I've been noticing my actuator values occasionally dip to 1.6% once or twice during a drive cycle It's like a huge inverse spike on the chart. I'll take a screenshot of what I'm referring to. Truck is fine otherwise.

 

I am happy to help with what I am going to propose. Would a table with data related to conditions before the failure be a good tool? For instance I was towing, on a steep grade, immediately before the ETC/P00AF presented, 80/20 = Daily Driver/towing 6600 pounds? Unsure if that is manageable here or if it would be useful in perhaps identifying root cause of or at least conditions which may contribute to failure.

 

At this point, any and all information would be prudent. @GDE might already have a good idea of the problems and/or conditions that cause these failures. The folks in the High Mileage Club haven't had any turbo failures, so we know it's an isolated issue, but why?

Our 2020 Ram EcoDiesel is used almost exclusively as a tow rig. It's not uncommon for the truck to sit for 3 - 5 weeks in-between towing. We've towed over some of the most strenuous environments/conditions in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. I've probably put more stress on the turbo than 99% of the folks that own a 3rd gen EcoDiesel. Granted, I only have 45,000 miles on the engine, but towing puts a lot of stress on the turbocharger. If I had to guess, I would say the P00AF is more of a quality control issue than a wear or design issue. Clearly, we need more data or perhaps better explanations from GDE as to why this is happening.

 

Is it weird that I read that code as "POOF"!

 

That is frigging hysterical to me for some reason!

 

Love my 2023 ED truck but, these trucks scare me with the issues they have. So, just asking, is there anything we can do to prevent this POOAF from happing and are there signs that we can keep an eye out for? @GDE or anybody with good information.

 

Love my 2023 ED truck but, these trucks scare me with the issues they have. So, just asking, is there anything we can do to prevent this POOAF from happing and are there signs that we can keep an eye out for?

In my opinion, it's an isolated issue. None of the High Mileage trucks in our small sample have experienced the POOAF. I'm sure we'll learn more as time goes on, but I'm not too worried about it.

100,000 Mile Club
J-Cooz - 100,000 miles (truck and engine)
Paulie66 - 100,000 miles (engine and truck)
Jcrob5122 - 108,385 miles (engine and truck)
Mopar2ya - 110,105 miles (engine and truck)
ocn - 145,000 miles (engine and truck)

150,000 Mile Club
Jkcamino - 151,550 miles (engine and truck)

200,000 Mile Club
cdsonsini - 207,000 miles (engine and truck)
Justinj182 - 210,539 miles (engine and truck)

 

I'm above 60k on my 2020, and no issues.

 

We only have two data points, but the data thus far is showing low mileage when the POOAF occurred. It's weak data, but we can say that all failures have happened under 35,000 miles.

@ruskracing (2021 Ram) 34,000 miles
@Mzflorida (2022 Ram) 20,500 miles

 

There are more instances of P00AF code on the Jeep platform (Wrangler and Gladiator). It seems heat related, maybe the REA (rotary electric actuator) that controls turbo vane position flakes out internal electronics in high heat soak situations. On the Jeeps, the airflow is awful in the engine bay due to packaging constraints. Ducting cooler airflow to the turbo might be beneficial. We have also seen a couple higher mileage issues on turbo REA where internal worm gear is worn and leads to sticking.

 

@GDE I still have a lot to learn so this could be a dumb question. Is there a way to increase airflow, or some other solution other than air, to the turbo in the Rams to improving cooling ability?

 

Here's my conversation with Josh:

Josh: "Got a new 2022 ram 1500 big horn eco diesel with just over 20k miles on it now and it has started throwing a POOAF code when pulling a camper. Time for the pothole mod or send it to the dealer? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks"

Me: "Josh, did you ever get your P00AF code resolved?"

Josh: "yes I think so. Sent it to the local dealership and they replaced the fuel pump, turbo, and did some sort of software update all under warranty/recalls and the problem seems to have vanished."

 

I have filed a complaint with the NHTSA requesting an investigation into this failure. Though it is not apparent that this is a widespread issue on the Ram, we seem to be getting to the point where it is becoming clearer that there is an issue with this failure (turbo, towing P00AF, loss of power) on this engine. it is absolutely a safety issue and warrants the NHTSA's consideration. It takes two minutes to file the complaint and it could result in an extension of our warranties, a recall, etc. @RamCares I would encourage you to provide updates into your company's engagement with the NHTSA on the seemingly growing number of owners reporting the unexpected loss of power attributed to the turbochargers in the 3.0 EcoDiesel. Taking a couple of minutes to file a complaint might help keep someone safe. I refreshed my complaint today.

