Looking for information about tuning the 3.0L EcoDiesel? You’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you find the best delete and tune options for your Ram 1500.
The 3.0L EcoDiesel in the 2017 and newer Ram 1500 is quite the powerplant for a midsize truck, delivering 240 horsepower and an impressive 420 ft-lb of torque right out of the box. This makes the 1500 quite the workhorse, and a great option for those who want a mpg friendly engine option with plenty of power to spare.
The 3.0L is a pretty unique engine, the only two vehicles that North America gets with this power plant are the Ram 1500 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The engine was developed by VM Motori, an Italian diesel engine manufacturer who is now owned by Fiat Chrysler. VM has had many years of experience in developing diesel power plants, their first engine was built in 1947 and they’ve been evolving their designs ever since.
Tuning the 3.0L for more power and MPG
Most of the new Ram 1500 owners are pretty happy with the way that their trucks perform out of the gate and don’t want to change a thing about them, however there are always the rest of us who want to go a little further.
We know by now that modern diesel engines like these are not always tuned to get the best performance, but rather for lowering emissions output over just about everything else.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the 3.0L is great just the way it is, and is really good at meeting the high standards for emissions in the US. There are tuning options for keeping all the factory emissions equipment and adding a little more grunt for towing and the like. If that’s the way you prefer to go, check out the non-delete tuning options.
3.0L EcoDiesel Delete Options
If you’re wanting to squeeze the maximum horsepower, MPG and reliability out of your 3.0L, deleting is pretty much the only way to go.
There is a catch however, and that is that if you live in the US, removing the emissions equipment on any modern diesel is only for off-road vehicles and can result in fines if used on public highways. The following parts are really meant for those who will use their trucks for farming or racing, or who live in a country that doesn’t have the same regulations as in the US.
Best Delete Tuner for the EcoDiesel
As far as the most important part of any delete kit goes, the tuner, I have some good news and some bad news.
The good news: there is still a way to delete and tune these trucks, it’s just a little bit more involved on your end and comes with some downtime.
The bad news: there is currently no plug-in tuner that can handle the delete on this engine. Tuning requires that your ECM is removed from your truck and then sent out to a tuner to be unlocked and bench flashed.
UPDATE: A new product has been developed with a customizable laptop-based tuning option, check the link below for more info. There is now options for the 2020-2021 EcoDiesel Dodge Rams along with the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel!
DPF/EGR Delete ECM Tuning 14-18 Dodge Ram Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 EcoDiesel
Ebay.com
Features:
Allows removal of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Turns OFF & disables EGR system
No trouble codes or check engine lights
Increase fuel mileage
Best EcoDiesel Delete Exhaust
This is one of the best options for deleting the DPF from your EcoDiesel’s exhaust. This test pipe downpipe is a straight shot from the turbo to the muffler, giving you the maximum flow possible.
Off Road Race 3" DPF/CAT Delete Test Pipe 14-18 Dodge Ram 3.0L Turbo Eco Diesel
Dieseldiscounter.com
Off Road Race Pipes. 3" DPF/CAT Delete Test Pipe Kit
2014-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 3.0L Eco Diesel Truck
Mandrel Bent Tubing For Maximum Flow & Performance Gains
Increases Horsepower & Torque. Improves Fuel Efficiency
Stainless Steel.
Best EGR Delete Kit for the 3.0L
Deleting the EGR on the EcoDiesel is an important part of keeping your truck reliable, if you are tuning and deleting the exhaust on your truck you really don’t want to skip this step.
The blockoff plates and rerouting hoses allow you to remove the EGR completely. Deleting the EGR keeps your sooty exhaust gases from recirculating through your intake manifold which increases the life of your engine.
This kit includes everything you need to do either a partial or a full EGR delete.
