Is there any way to disable MDS without a tuner/tune?

[Laramiedave1]

New to this forum since I just picked up a 2019 ram 1500 Laramie last week. I am curious if there’s anyway to disable the MDS active fuel management system on these trucks without getting a tune? I have the 5.7 hemi without e torque but can still hear the engine lose a couple cylinders as the eco mode turns on and I want to disable this. I see AFM/DFM disabled devices like https://amzn.to/4d89jr1 that plug right into the OBD port and am wondering if they actually work. I’m sure there’s a bunch of other threads on this already but I got to make my first post about something.

 

[SD Rebel]

Two ways generally, one is to set your gear limiter (+-) controls on the lower right of your steering wheel to 8th gear. You will have full 8 gear function but no MDS.

The 2nd is to put it in tow/haul mode, similar to sport mode in other vehicles minus the throttle ratio being changed. However, it will hold gear longer and won't upshift while braking or cruising until you press on the throttle again. Recommended for mountain or hilly driving even when not towing by the manual to keep tranny temps in check.

Also, you can turn on your "ECO" light in your Uconnect menu so you can tell when the MDS is actually functioning.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

Many use the gear limiter suggested above. Which has to be done every time you start the truck.

 

[silver billet]

New to this forum since I just picked up a 2019 ram 1500 Laramie last week. I am curious if there’s anyway to disable the MDS active fuel management system on these trucks without getting a tune? I have the 5.7 hemi without e torque but can still hear the engine lose a couple cylinders as the eco mode turns on and I want to disable this. I see AFM/DFM disabled devices like https://amzn.to/4d89jr1 that plug right into the OBD port and am wondering if they actually work. I’m sure there’s a bunch of other threads on this already but I got to make my first post about something.

The pulsar can permanently disable it with one if it's four modes. It allows you to run stock tune with mds disabled, but probably a little pricy if that's the only reason you buy it. I keep mine in tow mode with mds disabled and it really improves the feel of the truck.

 

[Laramiedave1]

Two ways generally, one is to set your gear limiter (+-) controls on the lower right of your steering wheel to 8th gear. You will have full 8 gear function but no MDS.

The 2nd is to put it in tow/haul mode, similar to sport mode in other vehicles minus the throttle ratio being changed. However, it will hold gear longer and won't upshift while braking or cruising until you press on the throttle again. Recommended for mountain or hilly driving even when not towing by the manual to keep tranny temps in check.

Also, you can turn on your "ECO" light in your Uconnect menu so you can tell when the MDS is actually functioning.

Thanks for the info. Yeah I see the eco light popping up on my dashboard, but didn’t know if there was a way to fully disable this feature with a button or a setting etc. Your explanation is definitely helpful I guess I will just set the gear controls manually each time that seems to be the best option. Is this what you personally do?

 

[Laramiedave1]

The pulsar can permanently disable it with one if it's four modes. It allows you to run stock tune with mds disabled, but probably a little pricy if that's the only reason you buy it. I keep mine in tow mode with mds disabled and it really improves the feel of the truck.

How much is the pulsar? Like $500 right

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

How much is the pulsar? Like $500 right

Grab it used for a better price. I've been running on for almost a year, plus had in my 4th Gen. Tune on the fly is nice.

 

[Switch22]

Thanks for the info. Yeah I see the eco light popping up on my dashboard, but didn’t know if there was a way to fully disable this feature with a button or a setting etc. Your explanation is definitely helpful I guess I will just set the gear controls manually each time that seems to be the best option. Is this what you personally do?

I disable my MDS all the time using the gear limiter - no big deal. Thankful I don't have to disable auto stop/start as well.

 

[DEG]

If you can hear or feel it your truck is broken. I've owned 3 Ram's with MDS and it was completely unnoticeable in all 3.

 

[silver billet]

If you can hear or feel it your truck is broken.

Not true. Many of us feel/hear/notice it.

I've owned 3 Ram's with MDS and it was completely unnoticeable in all 3.

Your experiences don't invalidate the experiences of others.

 

[1BADRAMLIMITED]

Not true. Many of us feel/hear/notice it.



Your experiences don't invalidate the experiences of others.

OH SHOOT MY TRUCK IS BROKE! I HAVE A CARVEN EXHAUST AND HEAR MDS WHEN IT KICKS ON...... DAM I NEED TO MAKE AN APPT TO THE DEALER NOW!!!!!!

 

[DEG]

Your experiences don't invalidate the experiences of others.

No, it just demonstrates other experiences are not normal.

 

[SD Rebel]

Thanks for the info. Yeah I see the eco light popping up on my dashboard, but didn’t know if there was a way to fully disable this feature with a button or a setting etc. Your explanation is definitely helpful I guess I will just set the gear controls manually each time that seems to be the best option. Is this what you personally do?

Happy to help. I don't disable my MDS often unless it sounds especially rough with my aftermarket muffler. Unlike tuned aftermarket exhaust, it doesn't sound great when in 4-cylinder mode. But MDS doesn't particularly bother me otherwise, some say it actually helps with lubrication, but who really knows especially since tow/haul mode prevents MDS from operating, the same mode that is often used during the most stressful time of engine operation, I highly doubt they would create a mode that hurts lubrication.

 

[theblet]

I normally let mds do its thing for the most part. It’s not very noticeable with my exhaust. No drone either

 

[silver billet]

No, it just demonstrates other experiences are not normal.

What your comment demonstrates is lack of knowledge. MDS can be felt, it's a normal feeling, nothing is wrong with the many cars and trucks where it can be felt. If you actually took the time to google this you'd see for yourself how very common and normal this is.

MDS is NOT always seemless.

 

[Scram1500]

It's all relative. My wife doesn't notice squat when driving unless it's on sale

 

[mikeru82]

What your comment demonstrates is lack of knowledge. MDS can be felt, it's a normal feeling, nothing is wrong with the many cars and trucks where it can be felt. If you actually took the time to google this you'd see for yourself how very common and normal this is.

MDS is NOT always seemless.

It's not worth arguing with someone who can't admit when they might be mistaken.

 

[DEG]

What your comment demonstrates is lack of knowledge. MDS can be felt, it's a normal feeling, nothing is wrong with the many cars and trucks where it can be felt. If you actually took the time to google this you'd see for yourself how very common and normal this is.

MDS is NOT always seemless.

MDS is always seamless in a normally functioning factory Ram.

 

[silver billet]

MDS is always seamless in a normally functioning factory Ram.

Yeah and I'm king of Canada.

 

[Scram1500]

MDS is always seamless in a normally functioning factory Ram.

No such animal