2020 2500 dealer service

[Mikeboz]

New member here, just purchased a 2020 2500 Laramie and being not real familiar with the RAM diesel, previous was a '06 powerstroke but it just couldn't handle the new travel trailer. My question being, I had it serviced at the dealer after we purchased it, oil change, trans service, and front and rear differential flush and new oil. When I got it home, check the trans fluid, wasn't even on the stick, so returned and they topped it off, got home and checked and still low, barely on the dipstick, had to add almost a quart. At this point I'm thinking better check the differentials, one of the problems I was having was on tight turns low speeds I would get the shutter so looking to fix that hopefully with the new differential service. But it was still there, they told me to drive it and it will go away, So I checked the level on the rear end which is an 11.5 and it was 2 in below the plug, so I called the dealer this time and the service manager informed me that it should be an inch to an inch and a half below, now in the '80s I worked at several dealerships as a line mechanic and I politely told him I disagree, I ended up putting two quarts in and it is approximately a quarter inch from the plug hole as the owner's manual states it should be. And the shutter that was still there after the dealer magically disappeared. Now looking over the owner's manual more carefully it says for the 11.5 single rear wheel takes the 75/85. The dealer put 75 w140 and I'm not sure if this is a big deal or not but I'm not real happy that it was not discussed with me before deciding to put a different oil in it than what was recommended. And also according to the paperwork they put four quarts in the front and two in the back, definitely was not 4 quarts in the front because I still had to add almost one to bring it up to the fill plug and the back I had to do two quarts so I think they have their heads up their butts. So if I could get some info from you good folks on whether the 75W140 is going to be a problem or should I make them put the 75W85 in. Not real happy with the dealership, $1,1 50 and they basically screwed up most of the job. Thanks

 

[flan]

And that’s why it’s wise to do these jobs yourself. The talent at most dealerships is about as good as the talent at a strip club on a Sunday afternoon.

 

[Mikeboz]

Agreed, normally I do most everything myself but was trying to get everything done before we head out west for a extended vacation. So another lesson learned again.

 

[SNJerz]

I feel your pain. I just bought a 2019 2500 and before i took delivery the dealer did a few things that I am questioning as well as the service history of the previous owner. So I just ordered stuff to knock out a lot of services myself over the next few weekends. I have the added benefit of having been a heavy equipment mechanic for 20 years just don't like getting dirty anymore

 

[carl2591]

Bought a used 2017 3500 in nov from original owner that ordered it from factory.. He did a good job of oil change and such and with 93K miles I asked about transmission, transfer, front rear diffs fluid which had not been done was they aer not due according to the owners manual.. He used it some for daily driver but mainly to tow a 5th wheel so that was a sign to change all fluids when I was able a month later. I replaced the valve body which was still in good working order to address that 68RFE issues right off.. I also replaced the drain pan to a pan with a drain.. so much better..

ONE tip,, do not get trans, fuel oil, filters off ebay or amazon.. Geno's or Docs diesel only or oil at walmart mopar brand. WHY.. I got what was put out as cummins filters but when i got them did not see the marking on them like on the older one..,, but pressed for time I used them anyway.. (in retrospect should have put old filters back in after dumping out fluid and send them fake filters back. ) This created a situation when starting up and putting quickly into gear was taking 5-20 seconds for the truck to move like normal.. during the day when doing normal stuff around town it was fine it was the sitting overnight that the fake round filter allows the fluid in TQ to drain out creating the issue..

replacing them with doc diesel filters refilling the pan I cranked it up let it sit for couple mins and put in gear.. normal.. I checked the level then drove around to get temp up and check again.. prefect right below the upper mark.. so i let it sit overnight and did the crank up and put in gear the next day and walla it was perfect.

Moral of the story.. do your own fluid changes if possible, use good quality filters, and good fluids.. I used oreillys ATF+4 in trans and transfer case and walmart synthetic gear oil in rear ends..