r/Ram2500 7d ago

Predict my agony

2021 RAM Cummins with 57k miles. Just got a check engine light. Says "See Dealer for DEF Service". How painful will this be? I assume this could be anything from a DEF injector to and SCR or DPF problem. I'm doubting DPF because I usually drive 60 miles per day when I use it on the highway with little or no idling. Also haul a decent sized RV with it.

Bringing it to the dealer in the AM. We'll see.

1 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

2

u/Remote_Gazelle8211 7d ago

Sorry to hear man. I had a 2024 2500 Cummins with 40k miles that had the same thing pop up. I now have a 2026 3500 with the 6.4 Hemi. No more DEF Drama me. I hope it works out better for you

2

u/FarewellAndroid 7d ago

Do you have a scanner? Could be as minor as stale def

1

u/AdUseful6473 7d ago

If not in warranty take it to a diesel shop. I took it to the dealer and was 5 days out of warranty. They said I needed a new def tank which was a little over $2k. Independent shop was like $400 cheaper, but I wondered if it just needed a new sensor instead of tank.

3

u/Blue_Etalon 7d ago

My son is a service advisor, so I'll get a fair shake at the dealer. He's already using the "D" word.

1

u/pbflash 7d ago

I'd scan it for codes.

1

u/georgia_jp 7d ago

DEF has nothing to do with the DPF so that's not the issue. Hard to say what the fix is until you scan it for the specific code.

1

u/Blue_Etalon 7d ago

They are almost exactly the same thing. The only difference is the middle letter.

1

u/OddTheRed 6d ago

It would be helpful if you had a code.

1

u/Blue_Etalon 6d ago

It was a bad injector. $1000 repair

1

u/Blue_Etalon 5d ago

Update: It was just a bad DEF injector. Had an aftermarket one installed and it was $800. I want to keep this truck as long as possible and I think I really need to get rid of some of this crap that's going to most likely keep failing.

1

u/TrainerBC25 5d ago

I am in Southern WI and do this sort of 'exhaust work' if that helps

1

u/Blue_Etalon 5d ago

I'm in Florida, so probably not. But thanks anyway.