I recently bought a 2004 dodge ram 3500 diesel. It was used with 47,000k when I bought it from the dealer. It's a quad cab, reg box. Here's the problem.

The mileage sucks on this thing and even though it's under warranty, every dealership I go to gives me the run around. Normally these trucks get at least 600kms off of a tank in the city. That's guys who have a dually. Mines not and I'm getting just over 400k in the city.

I tried the highway. I got 500kms. Before I beat the EDIT out of this pile of garbage, can anyone tell me why my mileage sucks and everyone else is fine? Why are the dealerships such EDIT when it comes to fixing this? They keep telling me it's normal. Whatever. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Just to compare in city traffic in Florida I get 600 miles out of a tank. Mine is 2wd.

 

My 2500 will go 550-600 miles full to empty, although I never run it down past 1/4 tank.

First we need more info on your truck, please fill in your signature.

Start with the basics first like filters, replace them.

Any other problems with the truck, does is run rough, lack power or does it run fine?


Also Welcome to DTR.

 

What gears do you have? 4.10's or 3.73's? Stick or Auto? I get around 17 mpg with a heavy foot. Adding a chip like a Edge EZ helps mileage a little.

 

Hi. Thanks for your help. I'm not sure how to do my signature, I'm not to good with computers.Sorry.I can tell you that it's an 04 5.9l cummins laramie. I've done all the filters, fuel and oil change and air. It's a 3500 highoutput too. I've never driven any other trucks but this thing feels pretty strong and doesn't run rough. A long shot here but my buddies got a dually, 04 and he told me when he punches it he can spin the tires once in a while. Mine never does. It revs up but won't peel. I think mine might have a traction control or something. In the rain, it's all over the road. I've spent close to $800 changing filters and doing premature oil changes. I've tried fuel conditioner too. No luck.

 

welcome I usually get 15-18 but I am usually pushing that needle past 2000 rpms I usaully average 13-15 when I'm travelling the freeways on average of 2500 rpms plus

 

could be you have 4:10 gears. great pulling gears not so great milage. you can find out looking in your glove box theres a white sticker in it. also could be winter fuel i know my milage drops every winter due to this. as far as not spinning tires with the brake on you can thank tourque managment for that as well as a sloppy converter.

 

I have 4.10 gears on a 2nd gen.3500 dually.
With careful driving, I can get 20+ mpg on the road. (empty)
With normal driving, maybe 17.

 

I've notice a lot of second gen duallies are only seeing 14mpg. Coming off an older Ford 7.3 that's two better. Premium highway conditions, 60mph, I may see 16mpg. This is 4x4 mind you, with a steel flat deck.

 

I did the math. I'm getting between 10 to 11.5 Miles. I don't think the gears are 4:10's. At 100MPH It's just about 2200rpms.What the heck is wrong?

 

Iam NOT 4.10 gears and 100MPH is about 2800+ RPMS

 

Chinook Country, Mine is a 2001 3500 6 spd. 4x4 dually with 3.73 gears. Running down the freeway holding at 60 to 64 mph I will get 20 to 22 mpg. This was in stock condition before changing to my afe intake and 4" exhaust. I use cruise control and am real happy with the fuel used as I used to have a 460 Ford truck.

 

At 100 mph?????? and only turning 2200 rpm?????
Are you running 60" tall tires?
You're driving a truck with the aerodynamics of an average brick.

Just for giggles, try keeping the rpm below 2000 or the speed below 65 mph and see if your milage improves.

 

Hey 737, like mentioned earlier, start with the basics. If you have an 04 HO it's probably an 04.5 and that matters, a little. A little better hp & tq than the early 04 and a 4" exhaust from the turbo. Open the drivers door and look for the white sticker, the info is on there. Never, never, never believe the overhead computer, it lies. When you fill the tank you can put another four plus gallons in after the nozzle cuts off the first time, it just takes forever unless you do the tank mod. You bought it from the dealer, take it back and make sure it has all the updates for the computer. There is a TSB for poor mileage that helps most people, but not all. A dirty air filter will kill your mileage on these trucks. A 3.73 rear usually gets better mileage than a 4.10, but not always. SRW's usually do a little better than duallies. If you're trying to make it spin the tires, well, need I say more, no chance of mileage there. The automatics usually get better mileage than the sticks. Get a good fuel treatment, I use Lucas. It works for me. The trucks new to you so it may take a couple tanks. Most guys get their best mileage on a stock truck in the 62 - 65 mph range. At 70mph I turn about 2050rpm. If you're doing 2200 at 100mph, I would guess you've got a non-stock gear or taller tires. Don't expect to spin the tires on dry pavement if you have either. I get around 16 - 17 in town and 18 on the highway, at 70mph. Speed kills the mileage on the 3rd generation trucks, pant, pant. Alright guys, what did I forget and remember I said "most, usually, but not always and probably".

 

"diesel service power kleen" from wal-mart, do a search on here.

and the Rokktech sensor MAY help you, but prolly not, if you have 4:10's

i get 17 more or less, with a DIY sensor & Power Service, drops down if i don't do the Power service.

re-check your math over a few tankfuls.

do an excel spreadsheet (i can email you mine) and take that to the dealer, only way to get them to look at.