Remove tailgate = Check Engine Light?

[Bryan L]

We're in a 2014 RAM 3500 4x4 6.7 diesel SRW crew cab. After several days off pavement, we got back to the highway and headed for home. The "Check Engine Light" (CEL) came on. A call to the dealership and a conversation with the service department ensued and they arrived at the conclusion that I could drive it home, just watch it carefully. Made it fine.

Took it in to the dealer to get the CEL diagnosed. Was told it was a warning that the system could not 'see' the backup camera on the tailgate. Not surprising, since we had removed the tailgate almost 2 years prior in order to mount the camper. So why does the CEL just now come on? "I dunno, just one of those things..." was the response, along with the assurance there was nothing else wrong with the vehicle.

Anyone have an opinion on this? Sounds kind of sketchy to me but I'm no mechanic.

 

[MADDOG]

So did they actually scan the PCM to determine the code?

 

[huntergreen]

What was the code ?

 

[Bryan L]

Thanks for looking at this. Now I'll know to get that and write it down. Yes, he hooked up a reader to the connection under the dash and told me the code was that it couldn't "see" the tailgate camera. I'm starting to wonder if I should take it back for a second opinion.

 

[NCRaineman]

After two years? Maybe some dirt got into the open plug where the reverse camera should go and caused a faulty reading? I would think that if an unhooked reverse camera was going to generate a CEL it would happen right away. The onboard computer goes through sensor checks every time you fire the truck up and should detect a fault within 2-3 drive cycles.

 

[Bryan L]

Yes, I would have thought that too. I do have a dummy plug on the end of the wiring harness where the tailgate was plugged in. The light is still on and we were told it was ok to drive.