Should i buy a 2015 Ram with an eco diesel?
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2016 Big Horn 4X4 Engine and Transmission tuned by no longer available (but truck runs good)
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402 Posts
Welcome 
I'll tell you the same thing I recently told another new member who was considering the same thing
"you are going to get a lot of info both ways, I am very happy with my 16, there are a lot of members that have expressed extreme displeasure, My advice will come with a few questions; are you a "gas and go" type person, if yes I don't think the truck would be a good fit , are you comfortable doing some of you own maintenance items and learning new things, hopefully yes, do you have any exposure to other diesels????, this part would help too
my truck has been tuned and provides exceptional mileage for a 1/2 pickup, I think they do good with a stock tune or GDE emission compliant tune also if you live in an area that is very restrictive on emissions equipment, some complain about working on them but I have not found anything I would consider extremely difficult, some of the components involved in the tune I chose were somewhat of a "tight fit" and you need some patience.....
the biggest thing I would stress is to not get too deep into this, these trucks do not have a stellar reputation IMO, and it seems you either get a hero or a zero, DO NOT PAY TOO MUCH and be willing to accept the possibility of expensive repairs at any time, read around you'll find members that have enjoyed many miles of trouble-free operation, but sadly you'll find quite a few expensive failures with relatively low milage
best of luck, check truck over thoroughly paying special attention to cooling system and check condition/level of oil, if either seems unusual keep looking, "
I'll tell you the same thing I recently told another new member who was considering the same thing"you are going to get a lot of info both ways, I am very happy with my 16, there are a lot of members that have expressed extreme displeasure, My advice will come with a few questions; are you a "gas and go" type person, if yes I don't think the truck would be a good fit , are you comfortable doing some of you own maintenance items and learning new things, hopefully yes, do you have any exposure to other diesels????, this part would help too
my truck has been tuned and provides exceptional mileage for a 1/2 pickup, I think they do good with a stock tune or GDE emission compliant tune also if you live in an area that is very restrictive on emissions equipment, some complain about working on them but I have not found anything I would consider extremely difficult, some of the components involved in the tune I chose were somewhat of a "tight fit" and you need some patience.....
the biggest thing I would stress is to not get too deep into this, these trucks do not have a stellar reputation IMO, and it seems you either get a hero or a zero, DO NOT PAY TOO MUCH and be willing to accept the possibility of expensive repairs at any time, read around you'll find members that have enjoyed many miles of trouble-free operation, but sadly you'll find quite a few expensive failures with relatively low milage
best of luck, check truck over thoroughly paying special attention to cooling system and check condition/level of oil, if either seems unusual keep looking, "
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1,710 Posts
Drive it and see if the cruise control engages at 15-20 mph. If it does, it has the GDE tune, thats a good thing. Don't buy one if it's going to be your only transportation. Mine has been 100% trouble free for 150,000 miles. Never take to the dealer if you can help it. I bought an old Subaru Outback as a back up car and winter beater.
2016 Laramie Limited Crew Cab 4x4 with Deleted Air Suspension and GDE Hot Tune. 290,000 KM.
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2,419 Posts
As Hydrex says above or consider the next generation Eco as they are proving to be far more reliable but will obviously cost you alot more to purchase. Wait a year as prices will drop.
I bought a 2015 Tradesman a year ago with 140k miles. It was a Texas ranch vehicle so it had minor dings, but everything works. It gets decent highway mileage (22-26mpg) and okay city (17-19mpg).
GOOD: It does fine with heavy loads, I don't know how well it pulls yet, but I think it will be fine. Cabin is comfortable enough. No engine problems (well, its a fairly "young" diesel, so I don't expect any troubles).
NOT-SO-GOOD: The only problem I had was with the air suspension system (compressor started shorting), so that was an expensive repair. It's a diesel with with a deep oil sump so oil changes are expensive too. The AWD/4WD/LOW control is kind of clunky.
I've only had it a year (20K miles), so no real complaints yet.
2016 Big Horn 4X4 Engine and Transmission tuned by no longer available (but truck runs good)
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402 Posts
^^^ Welcome Bluenose
Welcome - there's a couple on here that are doing their first post.
