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Regen Message

Or how many folks are regenerating more than they should be and aren’t aware of it because they’ve adopted the “pay no attention to the DPF gauge” policy.

I’ll admit I’m torn on it. I kinda wish I didn’t have a gauge or way to watch because I watch it way too much.

My 18 didn’t have a gauge or a % readout on the CTS2, just a light when regen was active. I preferred that, but it is noteworthy that my 22 is far more sensitive to empty driving than the 18 ever was.
 
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Or how many folks are regenerating more than they should be and aren’t aware of it because they’ve adopted the “pay no attention to the DPF gauge” policy.
I've watched the DPF gauge some. Mostly because threads like this shame me into it. So far, I can't find any reason to keep watching it.
 
I've watched the DPF gauge some. Mostly because threads like this shame me into it. So far, I can't find any reason to keep watching it.
As long as it’s working correctly.

Had I not watched the gauge routinely (like all the other gauges on the truck) I wouldn’t have known I had an issue. My own truck worked flawlessly for thousands of miles and then, over night, started regenerating three to four times as often without any change in daily drive cycles. Wouldn’t have caught that, or been able to start trying things to address it, if I hadn’t monitored the DPF function just like every other gauge on the truck. Currently on the mend after switching where I buy my fuel and eliminating additive.
 
I’ll admit I’m torn on it. I kinda wish I didn’t have a gauge or way to watch because I watch it way too much.

My 18 didn’t have a gauge or a % readout on the CTS2, just a light when regen was active. I preferred that, but it is noteworthy that my 22 is far more sensitive to empty driving than the 18 ever was.
My 17 was very similar in that it rarely regenerated aside from the time scheduled ones. I never had any aftermarket monitoring but learned to pick up on the regenerations just by sound and feel. It would be extremely enlightening to be able to compare the tuning, programming, and any hard parts between a previous generation truck and these current ones. I still feel like there were a lot of changes made that were regressive, rather than progressive.
 
As long as it’s working correctly.

Had I not watched the gauge routinely (like all the other gauges on the truck) I wouldn’t have known I had an issue. My own truck worked flawlessly for thousands of miles and then, over night, started regenerating three to four times as often without any change in daily drive cycles. Wouldn’t have caught that, or been able to start trying things to address it, if I hadn’t monitored the DPF function just like every other gauge on the truck. Currently on the mend after switching where I buy my fuel and eliminating additive.
My story is identical - first 7K miles no regen issues. I have used the same diesel fuel and HSS EDT additive on each fill-up - for the last 5K miles I can only get ~175 miles before an active regen if I am not towing - changed where I buy diesel and stopped the additive - no change in regen performance (on my 2nd tank of different fuel and additive). What a frustrating problem - and I have the MOPAR AB filter from Geno's. I really hope we figure this out
 
8500 miles on my 22 and have never once seen the DPF gauge leave zero. Haven’t watched it for long drives. Have never seen a message anywhere telling me it was in regen. It is mainly my tow vehicle so usually has a load behind it.
 
8500 miles on my 22 and have never once seen the DPF gauge leave zero. Haven’t watched it for long drives. Have never seen a message anywhere telling me it was in regen. It is mainly my tow vehicle so usually has a load behind it.
If you’re constantly towing with it, the DPF should stay at 0% almost continuously because the truck is working harder. That extra load results in higher EGT’s and higher temps inside the DPF which leads to passive regeneration. Passive regeneration burns the soot out without the truck having to initiate an active regeneration. Even if the gauge stays at 0%, after roughly 24 hours of engine run time, the system will trigger an active regeneration regardless of soot load. When this is initiated, There should be a message that says “automatic exhaust system regeneration in progress” when you scroll to the DPF screen.
 
My story is identical - first 7K miles no regen issues. I have used the same diesel fuel and HSS EDT additive on each fill-up - for the last 5K miles I can only get ~175 miles before an active regen if I am not towing - changed where I buy diesel and stopped the additive - no change in regen performance (on my 2nd tank of different fuel and additive). What a frustrating problem - and I have the MOPAR AB filter from Geno's. I really hope we figure this out
Try running a few more tanks of better fuel through without any additive. My truck continues to improve since cutting out the additive and switching fuel sources.
 
Hey Matt, Can you give an example of "better fuel"? Are we talking name brand stuff like Chevron?
I guess I should’ve explained better huh? “Better fuel” is kinda vague isn’t it? Sorry.

So long story short, I was having weird regeneration issues. Regenerating more frequently, soot load returning within ten miles of a regen finishing, etc etc.

I used to fuel up at Sheetz religiously but a few weeks ago, needed fuel and couldn’t get to a Sheetz. Stopped at a local BP and bought a tank of their fuel. (Coincidentally didn’t have any Hotshots EDT with me so that tank didn’t get any additive). Drove the truck the next day and instantly noticed the truck was running “better”. Felt stronger, smoother, more responsive etc. Noticed almost immediately that my passive regeneration was occurring on the highway more readily, whereas before it seemed like I had to drive for hours to see any passive regen.

Fast forward, I’m on my fourth tank of the BP fuel and the truck is in every way performing better.

Passive regeneration happens readily at highway speeds. Soot load stays low, burns out easily, and doesn’t return quickly, truck is stronger, runs smoother, has more noticeable power and responsiveness.

What’s different about the fuel? I have no idea.

All I can tell you is the BP fuel was about .20-30¢ more per gallon over Sheetz. I’m assuming there’s a difference in cetane level, % of biodiesel, maybe additives? Etc. Etc.

