USMCRet93

Hello to everyone. I am a "newbie" in more ways than one. Not only am I a newbie to this forum, but I am also a newbie to diesel trucks. Last November I purchased a Dodge Ram 2500 with the intention of using it to tow a 15,000 travel trailer from Calif to Texas.

A few weeks ago I saw that the fuel filter life was down to about 20%. I went to a local dealership (not the one I purchased the truck from, I am currently working about 400 miles away from home) and asked about having the fuel filter changed. I was told it would cost about $200.00. When asked why so much, I was told it was because my truck had 2 fuel filters that needed to be changed. Ok, news to me, but as I said, I know nothing about diesel trucks. I didn't have $200.00 to spare at that time.... but returned to that dealership a few weeks later to have the job done. After waiting for seven hours, I am told that my truck is done, and the bill is $118.00. I ask about the difference in price, and find out that they replaced only one of the fuel filters, not both.

Being new to diesels, I have no idea what is standard and what is not. Is it standard to only replace one of the filters, or should both of them have been changed? When I got back into the truck I pulled up the display for the fuel filter expecting to see the filter life at 100%. Instead, the display showed 89% life. Is this because only one of the filters was replaced? What are the disadvantages if only one of the filters are replaced and not the other?

I am really out of my depth here, and would appreciate any advice....


USMCRet93

Outlaw46

just my opinion....but if I was going to change one filter, I would change both.

If you are slightly mechanically inclined, I would also say change them yourself, save the money the dealer charges....

I would guess that you have the filter insert style and not spin ons. either way ii isn't that hard to change....

Hope all works out...

USMCRet93

That would be a good idea.... but I have no idea where to begin looking for fuel filters on this truck.....





USMCRet93

jadocs

It should show you in the owners manual. There is one in the engine bay and one under your truck to the rear by the fuel tank. I purchased both filters (MOPAR) for $95 in preparation for my first change.

I do find it odd that your computer showed 89% (even if they changed one), because it is manually reset. I am unaware if the computer is smart enough to know if one filter is changed.

Outlaw46

you can pick up a chiltons or haynes manual and they pretty much walk you thru most service items step by step, on things like that...

I am not sure but probably there is a filter under the hood and one under neath mounted on frame....

also if you go to just about any parts store they can print you a diagram of location....just depends on how updated there system is.

Doc12

After changing the filter and resetting the % until change they may have done a flash.
I had a flash done on my truck and it reduced the % remaining.

BigIron70

These filters normally go 15,000 miles before replacement is required. There is also a PCM flash update that will address this issue. DCU must be updated afterwards along with transmission relearn procedure.

Urea system calibration changes.
· Fuel Filter Minder Calibration Changes.
· Cruise control system improvements.
· Improvements in exhaust brake switch operation.
· Charging system improvements for dual alternator applications.
· Cold Idle Stability improvements.
· Charge Air Cooler (CAC) leak detection software improvements.
· Various wiTECH data and system test additions or improvements.
· 68RFE Transmission shift quality improvements.
· Doser Thaw Calibrations (with proper doser calibration). Ensure SB 18-032-13 (or
later bulletin) is also completed to update Doser Control Unit (DCU).
· I/M OBD II readiness - DTC P2002 improvements help Particulate Matter (PM) Filter
monitor group to be set to ready more often.
· Grid Heater inhibit operation correction.
· Add engine run time to fuel filter minder.
· Dual alternator WiTECH improvements.
· Inducement timer reset procedure improvement.
· DEF refill detection calibration improvement.