2014-2017 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel Exhaust Parts

The exhaust system on the 2014-2017 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel

The EcoDiesel runs a single Garrett GTB2056VKL variable-geometry turbo mounted low in the engine valley at the back of the engine. From there, exhaust drops through one downpipe to a close-coupled diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and the diesel particulate filter (DPF), which sits in the frame rail behind the downpipe. Next is the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injected ahead of it, then a single tailpipe. The engine also uses high-pressure cooled EGR. A coolant-cooled EGR cooler on the passenger-side bank chills a share of the exhaust and routes it back into the intake. FCA lists the full package as cooled EGR, oxidation catalyst, particulate filter and SCR with urea injection, fed from an 8-gallon DEF tank.

The DPF cleans itself through regeneration. When soot load reaches 80 percent the truck starts a regen, and up to 20 minutes at highway speed completes it. Messages on the dash tell you when a regen is required, in process and done. A filter-back exhaust does not change any of that. It replaces the pipe and muffler after the filter, and regen behavior and DEF use stay the same.

What fails and why

Most exhaust-side trouble on this engine is in the emissions hardware and its plumbing, not the pipe. Here is what the record shows.

• Exhaust coupling, 2014-2015 4x2 trucks. A cracked coupler could let fumes into the cab, and the diesel smell was worst during a regen. FCA ran a voluntary recall on about 3,000 trucks to install a redesigned coupling.
• EGR cooler. Coolers can crack (recall 19V-757, FCA campaign VB1), and heavy wet soot can clog them. Look for P0401 or P0402, a Service Electronic Throttle Control light, reduced power and coolant loss. The repair is a new cooler, and that job opens EGR joints that need new gaskets.
• DPF regeneration faults. Missed oil changes matter here. When the oil change indicator reaches zero miles, regen is disabled. If the filter reaches full, the dash reads Exhaust Filter Full - Power Reduced, the engine derates, and only a dealer tool can clear it.
• NOx sensors and DEF. NOx sensor faults (P1289 and related) and SCR or DEF faults bring Service DEF System warnings with a countdown that ends in a no-restart if you ignore them. Use only ISO 22241 API-certified DEF, and do not overfill the tank, because DEF freezes at 12 degrees F.

Own a 2014-2016? Those trucks fall under the 2019 EPA/CARB settlement, which required a software-only Approved Emissions Modification (AEM). On 2014-2016 trucks that received it, the extended emissions warranty covers the EGR system, so check with a dealer before you pay for EGR work yourself.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

Go stock when the job is a repair: a leaking flange, a gasket at the turbo, an EGR cooler swap. OEM-style replacement parts such as the 68483334AA EGR cooler, OEM NOx sensors and OEM DEF components keep the aftertreatment working as designed, and fresh MAHLE gaskets reseal the joints you opened along the way.

Upgrade when the factory muffler and tailpipe are what you want to change. A filter-back system bolts to the factory DPF outlet and replaces only what is behind it, so the DOC, DPF and SCR stay on the truck. MBRP's S6169AL is a 3.5-inch filter-back in 16-gauge aluminized steel with a single side exit and a 4-inch tip. The S6169409 is the same layout in T409 stainless, and the S6171AL is a 2.5-inch dual split system. Aluminized is the lower-cost choice; stainless is the one to pick if you want the pipe to hold up to corrosion longer.

What we carry

This collection is built around MBRP: the three EcoDiesel filter-back systems above, universal 4-inch and 5-inch 409 stainless mufflers, the Armor Plus GP290022 5-inch high-flow muffler, the M20681 Armor Lite resonator muffler, Quiet Tone mufflers, diesel resonators, a universal exhaust adapter and a long run of MBRP tips in rolled, straight-cut, angle-cut, dual-wall, turndown and black hex styles.

MAHLE covers the gaskets: F33619 and F33764 exhaust pipe flange gaskets, the MS20567 exhaust manifold gasket set, the F33632 manifold-to-turbo gasket, and gaskets for the EGR valve, EGR tubes and EGR cooler tubes, all listed for 2014-2019 EcoDiesel. PPE adds 3-inch and 4-inch stainless tips, Mishimoto adds an exhaust heat wrap set and a 6-inch polished angled tip, and BD Diesel supplies the 1405926 exhaust V-band clamp. For other trucks, start at our exhaust section.

Fitment notes

Everything here is for the half-ton Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 built by VM Motori. None of it is a Ram 2500 or 3500 part. Filter-back systems are sold for 2014-2018 Ram 1500 only; they do not fit the 2019-and-newer DT-body Ram 1500 or the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Some kits are cab and bed specific, and DS-body wheelbases range from 120.5 to about 149.5 inches depending on cab and box, so check your wheelbase before you order. Universal mufflers, tips and adapters fit by pipe size, not by truck, so measure the outside diameter of your pipe first. When in doubt, verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Will a filter-back exhaust change how my EcoDiesel regenerates?

No. A DPF-back system replaces the pipe and muffler after the filter, so regen behavior and DEF use stay the same. The truck still starts a regen at 80 percent soot load and finishes it with up to 20 minutes of highway driving.

Why does my cab smell like diesel during a regen?

On 2014-2015 4x2 EcoDiesels, a cracked exhaust coupler could let fumes into the cab, and the smell was worst during regen. FCA ran a voluntary recall on about 3,000 trucks to install a redesigned coupling. Have a dealer check by VIN whether yours was done.

My truck set P0401 and lost power. Where do I start?

On this engine, P0401 (insufficient EGR flow) usually traces to the EGR cooler, a MAP sensor or a boost leak rather than the turbo. Cracked coolers fall under recall 19V-757 (VB1), and wet soot can clog them; coolant loss and a Service Electronic Throttle Control light may come with it. If the cooler is replaced, reseal the EGR joints with new gaskets.

What does Exhaust Filter Full - Power Reduced mean?

The DPF has reached full and the engine derates power. Only a dealer tool can clear that message. Keep oil changes current, because regen is disabled when the oil change indicator reaches zero miles.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.