the truck otherwise, but sorry this problem is surfacing.

[KJRitchie]

Did they update any software? What's to stop it occurring again?

[bradt]

It is a fair question to ask if the design has been improved/corrected, or if they simply replaced the parts with identical ones. The dealer did not know of any design changes. I got the impression they just replaced the part, and reset the computer. The part was very expensive, and at least RAM will receive that message.
I noticed my cruise control was disabled last week for a few hours and then it started working normally again. So I believe I may be on the slippery slope to a repeat failure. I would like to think RAM has an army of engineers working on this problem and will find a solution. I have not gotten any recall info on this item however.
After the failure occured, the engine continued to run just fine as if nothing were wrong. No sign of struggle or change in tone of the engine. I was towing my Airstream home from a camping trip and had no trouble.
I do think the 120 mile range restriction, and then 5mph limit, is an excessive measure to require when the failure occurs. I would like to know the thinking behind it. Unless it is to prevent an explosion, i think it should be re-worked. Reminds me of the "engine will not start until all seat belts are fastened" system that was quickly removed from cars because it prevented/hindered use in emergency situations.
I am interested to see what others know about these RAM catalytic system failures.

[AirstreamJim]

I believe the limp mode thing is a requirement to ensure that emissions controls are always properly functioning. IIRC it's an EPA requirement, not a manufacturer design decision.

It seems FCA had a major design issue with their 2014 diesel SCRs. It was a recall item on the Jeep EcoDiesel and the RAM 1500 EcoDiesel. Its conceivable that the same issue affects the SCR in the 2014 RAM 2500 Cummins as well.

FWIW my 2015 Jeep EcoDiesel has 16k miles and not a hint of trouble. My 2016 RAM 2500 is new - less than 1000 miles - so no experience yet to report. Hopefully we won't see this issue on either vehicle.

Jim