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ECO mode / Cylinder De-activation / MDS - How Do I Turn It OFF

Speedracer93CobraR

Speedracer93CobraR

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I really don't like the MDS/cylinder de-activation on my 2020 RAM 2500. It was more tolerable on my GMC 1500, but I notice it a lot more in my 2500 Hemi and do NOT like it.

I have a friend who is a shop owner and has "HP Tuners", but was unable to do anything on my truck. He said after researching it that the new stuff (~2018 up) will not load or work on his program.

How can I shut off the MDS (4 cylinder) mode?

* I did perform a search on this forum, but did not find anything.
 
Speedracer93CobraR said:
I really don't like the MDS/cylinder de-activation on my 2020 RAM 2500. It was more tolerable on my GMC 1500, but I notice it a lot more in my 2500 Hemi and do NOT like it.

I have a friend who is a shop owner and has "HP Tuners", but was unable to do anything on my truck. He said after researching it that the new stuff (~2018 up) will not load or work on his program.

How can I shut off the MDS (4 cylinder) mode?

* I did perform a search on this forum, but did not find anything.
Click to expand...
I'm with you. I hate how the MDS feels when driving around town. I have not found a plug in tuner yet that can disable it. T/H mode or locking trans in 8 are the only solutions I've seen so far.

Greg
2019 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | 6.4 HEMI
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310
 
Pronto said:
Some people swear by using tow/haul mode when driving around town. Supposedly drives better.
Click to expand...

I find tow/haul annoying unless I'm actually towing.. shift points are changed and gears are held longer.
 
As was stated...hit the - gear button once...then hit the + until you're at 8 (8th gear).

But...you will need to do it everytime you put it in park and then back in drive...not everytime you turn the truck off, although you'd need to do this too. I routinely put my truck in park at stoplights and such (get the pads off the rotors).

At least that's what I have to do on my 2017 Rebel. I turn MDS off in town...but on the highway I let it do its job. Once you get used to it...it's a couple quick clicks and done.
 
I think a lot of us don't like the MDS. I use the limiter to shut it off as I also get the display for what gear I am in then. I hate that it does not show what gear it is in all the time. I only use tow/haul when I am actually towing our trailer.
 
Seems like somebody could program that + and - button to remember to stay in that mode all the time. They make them for start stop. That button is the key I think.
 
So when you put it in tow/haul mode, or gear limit at 8, dosent it also prevent torque converter lock up? Most trucks that I've had, Ford and Chevy, keep it out of lock up when you enter tow/haul mode.
 
Would a dummy trailer plug in the trucks receptacle fool the mds?
It might be worth a try verses having to shut it down manualy every time you shut down.
 
SL1 said:
Would a dummy trailer plug in the trucks receptacle fool the mds?
It might be worth a try verses having to shut it down manualy every time you shut down.
Click to expand...
MDS hasn't changed when I've plugged in any trailer... only turning on tow/haul (when towing) or using the gear limiter.
 
I must have gotten lucky on my 2020 6.4 as I am approaching 9000 miles and not once have I noticed MDS. What is it doing that bugs people? I have read the sound is different and it can feel rougher, mine has neither of those things. Occasionally the eco green light comes on but nothing changes as far as feel or sound of the truck.
 
jadmt said:
I must have gotten lucky on my 2020 6.4 as I am approaching 9000 miles and not once have I noticed MDS. What is it doing that bugs people? I have read the sound is different and it can feel rougher, mine has neither of those things. Occasionally the eco green light comes on but nothing changes as far as feel or sound of the truck.
Click to expand...

When the green eco light comes on you're in MDS. I can't notice any performance change but I drive with a heavy foot so it doesn't come on very often.
 
SL1 said:
Would a dummy trailer plug in the trucks receptacle fool the mds?
It might be worth a try verses having to shut it down manualy every time you shut down.
Click to expand...

Dummy plug disables rear park sense and if equipped, BSM is set to trailer and (IIRC) 20ft distance (may be dependent on trailer brake type selection).

Kind of a pain over just pressing a button. It's the same issue with the EB not being sticky on the diesel trucks.
 
Good to know. I agree with just pressing the buttons btw. Before my cummins I drove a 2020 gas 1500. I just drove it and never paid attention to the mds. It was pretty seamless IMO but, under certain conditions did lag a bit...I just stepped down a bit more on the go pedal to solve the issue.
 
I have a 2021 PW 75A and went on my first long trip last weekend...2200 miles round trip.

I have a newly installed MBRP exhaust too.

With that being said I absolutely love the 6.4 / 8 speed combo. I managed 8 miles straight of the engine being in MDS on a flat road....amazing. I was also amazed that it would stay in 8th gear
during slight up hill roads. My 2017 Rebel 5.7 would never do this.

I managed 14.5mpg on my 6.4 after calculating the last few tankfuls on my long trip. Very happy with the sound of the MBRP (during MDS and also while in full 8 mode).

The MBRP exhaust on my PW also has a good sound while in MDS...not as pronounced as my 5.7 2017 Rebel.
 
The pulsar lists the option of MDS deactivation

Pulsar 32454 Pulsar Module

2019-2022 RAM 6.4L HEMI performance has arrived! Pulsar is a brand new, innovative product that has been engineered to keep your PCM on the truck with no flash tuning, or removal of the computer itself, required. Pulsar is an in-line computer that connects directly to the vehicle PCM, with no...
edgeproducts.com edgeproducts.com

Anyone have it and can confirm it disables MDS?
 
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