2013–2018 RAM 2500/3500 · 6.7L CUMMINS
2013–2018 6.7 Cummins repair in Tucson: weak points & fixes.
The 2013–2018 6.7 Cummins is the most refined of the fourth-gen trucks, with big torque and DEF emissions. Its weak spots are the grid heater bolt, emissions parts, the turbo and the 68RFE. Here’s what we see and how we fix it at your location.
- 350–385 hp660–930 lb-ft stock
- Common railVGT · DPF · DEF
- 68RFE · Aisin · G56transmissions
- We come to youTucson & nearby
Jump to a system
KNOW YOUR TRUCK
Which transmission do you have?
On these trucks, the transmission sets the engine rating and changes what we check first.
350 hp / 660 lb-ft
- Six-speed manual
- Clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear items
370 hp / 800 lb-ft
- Most 2500 and 3500 trucks
- The 68RFE is the weak link with towing or power
385 hp / 850–930 lb-ft
- High Output, Ram 3500 (and chassis cab)
- Torque rose each year to 930 lb-ft by 2017–2018
- Much stronger automatic
POWER THROUGH THE YEARS
Where the 2013–2018 6.7 Cummins fits in Cummins history.
Peak factory pickup ratings by generation, horsepower and torque. Yours is highlighted. Tap any bar to see that generation.
- Horsepower
- Torque (lb-ft)
WEAK POINTS, SYSTEM BY SYSTEM
What fails on the 2013–2018 6.7 Cummins, and how we fix it.
Tap a system to see what fails, what you’ll notice and how we fix it. Common = we see it often. Towing / tuned = shows up with heavy loads or added power. High miles = age and wear items.
Grid heater & engine
Grid heater bolt failureCommon
You’ll notice: often nothing until it fails; a dropped bolt or nut can go into the engine.
Why: The intake grid heater is held by a small bolt and nut. Heat and vibration can loosen it, and it can drop into cylinder 6.
Our fix: We replace the factory setup with the Banks Monster-Ram, which removes the problem bolt and is 50-state legal on these years.
Crankcase vent (CCV) filterHigh miles
You’ll notice: oil in the intake and intercooler.
Why: A clogged CCV filter builds crankcase pressure.
Our fix: We replace it on schedule and clean up any oil it pushed into the intake.
DEF, EGR & DPF
DEF system faultsCommon
You’ll notice: DEF warnings, reduced power countdown, check engine light.
Why: DEF heaters, sensors and the doser fail with age and heat, and old DEF crystallizes.
Our fix: We find the failed part and replace it, keeping the truck emissions legal. Some trucks also need the Recall 67A software update from Ram.
EGR cooler and valveCommonTowing / tuned
You’ll notice: EGR codes, coolant loss, rough running.
Why: Heat and soot clog or crack the cooler and stick the valve.
Our fix: We clean or replace the cooler and valve with quality parts.
Clogged DPFHigh miles
You’ll notice: frequent regens, reduced power.
Why: Short trips and idling prevent the filter from cleaning itself.
Our fix: We find the cause and clean or replace the filter.
VGT turbo & air
VGT actuator and sticking vanesCommon
You’ll notice: low power, surging, a weak exhaust brake, turbo codes.
Why: Soot builds up on the turbo vanes, and the electronic actuator can fail.
Our fix: We service the turbo when possible, or replace the actuator or turbo.
Exhaust manifold leaksTowing / tuned
You’ll notice: ticking on cold start, exhaust smell.
Why: Heat cycles crack the factory manifold and break bolts.
Our fix: We install a BD Diesel two-piece pulse manifold built to expand without cracking.
Fuel system
Lift pump and fuel supplyTowing / tuned
You’ll notice: hard starts, power loss on hills, fuel pressure codes.
Why: A weak in-tank lift pump starves the injection pump and injectors.
Our fix: We test supply and replace the pump or upgrade to a FASS system.
Injector wearHigh miles
You’ll notice: rough idle, smoke, a miss.
Why: Water and dirt wear injectors.
Our fix: We replace failed injectors with quality new or remanufactured units.
Cooling
Radiator and cooling wearTowing / tunedHigh miles
You’ll notice: running hot towing in summer, coolant leaks.
Why: Plastic tanks crack with heat and age.
Our fix: We pressure-test and replace worn parts, including an XDP X-Tra Cool radiator.
68RFE automatic
Converter shudder and slippingCommonTowing / tuned
You’ll notice: shudder at light throttle, slipping, high transmission temps.
Why: The 68RFE’s converter, valve body and clutches are the weak links behind 800 lb-ft.
Our fix: We service it, add a deeper pan, and repair or replace it with a Randy’s built unit or a Jasper remanufactured one.
Front end & steering
Death wobble and loose steeringCommonHigh miles
You’ll notice: a violent shake after a bump, wandering, play in the wheel.
Why: Worn track bar, tie rods, ball joints and steering box. Some trucks also have open steering recalls.
Our fix: We check for recalls and rebuild the front end with heavy-duty parts.
