2014 Turbo Failed - What to do?

[CanuckRam1313]

Hello all-

I have a 2014 RAM 2500 with the 6.7 Cummins diesel. We use it primarily for camper trailer towing and during the winter it mostly sits outside. The mileage is approaching 50k.
Recently the check engine light came on and the computer put out turbo codes P003A and P00AF. A visit to a repair shop now recommends replacement of the whole turbo for $5k.

Now the decision:
-Pay the shop and go on with life and hope the fix holds for a while. The new turbo has a 2 year warranty.
-Given the age of the truck (not the mileage, albeit towing mileage), trade it in for a newer truck (brand new or used) and hope that turbo is more robust.

I am dissappointed that after only 50k miles it has given out. We had a transmission problem with this truck early on, but that was covered under warranty.

From talks with the repair shop and research, it seems this turbo and actuator are problematic and I’m not sure of my confidence level with a newer vehicle. I also saw that in 2015 they offered a warranty extension for this issue, but only for that year.

Thoughts?
Sammy

Brother, while I feel you pain and fully understand your frustration and disbelief... here's my $0.02...

Have you had this rig since new, or purchased used?

If so new, and this rig is worth your time, effort, and money to invest in, then git-er-dunnn and make the repairs...
This is a good rig with a good driveline.
Also, is it paid for, or are y'all still on the hook for it currently!?

Respectfully.... when you look at a 12yo diesel Cummins (or any other automotive diesel forced induction engine for that matter) that has 50-Miles on it in 2026... that equates to about 4,200 miles per year based on a 2014 model year vintage that you've indicated....

This rig has not been driven, and more so, worked like a diesel needs to be...long term...

IMPO..there are a TON of variables that could be considered when weighing in on this... and several variables equate to storage when it's not being used, oil & filter strategies over this timeline, how it's been operated AND maintained overall in this timeline, and how that Cummins was worked when it was actually in operation during its lifetime....

As a man that's been involved in the automotive world (both diesel and petrol) for many years now, it really doesn't surprise me that the turbo has let go at this time.

If the engine, transmission, and complete driveline, coupled with the rest of the truck as a whole, are in great condition, and especially if you don't have any payments on it..... to me, this is the time to invest in the repairs, and possibly, invest a bit more in some further upgrades as well to ensure this rig makes 25+ years of dependable and reliable service.

This is all just my opinion, period!

 

[Dennis Shellito]

My 2011 CTD started throwing turbo codes and I kept turning the CEL off for quite a while but finally just threw $3800 at it and had a Fleece Cheetah turbo installed and it has been golden since then. I would not buy a rebuilt unit as they are nothing but bad news. My exhaust brake is more reactive with the Fleece unit than with the stock turbo.

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

With only 50k, plus being pre DEF, it's worth quite a bit. I'd keep it but get a couple other shops to look at it. Try to find a shop that specializes in diesels.
Some people have had luck cleaning those turbos.

2014 had DEF. It started in 2013.

 

[truck2014]

My 2011 CTD started throwing turbo codes and I kept turning the CEL off for quite a while but finally just threw $3800 at it and had a Fleece Cheetah turbo installed and it has been golden since then. I would not buy a rebuilt unit as they are nothing but bad news. My exhaust brake is more reactive with the Fleece unit than with the stock turbo.

Let me ask , it's well known that City Diesel is the best as far as the actuator , I also believe you can get turbo ,and the actuator thru city diesel , have never heard any complaints with that combo , especially price . My question is can that Cheetah be coupled with the City Diesel actuator .

I ask because I replaced my actuator four years ago on my 2014 @ about 60K miles , I was 700 miles from home with a fifth wheel in tow , not sure I would make it home ,so went with an OE from a dealer . All's been good ,but there may come a day , and at that point I would go City Diesel turbo ,and actuator unless there would be something better , as far as I know the City Diesel actuator is second to none , turbo I don't know

 

[drmoreau]

Hopefully he will either see your post, or someone with a better memory than me will let you know.
Found this turbo for you;

Turbo Stock Replacement HE300VG | Dodge/RAM 6.7L Cummins | 1045778

Upgrade with BD Diesel's Dodge/RAM 6.7L Cummins HE300VG turbo, a premium stock replacement offering optimal performance and lasting durability.

us.bddiesel.com

It is usually not the turbo that fails with this low mileage, but the vanes I referenced earlier. Basically the vanes close up at low rpm restricting exhaust to allow faster turbo spool for earlier boost, and open at higher rpm to prevent failure from excess speed. Carbon can stick the vanes preventing them from moving.
I'm not into diesel much anymore, but I remember there was a shop in Denver that was pretty good, unfortunately I have CRS! (Can't Remember Shat)
I would get a second opinion from a reputable local diesel or turbo specialist shop, Cummins affiliated if possible. I would not go to a Dodge dealer.
I'm hoping you know to idle a couple minutes before shutdown with a turbo diesel. Shutting it down hot causes the turbo to bake in the exhaust heat and leads to failure.
Also use quality DEF, that is a whole other discussion. It has a shelf life and will go bad, even in your trucks tank.
You might find more info on one of the diesel forums.
Diesel bombers
Competition Diesel
Dodge Cummins Diesel forum

DEF has a shelf life of 12 - 24 months under normal conditions in the US. Prolonged high heat shortens life to about 12 months. I run through 4 - 5 tanks of DEF per year so don't worry about it. Also, if you buy DEF at a truck stop and fill out back where the semis fill, the DEF costs about 1/2 as much as buying the plastic jugs. FYI.