Report a Safety Problem | NHTSA

File a complaint with NHTSA if you experienced a vehicle, tire, car seat or equipment safety problem that could be a safety defect.

www.nhtsa.gov

 

Looking through the Jeep forum, we are seeing mostly low mileage failures which leads me to believe it's a part issue (perhaps quality control). One Jeep owner had the code at 7,000 miles and it also required a turbo replacement.

Our 2020 is pretty much strictly a tow rig. We've towed in 117*F ambient temps going through the Mojave Desert. The truck has towed over many long steep mountain passes in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. If heat was an issue, then I would be a prime candidate for the P00AF. My truck currently has 45.000 on the odometer.

It takes two minutes to file the complaint and it could result in an extension of our warranties, a recall, etc.

My factory 5 year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty expires in July of 2025, just six months from now. It would be nice if the turbo coverage was extended to 8 years/100,000 miles.

 

I wish these trucks had more serviceable items. After the user looking for pistons to a 2020 EcoD in another thread, and they had to directly reach VM, and no turbo actuator replacement like in this thread, it's kind of odd. Then today I decided to see if there is anything about turbo maintenance or anything updated. Nope. Basically just "replace turbo" for a lot of finalized options for repair work diagnosis.

Really bored (and under the weather! ) I decided to peruse my AllDataDIY and Chiltons manuals on the different diesel engines, and looking on popular online factory parts sources. I chose to look at the same model years 2020 -- mini-D, EcoD, Cummins, Powerstroke, and the regular Duramax. I found that the most serviceable engine is actually the Cummins. In fact, the Cummins has procedures on how to literally take the turbocharger apart (with a video!) and clean soot and debris out of it, along with details on imperfections in the tubine blades. The Cummins also had more rebuild items than all of them. The closest tie I'd say for parts availability would be the Powerstroke and the regular Duramax, next would be Cummins (I blame some of it on a Stellantis parts problem...).

With that being said, for those on edge about getting a new truck next year, I'd strongly encourage the 2024 Cummins if you want something that will be easily serviceable with your typical AllData or Chiltons factory service manuals. I am really not sure how much less servicability will be on the new 2025 Cummins (or the rest of them). Won't know till the service manuals arrive. As we know with the EcoD, they would rather replace an entire turbocharger than replace the actuator it seems like. Sad to waste a turbo for a stupid piece of electronic gear.

I would rank them as this for servicability:

1. Cummins
2. Powerstroke
3. Duramax
4. Mini-Duramax
5. EcoDiesel

I would rank them as this for parts availability:

1. Powerstroke
2. Duramax
3. Cummins
4. Mini-Duramax
5. EcoDiesel

 

I would rank them as this for parts availability:

1. Powerstroke
2. Duramax
3. Cummins
4. Mini-Duramax
5. EcoDiesel

Ford, GM, and Stellantis., they all have backordered parts, discontinued parts, and part shortages. That's the world we live in. Part shortages started before COVID, got worse during COVID, and continues to be a problem. We can blame it on labor shortages, inflation, production constraints, high demand, material shortages, manufacturing delays, shipping delays, legislation, financial uncertainty, geopolitical complexities, etc.

One of the hot shot guys had a bottom end failure. I believe it was a 2022 Cummins. He couldn't get a replacement engine, nor could the dealer get enough parts to have it rebuilt. He had to buy a new truck. So yeah, it can be a big problem for those who are outside of warranty.

 

Folks it has been a while since I posted. I recently acquired a used 2021 Ram Limited ecodiesel. Absolutely love the truck! It has a lot of additional features compared to my 2016 outdoorsman ecodiesel and the gen 3 engine feels more refined. A big reason for parting ways with the 2016 was I needed to upgrade to the bigger crew cab for my family.

At about 41,000 miles I experienced the dreaded P00AF check engine light. I also got service electronic throttle body, and service electronic traction control at the same time. I also experienced a sudden increase in engine RPMs and loss of power and speed. I think it sets the turbocharger to a default open mode. Turning off and on the engine resets and restores the turbocharger. The check engine light would clear after 3-4 ignition cycles.

Condition was occurring in temps below 40F with significant hills/grades at speeds above 75 MPH - ran into issues in both Montana and Idaho that have steep hills/grades and higher legal speed limits on the highway (75-80 MPH). I was not towing at the time. If I took it easy and maintained speeds at or below 70 MPH while climbing hills it would not result in the loss of the turbocharger.

