Diving into the world of RAM..noob

[RAMconvert]

I have been lurking the forum for some time. Long time Ford owner, just bought a 17 1500 5.7 with the 8 speed an it has about 15k on it. I have to say, I am sorry I didn’t try this venture along time ago! This truck is amazing to me, and it rides like a Lincoln Towncar to boot! Has anyone ever had problems with the MDS system? From what I hear at 60 to 100k it starts to give problems if it’s going to. Tips or tricks to this? Thanks!

 

[ClarkandAddison]

Welcome! Glad you're liking your Ram. Sorry, can't comment on the MDS as mine is too new. My 2004 Ram gave me no problems (but no MDS either).

 

[RAMconvert]

Welcome! Glad you're liking your Ram. Sorry, can't comment on the MDS as mine is too new. My 2004 Ram gave me no problems (but no MDS either).

Thanks, the MDS is honestly my only major concern with my RAM. Even if it a long ways out. Just curious as to people’s experiences with it since I have never dealt with it before!

 

[rwreuter]

Well, that is a loaded question with a million opinions.

First, the general consensus is that it is a horrible design made for good intentions (EPA and fuel mileage)
Second, use the recommended oil in the engine and change it. If you don't it can reek havoc with the MDS lifters.

When the lifters fail, if not caught soon enough, they will eat away the cam lobe and you will get a misfire code which can only be fixed by replacing the bad lifter and/or cam shaft.

 

[RAMconvert]

Well, that is a loaded question with a million opinions.

First, the general consensus is that it is a horrible design made for good intentions (EPA and fuel mileage)
Second, use the recommended oil in the engine and change it. If you don't it can reek havoc with the MDS lifters.

When the lifters fail, if not caught soon enough, they will eat away the cam lobe and you will get a misfire code which can only be fixed by replacing the bad lifter and/or cam shaft.

I have heard about people deleting the MDS and turning it off via tuner, however I have a ton of warranty left and I don’t necessarily think that is my best option yet. Just trying to learn all I can.

 

[MADDOG]

Yes, that's the best way to turn off MDS. You do need a custom tune to make that work, though.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your Ram.

 

[RAMconvert]

Yes, that's the best way to turn off MDS. You do need a custom tune to make that work, though.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your Ram.

Do you happen to know if the pcm change and tuner for sure voids the warranty? I have heard of a couple of people saying that the dealer might turn the MDS off as well, any truth to that?

 

[Casper]

Welcome to RF

I have had no problems with MDS (66K miles) , but I use Penzoil Ultra Premium (PUP) full synthetic which has a fairly high concentration of molybdenum, an additive touted as helping to protect lifters and cams in the Hemi.

 

[TruckTime19]

Welcome!

 

[RAMconvert]

Welcome to RF

I have had no problems with MDS (66K miles) , but I use Penzoil Ultra Premium (PUP) full synthetic which has a fairly high concentration of molybdenum, an additive touted as helping to protect lifters and cams in the Hemi.

I have a hard time finding the ultra platinum around here. I bought the pure plus platinum that I’m going to put in it sometime this week. I heard that dodge and ram come with Pennzoil from the factory, so I figured I would give it a shot. Do you like running the Pennzoil then?

 

[RAMconvert]

I have also heard a lot of people for amsoil and royal purple, and I can’t forget redline..lol!

 

[Casper]

I have a hard time finding the ultra platinum around here. I bought the pure plus platinum that I’m going to put in it sometime this week. I heard that dodge and ram come with Pennzoil from the factory, so I figured I would give it a shot. Do you like running the Pennzoil then?

Originally, my dealer was using conventional Penzoil. But someone did some research on cam and lifter failures and they figured they could jack their price and make enough money to sell full synthetic oil changes.

 

[Casper]

I have also heard a lot of people for amsoil and royal purple, and I can’t forget redline..lol!

As have I. I just related that my dealer, who has plenty of other faults, actually did something positive that I'm willing to pay for.

 

[RAMconvert]

Originally, my dealer was using conventional Penzoil. But someone did some research on cam and lifter failures and they figured they could jack their price and make enough money to sell full synthetic oil changes.

So your dealer has the ultra platinum now? The highest grad mine goes to is the platinum, which is what I’m putting in this week, guess I might have to break down and buy the ultra platinum online as I can’t find it locally.

 

[RAMconvert]

As have I. I just related that my dealer, who has plenty of other faults, actually did something positive that I'm willing to pay for.

What did they do for ya?

 

[MADDOG]

Do you happen to know if the pcm change and tuner for sure voids the warranty? I have heard of a couple of people saying that the dealer might turn the MDS off as well, any truth to that?

The dealer, and FCA, can make a case that by modifying your vehicle you caused a problem. However, their attempts to blanket void your entire warranty is not legal. Rather, if your modification causes a failure of an OEM part, then it's on you. If your modification did not cause the failure of an OEM part, then it's on them.

Let's look at some examples:

1. You install an aftermarket exhaust system and in doing so, one of the pipes comes in contact with an electrical harness. As a result, that harness burns and a serious short circuit results. This fries some modules and your LED tail lights. Is it on you? You bet it is.

2. You install an aftermarket exhaust system. Somewhere down the road your head unit fails to power on. Dealer claims your exhaust system voided your truck's warranty in it's entirety. Well, no...these two systems are not connected and that is total BS. The fix is on them.

Dealer's won't touch turning off MDS nor will they touch making any changes to the TPMS systems for that matter.

 

[RAMconvert]

The dealer, and FCA, can make a case that by modifying your vehicle you caused a problem. However, their attempts to blanket void your entire warranty is not legal. Rather, if your modification causes a failure of an OEM part, then it's on you. If your modification did not cause the failure of an OEM part, then it's on them.

Let's look at some examples:

1. You install an aftermarket exhaust system and in doing so, one of the pipes comes in contact with an electrical harness. As a result, that harness burns and a serious short circuit results. This fries some modules and your LED tail lights. Is it on you? You bet it is.

2. You install an aftermarket exhaust system. Somewhere down the road your head unit fails to power on. Dealer claims your exhaust system voided your truck's warranty in it's entirety. Well, no...these two systems are not connected and that is total BS. The fix is on them.

Dealer's won't touch turning off MDS nor will they touch making any changes to the TPMS systems for that matter.

Seems like a pretty slippery slope to me. It already has more power than my old Ford, guess I will get a pedal commander, a mopar exhaust and intake and call it good for now...at least performance wise..lol!

 

[Ramm5.7]

Dont forget to shut of mds with steering wheel switchs. I try n remember to switch trans to 8 when i get in and fire it up, avoids the agonizing 4 cylinder sound..lol

 

[RAMconvert]

Dont forget to shut of mds with steering wheel switchs. I try n remember to switch trans to 8 when i get in and fire it up, avoids the agonizing 4 cylinder sound..lol

You do this every time?

 

[Ramm5.7]

Well, you will get differences of opinion im sure but i dont like it when it kicks in and havent seen any appreciable mpg gains. But then i dont drive low n slow either, more like so i can appreciate the hemi...lol