2014 Dodge Ram

[bc.gold 3,403]

Pat just purchased a 2014 Ram  one owner with the 3.6 litre engine coupled to a ZF 8HP transmission, not really a work truck but with the full frame and larger tires it makes pot holes smooth out.

 

After the purchase we went to the Dodge dealership and had them pull the options ticket and to check if any recalls were outstanding. The dealer claims the ZF transmission is a life time fill, forgot to ask what they're interpretation of life time is.

 

With 130K on the truck I'll change the trans oil with a new filter, filter and oil pan are integral.

 

If any of you use a bidirectional OBDII, I would appreciate your recommendations on which unit would be a good purchase, I don't want Pat to be dealer dependant..

Edited March 16, 2023 by bc.gold

[Achto 27,594]

5 hours ago, bc.gold said:

If any of you use a bidirectional OBDII

 

This is one of those tools that you can spend from $10 on up over $1000. I have a budget model that I keep in my truck. Think I paid $35 for it at Harbor Freight. Does not have a lot of bells & whistles but it will give me the codes and allow me to clear them after the repair is made.

[peter lena 8,632]

@bc.gold totally agree with the trans oil filter change , would recommend  getting some penetrating oil into every closed body seam , wheel well arch  seaming , also note that in canada   , under spraying vehicles with waste oil is quite common , terrific lubrication / rust stopping protection . look this up , its on line , pete 

[Handy Don 12,233]

8 hours ago, bc.gold said:

If any of you use a bidirectional OBDII

I use a VeePeak that plugs into the port and connects via bluetooth to the ODB Fusion app on my iPhone. There are several models--I chose a “mid-price” one.

 

The iPhone app cost 5 or 7 bucks, as I recall, and gets updated regularly. It is quite easy to use and has the full range of monitors and diagnostic codes, well presented and explained. For you buffs, it has configurable real-time dashboards with virtual instruments like speedo, tach, mass air, fuel rate, etc. (just what you need for distracted driving ). It does NOT need to be connected to the internet in regular use, only for updates.

 

Edited March 16, 2023 by Handy Don

[bc.gold 3,403]

My mistake, it's the VCDS instrument that I' interested in.

 

Many sensors, injectors etc being replaced on a modern engine require being coded into the ECU..

 

My Jetta has triggered a code indicating bad fuel injectior, when I purchased the car previous owner gave me four new injectors but installing those with different numbers from the originals will require coding.

 

On Pat's GM truck after replacing the distributor had to take the truck to the local shop for coding.

 

Now that we've moved out of the stoneage, I can see the value of owning a VCDS.

 

 

[Handy Don 12,233]

Oh yeah, this is the new “gotta take it to the dealer” rip off, though I can understand that there are plenty of safety caveats.

 

In the U.S. recently, John Deere finally lost its court battle to keep technical access for repairs to its equipment out of the hands of owners. They now have to allow purchase of tooling and technical manuals. Some dealers are already setting up tool rentals!