Thankfully it is still under the powertrain warranty. Local dealership flashed the PCM and did a test drive at higher speeds on hill/grade without it reoccurring again. They said if it happens again after the PCM flash update it will be eligible for a turbocharger replacement under the powertrain warranty. In the next few weeks planning to do some more runs at highway speeds on steep/hills grades to confirm that this issue does not occur again. Will keep folks posted.

 

Just providing an update for those that might want more information about the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) update for the P00AF code. The old PCM software is part number 68500630AE and the updated software part number is 68500630AF.

 

I have had the same issue. p00af code 3 times when towing. 2021 with 84,000 on it. Bought it 10 months ago. Going back to the dealer soon to try to get to the bottom of it.

 

Welcome to the forum 2021 Ram! Sorry to hear that you are facing the same issue with throwing the P00AF code. My guess is that they will check and update the PCM (if that has not been done already). Please let us know what the dealership does to address the issue. This forum is often a valuable resource for both forum members and others that are looking for answers online. Since the PCM update was done for my ram truck it has not thrown any codes again.

 

Update: I was able to get the truck to throw a code again while going up a steep pass, under similar highway speed conditions. The truck is going back to the dealership on Monday, for what my guess is likely a turbocharger replacement under the powertrain warranty. Will continue to keep folks posted on the outcome.

I do want to stress that my truck will not throw a code with the exception of certain conditions. Steep grades/climbs, and fast highways speeds 75+ MPH. These are conditions in which the RPMs are above 2,000 and there is a demand for boost from the turbo. I mentioning this because there potentially could be a lot of other Gen 3 ecodiesels out there that may be at risk of throwing the P00AF check engine light code, but have never met the above conditions.

Lastly, I don't think I have read about anyone that has avoided getting their turbocharger replaced via the PCM update, it is a required step per Ram, but I don't think there has been a situation in which it has prevented someone from getting their turbocharger replaced eventually.

 

The truck is going back to the dealership on Monday, for what my guess is likely a turbocharger replacement under the powertrain warranty.

Thanks for the update. Assuming the turbo gets replaced, I'll go ahead and add you to the list.

@Mzflorida (2022 Ram) 20,500 miles
Josh Nolt (2022 Ram) 20,000 miles
Rob Rusk (2021 Ram) 34,000 miles
@ruskracing (2021 Ram) 34,000 miles
@ecodiesel13 (2021 Ram) 41,000 miles

 

Confirmed today that it was the P00AF code again which will now require a turbo replacement. Will keep folks posted on the final outcome, but it may take a while for the work to get done. Fingercrossed they can get all the required parts.

 

Are they giving you a loaner or are they ordering the parts while letting you drive the truck?

I'd be ill advised to drive the truck with it needing a turbo.

Low boost = lots of soot. Which isn't good for the soot loading for the DPF.

 

Hi Guys, I just joined the forum. Thanks for sharing the updated information much appreciated. I am on my 2nd 1500 ED. I now have a 2022 ED 1500 10th anniversary edition 33,000 which I purchased new. I absolutely love it however I have had the exact (same) experience with POOAF as ecodiesel13 They order me a new turbo under warranty yesterday. It is bit unsettling that they have to remove my cab from the body to replace it! Anyone know if the turbo issue is related to a bad batch. Have any updates/ improvements occurred? I was told mine is an actuator issue. I was told by the tech that mine had zero carbon build in fact he said it was the cleanest ED that he has seen. I have yet to have a regen. Fingers crossed this clears the problem. I am sure glad I purchased the Mopar max extend warranty 8-year 125k

 

Anyone know if the turbo issue is related to a bad batch. Have any updates/ improvements occurred?

Nothing has been reported publicly by Stellantis. So far, all failures in this small sample have been found on 2021 and 2022 models. All failures have been under 41,000 miles, which leads me to believe that there could be a quality control issue. Sorry you have to be a data point, but we appreciate you taking the time to report!

@Mzflorida (2022 Ram) 20,500 miles
Josh Nolt (2022 Ram) 20,000 miles
@EC0RAM (2022 Ram) 33,000 miles
Rob Rusk (2021 Ram) 34,000 miles
@ruskracing (2021 Ram) 34,000 miles
@ecodiesel13 (2021 Ram) 41,000 miles

 

And you have definitely had a regen in 33k miles, you just don't see a message when it happens.
What is the average regen interval? Less than a thousand miles, I think...

 

OlliT 56234miles(90234km)

 

@otinchon, can you give us more information? What year is your truck? Did your turbo get replaced under warranty?

