Def Regeneration Frequency

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DorsalFin

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I have a 2020 Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel engine. 19,000 miles. Lately, it seems the frequency of Def regeneration has increased. On average, it's been regenerating every 250-300 miles. Is this normal? What could be causing ths? It takes about 40 minutes for the regeneration to cycle. The engine light recently came on while on a trip, error code P2459.
 

crash68

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It's not a DEF regeneration, it's the DPF regeneration. Your problem is most likely the DPF differential pressure sensor is giving a bad reading. Modern diesels emissions systems don't like the engine to be idled for long periods, other than doing an EGY cool down after working the engine hard don't let it idle for more than 5-10 minutes.
Let the dealer look at this problem, the emissions should have a 8yr/80K mile warranty if it's not still under the initial 3/36.
 
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DorsalFin

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Dealer replaced DPF sensor but truck still went into regen mode after I left the dealer and again at 250 miles. What have others experieinced with your diesel engines? I can't imagine this is normal. Any suggestions?
 

tjfdesmo

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Aside from a malfunction, there are two triggers for regen. First is a regen caused by restriction/loading, which can be caused by extended idle time, short trips, cold starts, etc. Second is an automatic 24-25 engine hour regen that happens whether there is any soot load or not.

What is your duty cycle? Idle hours percentage? Avg MPH?
 

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Firebird

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I only have 1700 miles on my truck, I have seen 2 regen messages on my EVIC, both were triggered by the programmed 48 hour regen cycle
 
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DorsalFin

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Appreciate the responses. Truck has been at dealer the last 11 days. Corporate Chrysler engineers are now involved. Going through a checklist with the dealer. I'll post whatever it is they find as the cause.
 
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DorsalFin

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OK. Truck at dealer two weeks now. Last message from them is corporate chyrsler told the technician to drop the fuel tank and inspect the fuel system. Tecnician found a code for a leak on a sensor that should not have any build up on it all. He sent his findings to corporate. Awaiting for them to respond.
This make any sense to you ?
 
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DorsalFin

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Ok, got truck back from dealer after 18 days in the shop. This is what they came up with in conjunction with corproate engineers from Chrysler. Installed new catalytic converter; replaced gasket exhaust; replaced clamp turbo; replaced another gasket on exhaust pipe. They did a lot of pressure testing of the system. Did a full remove air clean assembly and inspected filter; inspected hose to turbo; pressure tested charge air system; pressure tested air intake for leaks; pressure exhaust with smoke; removed egr valve and cross over tube to inspect operation; checked soot load; road tested. Have put 200 miles on truck since service and filter shows 1/4 full. That's it for now. Staying optimistic this fixed the problem.
 

StNick

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As someone else said, regenerate cycles have nothing to do with DEF. It has to do with the DPF(Diesel Particulate Filter). This filter is intended to remove the carbon and black smoke from the exhaust, whereas DEF takes the Nitrous Oxide from Diesel use (bad stuff) and turns it into Nitrogen (good stuff). The problem with the DPF filter is that it clogs up with carbon and must be cleaned. This is the regenerate process. Normally it happens when you are driving, although sometimes you have to run the engine at high idle for 45 minutes or so for cleaning. By the way, this filter usually cannot be replaced by a non-mechanic (so I have heard) and it costs $1000. or more. This system has been around since around 2007, before the DEF system.
 

malonerory

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Similar issue here with the same truck. No codes, however the dealer in Utah re-updated the ECM software and my truck registered a code for a stuck closed EGR (which was replaced.) My problem did not start until my CP4 went out and was replaced with a CP3 by the dealer under warranty/recall. Regen are now averaging 150 miles, before the dealer repair they were 1500-2000. Truck has been at the dealer 4 times in the last 3 months for this problem. Engineer from Stellantis is now at the dealer doing whatever he is doing.
 

06 Dodge

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Similar issue here with the same truck. No codes, however the dealer in Utah re-updated the ECM software and my truck registered a code for a stuck closed EGR (which was replaced.) My problem did not start until my CP4 went out and was replaced with a CP3 by the dealer under warranty/recall. Regen are now averaging 150 miles, before the dealer repair they were 1500-2000. Truck has been at the dealer 4 times in the last 3 months for this problem. Engineer from Stellantis is now at the dealer doing whatever he is doing.
Wonder if the dealer messed up the ECM software update
 
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