Ram/Cummins Turbo Diesel Technical Articles

GENERAL INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Download PDF (1mb)
In this FAQ document you will find that we've given a concise answer to each question and often referenced detailed (often four to six page articles) where the reader can get more information.

MOST POPULAR FAQ Download PDF (.5mb)
We address the most common questions our tech support people get about the Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel trucks.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY TRUCK? Download PDF (3.5mb)
The staff at Geno’s Garage (with help from our friends at the Turbo Diesel Register) presents a list of Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel flaws and fixes.

WISH I'D KNOWN THAT - TDR 77 Download PDF (1.8mb)
Some of the most common problems with the Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel trucks.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES AND YOU Download PDF (1mb)
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DCT) for the Dodge Turbo Diesel owner. Find out what they mean.

'94-'98 DODGE DIESEL "NO START" CONDITION Download PDF (1mb)
Read about a common "No Start" condition that can be caused by the fuel solenoid and how to test for it.

'94-'02 'SPORT' HEADLIGHT CONVERSION - TDR 77 Download PDF (2.3mb)
Here is how you go about converting the stock single bulb (high and low filament) headlights to the dual bulb 'Sport' headlights that Dodge offered in Sport model trucks from '99-'02.

FUEL SYSTEM

DEMYSTIFYING THE '98-'02 DODGE DIESEL FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE Download PDF (1mb)
One of the most common questions we get is about testing the fuel pressure, which gauge to buy and how to install a fuel pressure gauge in a '98-'02 Dodge Cummins Diesel truck. We answer that for you in this brief tech sheet.

SO YOU WANT FUEL ECONOMY Download PDF (1mb)
A look at what the Turbo Diesel Register has learned about what works and what doesn't to improve the fuel mileage of your Turbo Diesel truck.

DODGE DIESEL TRUCK FUEL TRANSFER PUMPS REVISITED - TDR BUYER'S GUIDE Download PDF (2mb)
While this article focuses on the '98.5-'02 truck owners, this collection of TDR oldies also has tips for the '94-'98 12-valve owners and '03-'07 owners. The information was pulled from our issue 32, 48, and 50 magazines. Updates have been added to reflect the latest part number information.

FUEL INJECTORS FOR 2003 AND NEWER HPCR ENGINES Download PDF (5mb)
An all-encompassing article on fuel injectors in Ram Cummins trucks that use the HPCR fuel system. From 'Principles of Operation' to 'Injector Removal and Replacement'.

FUEL FILTERS FOR YOUR '03-NEWER TRUCK - TDR ISSUE 77 Download PDF (2.5mb)
What can you do about getting better fuel filtration for your '03-newer Turbo Diesel truck? Let's take a look.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE FUEL TRANSFER PUMP ON YOUR '03-NEWER TRUCK - TDR ISSUE 76 Download PDF (3mb)
Installing a parallel fuel transfer pump on a 2010 Dodge Turbo Diesel truck. A FASS pump becomes the primary pump, the in-tank fuel pump serves as the spare. Was it worth it? Read and find out.

'89-'09 FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE INSTALLATION TIPS Download PDF (1mb)
We offer some tips on how to easily tap into the fuel system for gauge installation.

'89-'98 FUEL TRANSFER PUMP INSTALLATION TIPS Download PDF (1mb)
Just a couple of helpful tips for installing the plunger-type fuel transfer pump in '89-'98 Dodge Turbo Diesel trucks.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE VP44 FUEL SYSTEM ISSUES - by BLUE CHIP DIESEL Go to VP44 Article
We know that there are many good vendors that are specialized in a particular component or part. When it comes to the VP44 fuel injection pump that is used on '98.5-'02 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel truck, there is none better than Blue Chip Diesel of East Derry, New Hampshire. If you think you are having trouble with the VP44 in your truck, you need to read the entire article we've linked to. This article gets updated frequently, so check back.

ENGINE

INSTALLING A REDESIGNED FLUIDAMPR HARMONIC DAMPER - TDR ISSUE 114 Download PDF (3mb)
A Fluid Dampr is a substantial improvement Over the Cummins factory damper. From TDR #114, Moses Ludel walks us through an installation.

6.7L VARIABLE GEOMETRY TURBOCHARGER REVIEW - TDR ISSUE 104 Download PDF (2mb)
Compared to a wastegate, or even an electronically controlled wastegate, the VGT is a complex piece of machinery. Here are some of the latest updates on the Cummins/Holset VGTs on '07.5 and newer Ram Turbo Diesel trucks.

6.7L TURBO ACTUATOR FAILURE AND CITY DIESEL REPLACEMENT - TDR ISSUE 112 Download PDF (3mb)
Turbo boost drops to zero and normal acceleration ceases. The result: P00AF, "turbo boost control module", and P003A, "turbocharger boost control module position exceeded learning limit" have been triggered by the ECM. What does this all mean?