I honestly can’t tell you what fuel is better, but I guess my recommendation would be to try different fuel stations (maybe ones with higher turnover rates on their bulk tanks, and ones charging more money?). Pay attention to your soot load / DPF gauge.

Things to look for:

1. At 75mph on the highway, do you see evidence that passive regeneration is reducing the soot level? Keeping in mind this isn’t always an instantaneous thing. Sometimes it takes 20-30 minutes of constant driving, and you won’t see the gauge move, but on subsequent trips does the level lower some?

2. When the truck goes into regeneration, at highway speed (70-75mph) the cycle should finish at roughly 20-25 minutes and your gauge should be back at zero percent.

3. Pay attention to how rapidly soot load returns post-regen cycle. For example: prior to the fuel change and elimination of additive, I was seeing soot register back on the gauge anywhere from 12-40 miles after finishing a regen. Now with the new fuel and no additive, it usually takes me 200-300 miles before I see soot register, and within a few drive cycles on the highway I’m back to zero again. Level rises some, then goes back down. To me this is the way it should work. Keep in mind I’m daily driving my 22 3500 DRW HO and it’s 100% unloaded and no towing. Nothing I’m referring to included any towing.

4. How far can you go between regen cycles (hours and miles)
 
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I guess I should’ve explained better huh? “Better fuel” is kinda vague isn’t it? Sorry.

So long story short, I was having weird regeneration issues. Regenerating more frequently, soot load returning within ten miles of a regen finishing, etc etc.

I used to fuel up at Sheetz religiously but a few weeks ago, needed fuel and couldn’t get to a Sheetz. Stopped at a local BP and bought a tank of their fuel. (Coincidentally didn’t have any Hotshots EDT with me so that tank didn’t get any additive). Drove the truck the next day and instantly noticed the truck was running “better”. Felt stronger, smoother, more responsive etc. Noticed almost immediately that my passive regeneration was occurring on the highway more readily, whereas before it seemed like I had to drive for hours to see any passive regen.

Fast forward, I’m on my fourth tank of the BP fuel and the truck is in every way performing better.

Passive regeneration happens readily at highway speeds. Soot load stays low, burns out easily, and doesn’t return quickly, truck is stronger, runs smoother, has more noticeable power and responsiveness.

What’s different about the fuel? I have no idea.

All I can tell you is the BP fuel was about .20-30¢ more per gallon over Sheetz. I’m assuming there’s a difference in cetane level, % of biodiesel, maybe additives? Etc. Etc.

I honestly can’t tell you what fuel is better, but I guess my recommendation would be to try different fuel stations (maybe ones with higher turnover rates on their bulk tanks, and ones charging more money?). Pay attention to your soot load / DPF gauge.

Things to look for:

1. At 75mph on the highway, do you see evidence that passive regeneration is reducing the soot level? Keeping in mind this isn’t always an instantaneous thing. Sometimes it takes 20-30 minutes of constant driving, and you won’t see the gauge move, but on subsequent trips does the level lower some?

2. When the truck goes into regeneration, at highway speed (70-75mph) the cycle should finish at roughly 20-25 minutes and your gauge should be back at zero percent.

3. Pay attention to how rapidly soot load returns post-regen cycle. For example: prior to the fuel change and elimination of additive, I was seeing soot register back on the gauge anywhere from 12-40 miles after finishing a regen. Now with the new fuel and no additive, it usually takes me 200-300 miles before I see soot register, and within a few drive cycles on the highway I’m back to zero again. Level rises some, then goes back down. To me this is the way it should work. Keep in mind I’m daily driving my 22 3500 DRW HO and it’s 100% unloaded and no towing. Nothing I’m referring to included any towing.

4. How far can you go between regen cycles (hours and miles)
Thanks, Matt!
 
Thanks, Matt!
Sorry it’s long-winded. Lots to try and explain there and I’m sure I’m missing some points. I’ve been through the wringer with this truck. I’m still not sure if it’s “fixed” completely but it has been improving. I also just had the EGR cooler replaced under warranty. The truck was slowly losing coolant and trace signs of it were in my engine oil.
 
Sorry it’s long-winded. Lots to try and explain there and I’m sure I’m missing some points. I’ve been through the wringer with this truck. I’m still not sure if it’s “fixed” completely but it has been improving. I also just had the EGR cooler replaced under warranty. The truck was slowly losing coolant and trace signs of it were in my engine oil.
Not too long-winded and at all, and thanks for taking the time. You and I, and I'm sure many others, are having the same experiences with these trucks. I really don't believe Ram/Stellantis will step up and make any of us right or whole, but simply piecemeal it until our warranties run out or we give up and go away. It's pretty sad what they've done to a once-cherished brand and loyal customer base.
 
Not too long-winded and at all, and thanks for taking the time. You and I, and I'm sure many others, are having the same experiences with these trucks. I really don't believe Ram/Stellantis will step up and make any of us right or whole, but simply piecemeal it until our warranties run out or we give up and go away. It's pretty sad what they've done to a once-cherished brand and loyal customer base.
I agree. The regen frequency problem is significant, and should be addressed. In my case, it seems like fuel quality and maybe additives were part of the problem. I’m reluctant to do anymore experimentation on fuel sources or additives because I seem to finally have the truck back on the mend. I’ve been informed from multiple sources that Ram is investigating the regen frequency issue at the engineering level. I sincerely hope they come up with some answers and solutions soon. I would agree that they’re definitely toying with a very loyal customer base. Not a good business move. Too concerned with making electric toy trucks that go 100 miles and need charged. Time to get serious and get their backbone customer segment taken care of.
 
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