P00AF less than 5 miles into first tow

[biodiesel]

I saw the oil temp hit 260 twice but both times it dropped back down within a few seconds. There were several times it was in the low to mid 250s for a minute or so. My coolant stayed 215 to 230 for the most part and the highest I saw was 234.

What level of EOC tune were you running when the P00AF code first appeared? What level of EOC tune were you running when you were towing to New Mexico?

Keep in mind, you're also running taller tires. Taller tires will generate additional stress/heat on the drivetrain. Re-gearing would be something to consider or go back with stock tires.

For example, I'm running the optional 3.92 towing gears on my 2020 Ram EcoDiesel with stock 275/55R20 tires (31.9"). You're running 3.73 gears with 35x11.5 tires (34.9").

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[biodiesel]

I really expected higher transmission temps but it never got much over 200 even on steeper climbs. The highest was 208.

The ZF 8-speed is arguably one of the best transmissions on the market. Vern was using a 2014 Ram EcoDiesel commercially to haul Airstream trailers. Even with up to 8,000 lbs. of towing, he was able to log 800,000 miles on the factory transmission before a solenoid failed.

I took this photo a few years ago. I wanted to see how the EcoDiesel would handle a long steep grade at 65 mph while towing our 7,000 lb. travel trailer. With cruise control on, the truck dropped down to 4th gear. Coolant was 230*F, oil was 257*F, and the transmission was 212*F. These are the hottest temperatures I've seen towing.

 

[biodiesel]

I've never had to add any between changes. I thought I might when towing but the dipstick shows the same now as before we left.

What engine oil are you using?

I am very impressed with the 3.0.

Me too. That's why we own three of them.

 

[Idlethunder]

What level of EOC tune were you running when the P00AF code first appeared? What level of EOC tune were you running when you were towing to New Mexico?

Keep in mind, you're also running taller tires. Taller tires will generate additional stress/heat on the drivetrain. Re-gearing would be something to consider or go back with stock tires.

I was using the tow tune that adds 30 hp and 50 torque at the wheels. Both codes came as I was trying to hold speed going up small hills without shifting manually. At the base of the hills I was in 7th, the trans shifted to 6th and boost kicked up. I was not monitoring boost at the time but from the sound I'm guessing it was at least in the upper 20s.

Towing the trailer was the only time I've seriously considered a re-gear. I love 3.73 for daily driving and have no complaints offroad but I can see the benefit for towing. I towed often enough with my first Gladiator that had it been a diesel, I would have re-geared. Right now we aren't planning to go often enough to justify it. Most of our camping is here in Oklahoma and less than an hour and a half from home. I also have the original takeoffs, 285/70s already mounted that would make towing a little easier if we decide on another long trip. I thought about swapping out for New Mexico but I wanted to see how it handled it.

What engine oil are you using?

I'm using Amsoil MS 5W-40.

 

[biodiesel]

Towing the trailer was the only time I've seriously considered a re-gear. I love 3.73 for daily driving and have no complaints offroad but I can see the benefit for towing. I towed often enough with my first Gladiator that had it been a diesel, I would have re-geared. Right now we aren't planning to go often enough to justify it.

In my opinion, 3.73 gears is a good compromise between fuel economy and towing performance, but I'm also running stock sized tires.

I also have the original takeoffs, 285/70s already mounted that would make towing a little easier if we decide on another long trip. I thought about swapping out for New Mexico but I wanted to see how it handled it.

That's perfect.

I'm using Amsoil MS 5W-40.

Amsoil MS holds up extremely well. I was going through a quart of oil every 5,000 miles of towing with Pennzoil Platinum.

 

[Idlethunder]

What level of EOC tune were you running when you were towing to New Mexico?
.

I forgot to answer the above question. You may remember that after the code first came up, I dropped from the tow tune back to the optimized stock tune. Once I saw that manual shifting was working, I went back to tow and that was what I used for the NM trip.

It is also the tune that has given me the best fuel mileage. For the trip I averaged 14.9 going and 16.8 coming home. Around here empty I’m 24 to 27 depending on the wind.

 

[RhinoJT]

Off topic but not, dropped my jeep off at dealer last Monday to have P00AF and TSB for electric steering wiring looked at, called today and they said they tech hadn’t even had a chance to look at the jeep yet. Just over a week and not even looked at yet, am I crazy here?

 

[biodiesel]

Just over a week and not even looked at yet, am I crazy here?

That wouldn't be acceptable in my world. Since we're rural, our dealerships in New Mexico operate using appointments. I call or text my service advisor, they would setup an appointment specifically for my issue, then I would bring the vehicle in at that specific time. In other words, we don't drop off our vehicles unless there's a major repair that would take days to complete. Most recalls, diagnostic, and repairs are taken care of same day we bring the vehicle in. Keep in mind, I live 2 hours from my nearest dealer.

 

[RhinoJT]

So, this was an appointment. I set it up by calling dealer a week before hand, dropped it off at 0900. They did all the intake paperwork and said we will let you know soon. I guess I could have asked, but do they treat appts now as just a drop off or WTH. If they knew it was going to take this long, then call me and let me know when a tech or bay is available and then we can bring it on. Now I’ll
be out of the jeep for probably 2 weeks or more now.

 

[biodiesel]

I guess I could have asked, but do they treat appts now as just a drop off

Yeah, it sounds like they are treating appointments the same as dropoffs. If that's the case, they should have offered a loaner.

 

[RhinoJT]

They stated each dealer has the authority to offer a loaner or not. I was told there were not enough available. I also got hosed out of a rental when I had the warranty corrosion repair done. Paid 500 for 2 weeks for a rental and jeep cares denied me because they said my warranty or whatever didn’t include rental reimbursement. Afraid to ask about a rental this time. S

 

[Idlethunder]

That wouldn't be acceptable in my world. Since we're rural, our dealerships in New Mexico operate using appointments. I call or text my service advisor, they would setup an appointment specifically for my issue, then I would bring the vehicle in at that specific time. In other words, we don't drop off our vehicles unless there's a major repair that would take days to complete. Most recalls, diagnostic, and repairs are taken care of same day we bring the vehicle in. Keep in mind, I live 2 hours from my nearest dealer.

That's the way my dealer operates also. The dealership I use is locally owned so treating an appointment like a drop off wouldn't work well when you are likely to see the manager or the owner at the grocery store.

 

[biodiesel]

That's the way my dealer operates also. The dealership I use is locally owned so treating an appointment like a drop off wouldn't work well when you are likely to see the manager or the owner at the grocery store.

Accountability is good. It's also good that the owner is involved and close to his customer base.

My dealership has 7 diesel techs. 2 of the 7 are certified on the EcoDiesel. The service advisor makes sure that one of the diesel techs is available when we setup the appointment. They also ensure that parts are available before I come in.

In my 10 years of owning the EcoDiesel, I've mostly used the dealership for recalls or warranty work. Occasionally, I'll use them to do a coolant flush, transmission drain and fill, etc. So far, our 2015 Ram, 2020 Ram, and 2023 Jeep have been very reliable with minimal repairs.

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