UNDERSTANDING AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS (PART I - AIR DENSITY) - TDR ISSUE 56 Download PDF (2mb)
This two part article will help to explain how an air intake system works using engineering principals and dynamometer test data. Part 1 will discuss airflow and show the effects different intake components have on engine power. Part 2 will discuss air density and show the effects air density has on engine power.

UNDERSTANDING AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS (PART II - AIR DENSITY) - TDR ISSUE 59 Download PDF (1mb)
As you will see in this article, when you test a truck under real-world conditions, power improvements from most aftermarket intakes will diminish due to the effects of heat under the hood.

AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS - REVISITED - TDR ISSUE 114 Download PDF (2mb)
You Can't beat the OEM Filter.

AIR FILTERS...ONE MORE TIME - TDR ISSUE 80 Download PDF (2.5MB)
Paper versus gauze air filters and dust out conditions.

TIME TO INSPECT THE HARMONIC DAMPER- TDR ISSUE 73 Download PDF (7mb)
If you never paid much attention to this black doughnut and did not realize that it required any sort of inspection or maintenance, it does in fact deserve our attention. Learn about this important piece of our Mighty Cummins Diesel engine.

KILLER DOWEL PIN - TDR ISSUE 57 Download PDF (2mb)
The dowel pin has been (starting with production in 1983), and continues to be, used on the Cummins B-series engine as a locating and alignment point for the attachment of the front gear cover to the engine block. The problem that has been encountered by owners is predominately with the ’94-’98 12V engines.

DEBUNKING LUBE OIL MYTHS (PART 1) - TDR ISSUE 55 Download PDF (3mb)
In this article, the TDR will initiate readers into the mysteries of the lube oil industry and, along the way, debunk a few lube oil myths.

ANALYSIS OF LUBE OIL (PART 2) - TDR ISSUE 57 Download PDF (1mb)
Following up on the TDR 55 article, "Debunking Lube Oil Myths," we test more engine oils and provide the results.

LUBE OILS-VERSION 2012 - TDR ISSUE 76 Download PDF (2.5mb)
How are lube oils different in 2012 and why.

OIL FILTER EVALUATION - TDR ISSUE 71 Download PDF (2mb)
There are some things you should know about oil filtration and oil filters.

ANTIFREEZE FOR YOUR TRUCK - TDR ISSUE 62 Download PDF (2mb)
With the wide choice of antifreeze products at the auto parts store, it puzzles the mind. Which one is correct for your Dodge Turbo Diesel truck?

LUBE OILS, VERSION 2022: HERE WE GO AGAIN, CK-4 EVALUATION - TDR ISSUE 116 Download PDF (5mb)
We evaluate the latest CK-4 lube oils.

LUBE OILS, VERSION 2022: FOLLOW-UP - TDR ISSUE 117 Download PDF (3mb)
The editor overreacts to the Issue 116 test data.

DRIVETRAIN

'94-'04 LOCK/UNLOCK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TDR BUYER'S GUIDE Download PDF (2.5mb)
How do you stop the automatic transmission from unlocking when the truck is in overdrive or third gear? A collection of related articles about this common problem from over the years.

CHANGE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID - TDR ISSUE 64 Download PDF (3mb)
Learn how to get a complete fluid change in this article.

DEF INJECTOR REPLACEMENT - TDR ISSUE 116 Download PDF (2mb)
Service DEF System - See Dealer message on your screen? Here's a short but useful account about diagnosing and replacing the DEF injector. After reading this over you may want to opt to do this first - before taking your truck in to the dealer.

STEERING, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

3rd SUSPENSION UPGRADES - TDR ISSUE 91 Download PDF (2mb)
In this article we describe the repair of the factory steering linkage system and discuss the choice to upgrade to the newest factory design.

2nd GENERATION HANDLING AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS - TDR ISSUE 53 Download PDF (3mb)
Most of you are familiar with the death wobble, but it bears mentioning again. It is violent caster shimmy where the tire and axle shake after striking a pothole, un-even road surface or bump.

STEERING WOES - TDR ISSUE 74 Download PDF (4.5mb)
Get started in the right direction of correcting steering woes rather than replacing parts that may or may not help.

SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT/BILSTEIN SHOCKS - TDR ISSUE 75 Download PDF (3mb)
If you're going to replace the shocks in your Dodge Ram yourself, get this article to see how it's done.

BRAKE PAD SPOTTERS GUIDE - TDR ISSUE 51 Download PDF (3mb)
In order to help you out in the hunt for the right brake pad, here is a brief brake pad “spotter’s guide” which describes different brake pad types, their characteristics, and key features.

BRAKE UTOPIA - TDR ISSUE 50 Download PDF (4mb)
Quite simply brake vibrations are never a good thing. In fact, a common saying in the brake industry is, “The best brake system is an invisible brake system.” Let’s try to understand why this can sometimes be difficult to achieve.