 

Hi, it is a 22 and is under warranty, I picked it up with 46kmiles in March 23 as a RAM certified car, sadly in Germany the warranty is not valid…. As far as I know the Turbo was not changed before, the AGR was done and the BCU was done here in Germany( no warranty)……
Still like the car, but will not buy again……

 

Hi, it is a 22 and is under warranty, I picked it up with 46kmiles in March 23 as a RAM certified car, sadly in Germany the warranty is not valid…. As far as I know the Turbo was not changed before, the AGR was done and the BCU was done here in Germany

Thanks for the information. You are now the victim of the highest mileage turbo failure. So far, all failures are 2021 and 2022 models.

@Mzflorida (2022 Ram) 20,500 miles
Josh Nolt (2022 Ram) 20,000 miles
@EC0RAM (2022 Ram) 33,000 miles
Rob Rusk (2021 Ram) 34,000 miles
@ruskracing (2021 Ram) 34,000 miles
@ecodiesel13 (2021 Ram) 41,000 miles
@otinchon (2022 Ram) 56,068 miles

 

Thank you, now I have a smile Today😉
It is like it is, we will have to find a Solution over here….maybe I can find someone in italy where these Engines are build….. I will Write and read here now!!!

 

Wanted to provide a final update. Got my truck back the other day with a new turbocharger. Proceeded to immediately drive up some steep grades in Idaho at high speeds, and I could not get it to throw the P00AF. So, fingers crossed this new turbocharger will last a long time! Below is a high level summary of the work in case folks are curious.

1. Estimated cost: $7,200. Thankfully this was covered under the existing powertrain warranty so no out of pocket expense for me.
2. They confirmed no binding on the turbocharger actuator linkage. They did not inspect the turbocharger any further in terms of condition - they just replaced it.
3. They had to remove and reinstall the cab of the truck
4. Total time at the dealership was 32 days. (there was a period of waiting for the replacement parts to arrive - actual work to replace the turbo charger takes about 3 days)

Part numbers used (note: they return the old turbo charger - i.e. core return):

68602174-AA (Turbo Charger)
68486946-AA (Adapter Air Int)
68196325-AA (Washer banjo)
68395009-AA (Gasket Turbo Oi)
68487030-AA (Tube Turbo Wate)
68490039-AA (Seal)
68486949-AA (Seal quantity 6)

 

I had an epiphany yesterday. Instead of pulling the cab and replacing the turbo, one could simply buy a new turbo and swap actuators without all the labor costs. That would be very cost effect solution for those who are outside of warranty.

 

Here's what a faulty actuator looks like disassembled. The person who inspected this part didn't see any obvious signs of wear or defective components.

This actuator is from a 2022 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel. He did find a discrepancy between part numbers.

Original Actuator:
Part: 6NW010099-24
Firmware Revision or calibration: 797862-0050

New Turbo Actuator:
Part: 6NW0010099-24
Firmware Revision or calibration: 797862-0072

 

There are also a few additional tidbits learned.

1) There isn't a VGT calibration required when a new turbo or actuator is installed.

2) The P00AF code is more prevalent when the turbo is under an extended load. Oftentimes, the code is triggered when towing, especially under a sustained load. Otherwise, the turbo seems to function as intended when under normal operating conditions.

3) So far, we haven't seen a 2020 Ram or Jeep EcoDiesel with the P00AF code. All failures are found on 2021 and 2022 engines.

A few others have joined my opinion that whatever is causing the P00AF code is likely related to quality control issues. Unfortunately, nobody to my knowledge has been able to identify any flawed parts or tolerance issues.

 

Biodiesel, I like the idea! Except it my understanding that unlike the 2500 Ram Cummins the turbo acuator is not considered a replaceable part on the ecodiesel. The turbo and acuator is considered a set/pair. Also I would have to dig under the hood and look but is there enough room or clearance to try and just remove the acuator - assuming it is possible to remove and replace just the acuator? I do believe that the turbos themselves are not failing, and that there is an issue with the acutator.

 

Biodiesel, I like the idea! Except it my understanding that unlike the 2500 Ram Cummins the turbo acuator is not considered a replaceable part on the ecodiesel. The turbo and acuator is considered a set/pair.

The actuator is replaceable.

Old Turbo Actuator Part from a 2021 EcoDiesel: 6NW010099-24
Old Firmware Revision or Calibration: 797862-0050

New Turbo Actuator Part: 6NW0010099-24
New Firmware Revision or Calibration: 797862-0072