Contacting Stellantis?

[Ramagain]

I ran into a problem with my 2021 EcoDiesel (Service DEF System See Dealer warning) which includes the Eng Maint light. It eventually turned into the “Engine Will Not Restart in 200 miles” warning. My nearby Ram dealer is not impressing me with their vast knowledge of troubleshooting. They’ve had it for a week with NO solutions on troubleshooting the DEF system. Like you, you don’t want a mechanic say every part in the truck needs replaced as compared to actual troubleshooting. If I dont have an extended warranty is there anyone you can call at Ram to discuss an engine problem to verify a dealerships service dept are diagnosing it properly?! What do dealers do when the service dept is stumped? I’ve called third party shops in town and almost all don’t touch ecodiesels. I would really appreciate you’re thoughts.

 

[Scap]

If dealer gets stumped they can open a Star Case which will give them access to an engineering department that specializes in tech assistance.

 

[Marine6212]

You don't have "Mechanics" at a dealership, they are "R&R" monkey's. If the truck doesn't have have a code they have no clue what to change.
Don't know where you're located, this guy has a YouTube channel seems to know diesel engines.

 

[RAL]

I assume that the DEF is full? Always start with the simple stuff first

EPA mandates that the diesels using DEF have to be refilled or the engine shuts off within a certain period, to avoid evading the emissions requirement (I am going to restrain myself to not comment on what I think about this).

If the DEF is full, they should check the sensors or other pieces that “tell” the main computer that DEF is present. That is where I would start if the engine runs well otherwise.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out, would be helpful for others to hear.

 

[Ramagain]

I assume that the DEF is full? Always start with the simple stuff first

EPA mandates that the diesels using DEF have to be refilled or the engine shuts off within a certain period, to avoid evading the emissions requirement (I am going to restrain myself to not comment on what I think about this).

If the DEF is full, they should check the sensors or other pieces that “tell” the main computer that DEF is present. That is where I would start if the engine runs well otherwise.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out, would be helpful for others to hear.

I live in Houston and generally had DEF no more than half full. When this happened I assumed best case was that it crystalized in the tank. The dealership "did" top it off though, but kept throwing codes until the other day. Drove it home without any issue. I'll let ya'll know tomorrow.

 

[Ramagain]

I assume that the DEF is full? Always start with the simple stuff first

EPA mandates that the diesels using DEF have to be refilled or the engine shuts off within a certain period, to avoid evading the emissions requirement (I am going to restrain myself to not comment on what I think about this).

If the DEF is full, they should check the sensors or other pieces that “tell” the main computer that DEF is present. That is where I would start if the engine runs well otherwise.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out, would be helpful for others to hear.

Thank you RAL.

 

[Ramagain]

Three days of driving, no more issues. So I'm assuming a full DEF tank resolved it.

 

[2021EcoDiesel]

Could also be the sender in the tank going bad, Just like in your diesel fuel tank. Could potentially be the injector nozzle for the DEF getting plugged up with grime/crystalized DEF. I've had to clean those injector nozzles on heavy equipment engines, but not on my Ram yet. When the "Engine will not restart in XXX miles" message came up, what amount was the DEF gauge reading?

Glad to hear the truck seems to be running well now though!

 

[Ramagain]

Could also be the sender in the tank going bad, Just like in your diesel fuel tank. Could potentially be the injector nozzle for the DEF getting plugged up with grime/crystalized DEF. I've had to clean those injector nozzles on heavy equipment engines, but not on my Ram yet. When the "Engine will not restart in XXX miles" message came up, what amount was the DEF gauge reading?

Glad to hear the truck seems to be running well now though!

I had about a third tank when it initially said (I think) DEF low See Service Dealer. Took it in, they cleaned the harness and cleared the fault. Ran it about 260 miles the next day, and the next morning I got it back. Called dealer and they said bring it in (after Memorial Day). On the third start that morning I got the 200 mile no restart light.
I read several posts where people say never have more than 2-2.5 gallons in there. So now I don't get it. Keep just a little, or top it off. Run it hard to keep the DEF working, or just use Risolone and drive normal?

 

[2021EcoDiesel]

Modern diesels do like to run hard but they are also able to run normal drive cycles too. They just aren’t the best for constant quick trips where the engine and emissions systems can’t get up to temperature.

I feel there’s no wrong answer for how much DEF to have in there. I top mine off every oil change (5k miles) and it usually takes 3-5 gallons. So most of the time mines running between full and 1/2 tank. Hopefully this issue was just a hiccup for you and not the start of an electric/emissions gremlin for your trucks DEF system. One thing that will certainly help is to use a reputable brand of DEF and to only use it from sealed containers.