I second what Keiths487too said. You never know what you get in a box of chocolates. You could be getting a winner. You could be getting something else. The fact that if it is running well at 8 years old is a good sign. Check it out more and learn what to look for by reading around here.
I second what Keiths487too said. You never know what you get in a box of chocolates. You could be getting a winner. You could be getting something else. The fact that if it is running well at 8 years old is a good sign. Check it out more and learn what to look for by reading around here.
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678 Posts
Opinions please.
I’m looking at a 2014 Ram with the ecodiesel. 200,000 kms/120,000 miles. Anything in particular to watch for or what issues are the 2014 noted for ? Thanks
www.ram1500diesel.com
I would look for the newer model starting 2020 plus. They fixed the internal issues and you don’t have to worry about it all the time. I have a 2015 with almost 150,000 miles it has been a really good truck pulled close to 10,000 lbs for short trips and quite a bit of normal 1/2 ton pickup stuff and it’s always in the back of my head when it will blow.
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166 Posts
While I love my truck (2015), after having 1 motor replacement, that thought is ALWAYS in the back of my head. Personally, I would steer clear of any used ecodiesel unless it was of the latest generation.
hit or miss with Eco's unfortunately... i'd probably buy one with over 100K miles vs one with low miles... most with engine issues tend to have them under 100K miles ... i've lucked out on 2 .. my 2014 went flawless to 155K miles until son totaled it.. i replacedi t with a 2015 with 'only' 165K miles .. i'm about to click over 200K miles and has had zero issues with previous owner or myself .. hope to keep it to 300K miles or more God Willing ... previous owner changed oil every 5K miles, not sure on fuel filters.. also had 90 mile commute each way .. so 180 mile hwy commute helped a bunch IMO vs grocery getter low mile truck ... i'm planning to replace my 2015 eventually with a used 2022 or newer when time comes...
I have a 2016 with 85000 mi. It has pulled our 24’ travel trailer about 20000 of those miles. Excellent truck so far, but I will likely sell it before my 100,000 mi/ 8 year transferable extended warranty runs out. Like others, I always have those scare stories back of mind. Looking back, buying the diesel when I did was a mistake. I could have bought a gasser and saved myself the worry + higher fuel costs + higher maintenance + upfront premium for diesel motor option.
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88 Posts
I have a 2016 that blew the first engine at 52,000. Vehicle now has 104,000 and is an entirely different vehicle. Runs like a million bucks. I have sent the oil to Blackstone twice and get a perfect engine doing exactly what it is supposed to do. My advice would be to get the oil analyzed before buying. With any luck the engine your looking at has been replaced. In cold weather it is plugged in at night and I put in the grill bonnet all winter. Don't short hop a diesel Good luck. Mine is here for the long haul. It is by far the finest vehicle I have ever driven.
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33 Posts
As I read the pros and cons here I will tell you, I bought my 2014 with 96000mi on it. Ran percectly for a couple yrs with 28-32mpg hwy. Then I started to have emmission issues and currently am in need of a catalytic converter, def nozzle, cat temp sensor and manifold which will run around $3500. Interestingly this vehicle was built specifically for Canada. Unbeknownst to me, there is supposed to be an EPA compliance label under the hood for U.S. Emission standards. I haven't found it yet and may need one from FCA. If one isn't available then idk what I'll do. Make sure what you buy (if used) wasn't built in or from Canada. As fof the repairs, I fear this is only the beginning. One thing you should do before you buy is have either your mechanic (or if you have your own) run an OBD2 on all systems and look for any hidden repair gems. That will save you A LOT of headaches down the road. Best of luck!
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4,437 Posts
Your truck has a DPF and SCR, not a catalytic converter per se. Most likely both are fine. Clean your DEF injector, replace any bad sensors, and run Hot Shot's Secret Diesel Extreme through the tank, and you should be back in business.
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33 Posts
Ok so, what do I do with the low turbo boost (p0299)? It all started with "bank 1 sensor 1 cat temp high". No offense but, I've had many different opinions regarding this so tell me your experience please.
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