2014-2017 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel Tuning

Tuning on the 2014-2017 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel

The EcoDiesel is a 3.0L 60-degree V6 built by VM Motori in Cento, Italy, an FCA subsidiary. In the 2014-2017 Ram 1500 it is rated 240 hp at 3,600 rpm and 420 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm, and it was sold only with the ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic. Fuel is delivered by a Bosch common-rail system at up to 2,000 bar (29,000 psi), with as many as eight injection events per cycle, fed by a gear-driven CP4.2 high-pressure pump. Boost comes from a single Garrett variable-geometry turbo. On top of that, the truck carries a full factory aftertreatment chain: cooled EGR, a diesel oxidation catalyst, a diesel particulate filter with active regeneration, and SCR with DEF injection. Any change to how this engine is calibrated has to work with all of that hardware, not around it.

What owners run into

The big software story on this truck is the 2019 EPA and CARB settlement. About 75,000 2014-2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesels were found to have undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices, and the remedy was a software-only reflash called the Approved Emissions Modification, or AEM. That reflash is the only calibration change FCA has authorized for these trucks. It came with a transferable extended warranty on the emissions control system: the longer of 10 years/120,000 miles from original sale or 4 years/48,000 miles from the date of the update.

After the update, many 2014-2016 owners reported more hesitation pulling away from a stop and lower fuel economy. Treat those as owner reports, not a measured result; FCA, the EPA and CARB said the update did not affect average fuel economy. If your truck feels flat and is also setting codes, chase the codes first. Software does not fix a soot-packed sensor or a cracked charge hose.

Stock calibration vs. adding power

If your truck runs right, there is nothing wrong with leaving the factory calibration alone. If you want more, the only power add with a documented California Air Resources Board Executive Order for this engine is an in-line module, not a reflash: the Banks Derringer family under CARB EO D-161-148. It conditions the fuel-rail-pressure and MAP sensor signals, leaves the factory programming in place, offers six power levels and claims up to 40 hp and 63 lb-ft. No ECM reflash tune with a CARB EO is documented for this engine.

The HP Tuners MPVI4 is hardware. It connects a computer running HP Tuners software to the truck's diagnostic port, and what it does depends on the software and calibration used with it. On this truck, use it only for work that keeps the DPF, SCR, EGR and every other emissions function in place and working as designed.

What we carry

Right now this collection holds the HP Tuners MPVI4 vehicle interface. Vehicle support and licensing are handled through HP Tuners, so check their support list for your exact model year before you order. For monitors, modules and other tuning hardware across our diesel platforms, browse the main tuners collection and use the fitment checker on each product page.

Fitment notes

This page is for the DS-body Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel. The same second-generation 240 hp engine continued through 2018 and returned on the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Laramie Crew Cab. The 2020 and later EcoDiesel in the new DT body is a third-generation redesign rated 260 hp and 480 lb-ft, with an 8HP75 transmission and low-pressure EGR, and its parts generally do not interchange with yours. Tuning products follow that split: Banks lists separate Derringer part numbers for 2019-2022 trucks. Any CARB EO covers a device only when it is installed per the maker's instructions on a truck with its emissions equipment intact. Verify by VIN before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Who builds the 3.0L EcoDiesel in my Ram 1500?

VM Motori, an FCA subsidiary in Cento, Italy. FCA and VM call it the A 630. It is a DOHC 24-valve V6 with an iron block, aluminum heads and a forged steel crank, and it made the 2014 Ram 1500 the first modern half-ton diesel pickup.

What is the AEM, and does it apply to my truck?

The Approved Emissions Modification is the software update FCA applied to 2014-2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesels under the 2019 settlement. Trucks that received it carry an extended, transferable warranty on the emissions control system. If you bought your truck used, find out whether the update was done before you plan any changes.

Is there a CARB-legal way to add power to a 2014-2017 EcoDiesel?

Yes. The Banks Derringer in-line tuner is covered by CARB Executive Order D-161-148 for 2014-2018 Ram 1500 3.0L diesels, and the simpler Banks Bullet is covered for 2014-2016. The Derringer's AutoRate adds no power below 120 F or above 240 F coolant temperature and adjusts for EGT, altitude and regen status. The EO is valid only on an emissions-intact truck installed per Banks' instructions.

Will tuning hardware made for a 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel work on my 2016?

Do not assume it will. The 2020 and later engine is a different generation with a different transmission and EGR layout, and tuning products are part-numbered to match. Banks, for example, sells different Derringer kits for 2019-2022 than for 2014-2018. Match the product to your model year, or call us and we will check it against your VIN.

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.