EGR Cooler Delete Kit for 2014-2017 Dodge Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel
Design can be installed incrementally and reversed
Stage 1 - bypass EGR valve
Stage 2 - fully deletes EGR valve, EGR cooler, EGR coolant lines, EGR manifold, and EGR exhaust lines
Reduced fuel consumption
Eliminates intake soot
Cleaner engine oil
Prolonged engine life
Does not reduce coolant flow through the cylinder head
Includes complete step-by-step instructions
Conclusion
We hope this article helps you in figuring out the best way to increase the potential HP, MPG and reliability of your Ram EcoDiesel. If you liked the read, feel free to share it. If you have any more questions, please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
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This is the perfect info I was looking for! I’ve had many extremely frustrating issues with the DPF on my 2015 Dodge Ram Eco-Diesel. Only 60,000 miles on it and I have had to bring it back to Dodge 4 times now for maintenance. Dodge finally just quoted me $3,800 for replacement of the stock DPF! …Which Im sure will end up with the same results 50-100K miles from now again.
I am very grateful to you for taking the time to source this information.. Especially with the generous price tag on all related parts: ECM, DPF, and EGR delete components.
Thanks again!
You’re welcome Nick, glad it helped you out!
I think your lucky.. I got to 23K and was getting CEL, from a P1C54 code. took it to a Nissan Dealer service department. Found out Nissan does not warranty emission systems with a Diesel engine behind it, and wants $4,000 just for the part.
I was getting really good mileage out of my ECO diesel 2015 Dodge 1/2 ton.
I took it in to the shop for the ECO diesel settlement and it appears that it really dropped my mileage. Is there a default to set it back where was and is it legal to do so? Like to have my ole Dodge back and Mileage
Thanks.
Hey Terry,
Unfortunately it seems that in order to comply with the settlement they had to derate performance which is affecting your MPG. I don’t believe there is a way to return to the old programming easily.
Buy an ECU from Ebay that has a different mapping on it
File a complaint with FCA (Fiat/Chrysler) and have the dealership replace the DPF system. Mine is having that done as we speak. In addition, file for the class action settlement and take that money to get a reprogrammer (or delete if you care to go that route)
FCA told me they could care less..
There is no tune available from GDP. But Green Diesel engineering or GDE. Has one. Along with a few more modern tunes by other companies. PPEI, SFT etc.
The FCA settlement tune is an engine killer. Runs super high EGTs all the time soot levels are crazy and the regen cycles have shortened(more frequent). Oil temps run into the 280s when towing with boost constantly at 16-20 when towing. Everyone who cares about their truck should get a tune. IMHO
Agree 100% Marv. I like all the tuners you listed but the HP Tuners setup is probably the best way to go right now.
Thanks for the insight on the settlement tune, that is a huge complaint, and a big letdown for everyone that gets the recall performed.
Yeah. After the recall update we towed a 6500 lb trailer 5k miles and it wouldn’t even maintain 50 up 6-7% grades anymore ran so hot I was boiling over on coolant and had to add 1/2 a gallon. I will be getting tuned ASAP. I fear other owners won’t and engine life will be severely shortened. I will check out the r&b tune. Thx
Yeap. I did the tune for the settlement and here im 3 months with out a truck. Three weeks after the tune, my truck shut off while driving and still dealership can not figure out what is the problem and truck still dont turn on, technician basically give up on my truck and here im waiting on corporation(FIAT) what they are going to do, but hey the good part is that monthly truck payment( $802.00) still have to be done to the bank.
I am in the same boat. Only with Nissan…
So if you got a $3,050 check for doing the AEM government detune. What is the problem with investing $1k into your truck to get an aftermarket tune to permanently fix it and make it a better more problem free truck than it ever was? Increased longevity, less problems, more power, better mileage, turbo brake… just a better running truck than it ever was before.
Then you can get rid of the leaking EGR cooler which cost me a head gasket at 371k on my first engine. My 2nd engine was tuned from day one and EGR cooler deleted immediately post warranty to eliminate that risk. 420,000 miles still going.
Same hear.. although the coolant system cracked and leaked into the engine and cause complete engine failure with only 75k miles. I was lucky, Chrysler agreed to replace the entire engine – $14,963.. now with a new engine, I still want to remove the EGT and install a tuner.
Jeff
That is awful, you are very fortunate that you could get it covered under warranty. I’m sure there are plenty of others that weren’t so lucky.