RELIABILITY UPGRADES
Bulletproof it in the right order.
If you plan to keep your 2013–2018 6.7, these are the upgrades we recommend, in the order that protects it best.
- Banks Monster-RamRemoves the grid heater bolt that can drop into the engine. 50-state legal.Call nowRequest a quote
- FASS fuel systemWater separation and filtration protect the injection pump and injectors.Call nowRequest a quote
- GaugesExhaust temp, transmission temp and boost on a monitor.Call nowRequest a quote
- Transmission coolingA deeper 68RFE pan and fresh fluid, or a built transmission for towing.Call nowRequest a quote
- Front endHeavy-duty parts stop death wobble.Call nowRequest a quote
- DEF careFresh DEF and a healthy heater and sensor prevent derates.Call nowRequest a quote
- Differential coolingA Banks Ram-Air rear cover keeps gear oil cooler when towing.Call nowRequest a quote
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
2013–2018 6.7 Cummins service intervals.
These are Ram’s factory intervals from the owner’s manual schedule. The factory “severe” column covers towing, dusty roads, short trips and long idling, which describes most working trucks in Southern Arizona. Our recommendation follows the severe schedule, with oil every 5,000 miles and fuel filters every 10,000.
| Service | Factory, normal use | Factory, severe use | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 15,000 mi / 6 months / 500 hours (maximum) | Sooner, per the oil change indicator | Every 5,000 mi |
| Fuel filters | 15,000 mi / 12 months | Same | Every 10,000 mi |
| Engine air filter | 30,000 mi / 24 months | Inspect at every oil change | Inspect at every oil change |
| Crankcase vent (CCV) filter | 67,500 mi / 54 months | Same | 67,500 mi / 54 months |
| Coolant flush | 150,000 mi / 120 months | Same | 150,000 mi / 120 months |
| Serpentine belt | 100,000 mi | Inspect at oil changes | Inspect at oil changes |
| 68RFE fluid & filters | 120,000 mi | 60,000 mi | 60,000 mi |
| Aisin AS69RC fluid & filter | 30,000 mi / 24 months | Same | 30,000 mi / 24 months |
| Transfer case fluid | 60,000 mi / 48 months | 30,000 mi / 24 months | 30,000 mi / 24 months |
| Front & rear axle fluid | Not set by the factory | 15,000 mi (2013–2017); 20,000 mi (2018) | 15,000 mi (2013–2017); 20,000 mi (2018) |
| Valve lash check & adjust | 150,000 mi | Same | 150,000 mi |
Always go by your owner’s manual for your exact truck. Factory figures are maximums, and the dash service reminder comes first when it shows sooner.
WANT MORE POWER?
2013–2018 6.7 Cummins performance upgrades.
Staged builds, lift pumps, transmission, exhaust and suspension upgrades for the 2013–2018 6.7 Cummins.
BUYING A 2013–2018 6.7 CUMMINS?
Get it inspected before you buy.
Our Diesel Pre-Purchase Inspection checks the engine, fuel system, transmission and front end, and looks for signs of past problems. We meet you at the seller.
How mobile service worksTell us your truck and where it is, we diagnose on site, you approve a written estimate, and we fix it where it sits.
See how it works →PLAIN-ENGLISH GLOSSARY
2013–2018 6.7 Cummins terms, explained.
- DEF
- Diesel exhaust fluid. Sprayed into the exhaust to lower emissions.
- SCR
- Selective catalytic reduction. The catalyst that uses DEF.
- VGT
- Variable geometry turbo, with a built-in exhaust brake.
- Grid heater
- An intake air heater for cold starts. Its bolt is a known failure point.
- 68RFE
- Ram’s six-speed automatic on most 2500 and 3500 trucks.
- Aisin AS69RC
- The heavier-duty automatic behind the High Output engine.
- CARB EO
- A California Air Resources Board Executive Order number. It means a part is legal for street use in all 50 states.
Name-brand partsWe install proven brands like Banks, Edge, FASS, XDP, Randy’s Transmissions, Jasper, BD Diesel and Pacbrake.
See all the brands we install →OWNER QUESTIONS
2013–2018 6.7 Cummins questions, answered.
Is the 2013–2018 6.7 Cummins reliable?
Yes. The engine is very strong. Most problems are emissions parts, the turbo, the grid heater bolt, the 68RFE and the front end.
What is Recall 67A?
A Ram software update for 2013–2018 6.7 Cummins trucks that changes DEF dosing to lower emissions. Your dealer does it at no cost.
Do you delete emissions equipment?
No. We repair and upgrade with emissions-legal parts only.
Why don’t you list prices for these repairs?
Every truck is different. Mileage, past repairs and how it’s used all change the parts and labor. Call us at 520-990-1033 and we’ll quote your truck.
What warranty do repairs have?
Repair labor is backed for 1 year or 12,000 miles, and new parts carry their manufacturer’s warranty. Warranty details →
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR TRUCK
Call, text or request a quote.
Tell us your year, mileage and what you want done. We’ll recommend the right repair, quote it and come to you.