NUMBER:
GROUP:
DATE:

18-015-15
Vehicle Performance
February 28, 2015

This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of FCA US LLC.

SUBJECT:
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination And/Or Intermittent No Crank No Start
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves inspecting the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) system for excessive water
and/or ice and drying the CAC components if needed. It also involves installing a winter
front cover.
MODELS:
2014-2015

(DS)

Ram 1500

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine (sales
code EXF) and engine block heater (sales Codes NHK).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A small number of customers may experience a MIL illumination when ambient
temperatures fall below 32°F (0 °C). Upon further inspection, a technician may find the
following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
•
•

P0299 - Turbocharger Underboost Condition
U1424 - Implausible Engine Torque Signal Received

In addition, a customer vehicle may come in with a no crank/no start. This may have
occurred after the vehicle has been driven for an extended period of time in extremely low
ambient and then allowed to sit overnight. Further diagnosis may indicate a possible
inoperative starter.
DISCUSSION:
A possible cause of these concerns may be contributed to internal icing of the Charge Air
Cooler (CAC) system and intake manifold. Icing will occur because warm, moist air from
the turbo charger is being rapidly cooled and the moisture is then condensed into liquid by
the CAC. The liquid is then distributed into the rest of the intake system, which is operating
at ambient temperature, where it will then freeze.
Vehicles that are driven for extended periods of time are susceptible to higher amounts of
ice build up within the intake manifold. Once the vehicle is turned off and allowed to sit, the
ice formation in the intake will begin to melt due to the elevated underhood temperatures.
The moisture will then run down the intake runners and accumulate in the combustion
chamber through an open intake valve causing the engine to hydro-lock.

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To help prevent icing in the CAC system when the vehicle is operated in low ambient
temperatures, it is highly recommended that the vehicle have winter front cover installed.
This raises the CAC outlet temperatures above freezing which will help reduce
condensation build up.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using a Scan Tool (wiTECH) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in
TechCONNECT, verify all vehicle systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs or
symptom conditions, other than the ones listed above are present, record the issues on the
repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.
If the customer describes the symptom/condition listed above or if the technician finds the
DTCs, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty.

Part No.

Description

1 (AR)

82213959AB

Winter Front Cover

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
NOTE: It may be necessary to allow the vehicle to sit inside the shop for at least an
hour to allow the engine block and oil temperatures to reach above freezing.
This will allow any frozen moisture in the CAC and intake to thaw completely
before attempting the repair procedure.
1. Did the vehicle come in as a no crank/no start?
a. Yes>>> Proceed to Step #2.
b. No>>> Proceed to Step #10.
2. Raise and support the vehicle on a suitable hoist. Refer to the detailed service
procedures in DealerCONNECT/techCONNECT Service Info section 04 - Vehicle
Quick Reference> Hoisting> Standard Procedure.
3. Remove the 5, 10 mm bolts securing the impact cover over the crankshaft pulley and
remove the cover. See (Fig. 1).

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Fig. 1 Crankshaft Pulley Impact Cover
4. Using a suitable ratchet and socket on the crankshaft pulley retaining bolt, attempt to
rotate the engine clockwise by hand. Does the engine turn over freely?
a. Yes>>> Further diagnostics for the no crank/no start condition is required. Refer to
normal published diagnostics in DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT and proceed to
Step #25.
b. No>>> Proceed to Step #5.
5. Remove all 6 glow plugs. Refer detailed service procedures in
DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT Service Information Section 08 - Electrical> 8I Ignition Control> Plug, Glow, 3.0L Diesel> Removal.
6. Rotate the engine clockwise by hand at least one full revolution to allow the majority of
accumulated water in the cylinders to be expelled out of the glow plug orifices or out
into the exhaust.
7. Engage the starter and crank the engine over for 5 seconds to expel any remaining
water from the cylinders.
8. Reinstall the glow plugs and tighten to 8 nm (71 in. lbs). Refer to detailed service
procedures in DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT Service Information Section 08 Electrical> 8I - Ignition Control> Plug, Glow, 3.0L Diesel> Installation.
9. Reinstall the crankshaft pulley impact cover. Proceed to Step #10.
10. Visually inspect and verify that all CAC hose connections and clamps are properly
installed and tight.
11. Raise and support the vehicle on a suitable hoist. Refer to the detailed service
procedures in DealerCONNECT/techCONNECT Service Info section 04 - Vehicle
Quick Reference> Hoisting> Standard Procedure.
12. Loosen the clamps and remove the lower CAC hose from between the CAC and
resonator. See (Fig. 2).

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Fig. 2 CAC System
1 - Lower CAC hose.

13. Inspect for and drain any accumulated water from the CAC hose. Dry using shop air.
14. Was excessive moisture found in the lower CAC tube?
a. Yes>>> Proceed to Step #15.
b. No>>> Further diagnostics are required for MIL illumination. Reinstall all removed
components and proceed to Step #25
15. Remove the Manifold Pressure (MAP)/Boost Pressure sensor. Refer detailed service
procedures in DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT Service Information Section 14 - Fuel
System> Fuel Injection, Diesel> Sensor, Boost Pressure> Removal.
16. Clean and dry all moisture from the sensor orifice.
17. Reinstall the Manifold Pressure (MAP)/Boost Pressure sensor. Refer detailed service
procedures in DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT Service Information Section 14 - Fuel
System> Fuel Injection, Diesel> Sensor, Boost Pressure> Installation.
18. Remove the CAC assembly. Refer detailed service procedures in
DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT Service Information Section 09 - Engine, 3.0L
Turbo Diesel> Turbocharger system> Cooler and Hoses, Charge Air> Removal.
19. Tip the CAC up on end and allow all accumulated moisture to thoroughly drain. Dry
using shop air if necessary.
20. Reinstall the CAC assembly. Refer detailed service procedures in
DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT Service Information Section 09 - Engine, 3.0L
Turbo Diesel> Turbocharger system> Cooler and Hoses, Charge Air> Installation.
21. Reinstall the lower CAC hose.
22. Lower the vehicle.
23. Using wiTECH, clear all stored DTCs.
24. Start the vehicle and allow to run for at least 20 minutes to ensure system is
completely dry.
NOTE: Be sure to leave a copy of the winter front cover installation/removal
instructions in the customer’s glove box.

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18-015-15

25. Install the winter front cover following the detailed installation instructions provided in
the winter front cover kit. See (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3 Winter Front Cover Installed
26. Instruct the customer to remove the cover when sustained day and night time
temperatures rise above 32°F (0 °C).
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation
No:

Description

Skill Category

Amount

07-58-10-90

Inspect for MIL illumination or no
crank/no start. No moisture found.
Includes Winter Front Cover
Installation.
(2 - Skilled)

10 - Diesel

0.4 Hrs.

07-58-10-91

Inspect and remove CAC, Drain and
10 - Diesel
dry air intake system. Includes Winter
Front Cover Installation. (Vehicle starts
and runs on arrival)
(2 - Skilled)

1.0 Hrs.

07-58-10-92

Inspect and remove glow plugs, CAC,
and dry air intake system. Includes
Winter Front Cover Installation. (No
crank/no start upon arrival)
(2 - Skilled)

1.6 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE:
ZZ

Service Action

10 - Diesel