I had my engine replaced for the same reason
Can this tuner turn off the DEF as well?
Chris, yes it will turn off the def system if you flash an emission removal tune.
Jeff, I ordered all the delete components you recommended in the article. the egi delete did not com with any instructions, can you suggest anyway I can find some?
Jeff, can you point me to non-delete tuning options that won’t be problematic for California emissions testing next registration renewal?
Hey John, the Banks Derringer is your best option for non-delete tuning on the ecodiesel. It actually provides surprising results with minimal modifications.
You can check out the full details here: https://ebay.us/6371RN
So can I just do the tuner and the EGR value without going noisy? I am not exited about not being able to hear a conversation with the windows rolled up.
Hey Leroy, you’ll also need the exhaust test pipe, sometimes referred to as the downpipe.
The one we recommend above still allows you to keep your factory muffler so the noise level will not increase by much at all.
Hey all,
I just purchased a used 2015 eco diesel with 59,000 miles. It had a delete kit installed and was tuned. Long story short, it was taken to dodge for an alternator replacement and the tech noticed an update available and did it, so it removed the tuning and reinstalled dodge programming. Now I cant find anyone that does tuning still.. The dealer I purchased it from is about to put stock def system back in it, if they cant find a company that will tune it still.
Donnie,
There is a great option available, check the link for ECM tuning above.
Jeff,
Thank you for the information. I’m interested in a delete and tune for my 2015 Jeep EcoDiesel 3.0L. I live in SC, a state with no emissions inspections. I have been having difficulty locating a mechanic with the experience and knowledge to do this. Would you have any recommendations, or another forum to identify a mechanic in SC?
Tyler,
Sorry I do not have any recommendations in the SC area. Good luck with your search!
Jeff, I bought the GDE tune back in August of 2019. Were the EGR and DEF system were still deleted as part of their Hot Tune then? I’ve got to take the truck into the dealer for an issue with the flange located between the DPF and SCR (starting to have the nuts back off, causing a whistling noise under load).
My question is, do I swap my old ECU back into the truck in case they flash the ECU while the dealer has it? GDE doesn’t want to get in trouble, so they recommended I have the dealer flash the hot tune out, then I buy their new hot tune, including the transmission tune for the upgrade price plus the flash tool.
I like the def system NOT being active as it now sits, if that’s what’s actually going on.
Same situation here…. Second lawsuit for loss of performance and diminished value. Anyone else ready to fight back? All lies and deception, add deceptive trade to the suit as well. I have had enough. And yes a delete will fix it but I didn’t buy a truck I could not use. But it’s what we received . PISSED
Hi Everyone!
I also have a 2015 eco diesel and bought it with about 80k miles. At about 113k miles I had complete engine failure and it shot a rod or something through the side and oil was pouring out everywhere, like a murder scene. Needless to say, I was 13k miles past warranty. So I found a fully assembled, brand spankin’ new motor for $7500. It came with 100,000/mile warranty. I had my shop install it and immediately deleted, tuned, straight piped, and installed a cold air intake. It now runs better than I can imagine with plenty of torque and power. But, I had to spend roughly $11,000 from savings after all is said and done. This truck better last me til I’m dead now. 😂
Just thought I would share my story.
I have received several recalls on my 2016 Ecodiesel. Everytime I take it to the Ram dealer they either don’t have the part for the recall or FCA hasn’t come up with a fix. Why am I being notified of a problem that can’t fix! I had read / heard about the recall for the ECU to comply with the EPA law suit. I took my Ram in for service and had them write down at the top of the service paperwork DO NOT REPROGRAM ECU. Even the service manager told me that he Ecodiesel runs terrible after the recall is performed. I am thinking about doing the delete kit and programmer but can’t decide. The truck is completely stock and the only issue has been at around 65k the check engine light came on and it was the injector for the exhaust. Less than $200.00 and I was back on the road (not the dealer).
Could anyone tell me if the Ram 1500 ecodiesel DPF and EGR Delete kits will work on the Grand Jeep Cherokee ecodiesel?
Garrett, yes there are tunes available for the Jeep as well. It’s the same powertrain.