Exhaust System Service Required See Dealer: Solutions of the Warning
Key Takeaways:
- The “Exhaust System Service Required” warning on Dodge Rams indicates a problem with the exhaust system.
- Common causes include leaks, rust, faulty sensors, malfunctioning turbos and faulty DEF pumps.
- Ignoring the warning can lead to decreased performance, toxic fumes entering the cabin, and even engine failure.
- Solutions involve replacing damaged parts, resetting glitches, and regular maintenance.
Owning a Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500, especially older models, comes with the responsibility of vigilant maintenance. Seeing the dreaded “Exhaust System Service Required: See Dealer” warning on your dashboard can trigger instant panic. While getting rid of the message might be your first instinct, ignoring it is a dangerous gamble.
This alert signifies a potential issue with your vehicle’s exhaust system, which could allow harmful gases to leak into the passenger cabin. But beyond damaged parts, there could be other reasons for this warning. This article delves deeper into the various causes and solutions behind the Exhaust System Service Required alert, empowering you to navigate this situation confidently.
What Does Exhaust System Service Required Mean?
The ‘Exhaust system service required, see dealer’ warning that appears in the Dodge vehicles means that the exhaust system is malfunctioning due to an underlying issue or an error code and that you should visit a dealer quickly to fix it. Ignoring this warning won’t help as it could lead to greater issues in the long run. It is better to adhere to the warning and solve the problem.
In Ram vehicles, the ‘exhaust system service required’ alert suggests that a system error has disabled regeneration. A fault code will then be registered by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) of the engine and you will notice the MIL light on the dashboard. Diagnosing the cause of the warning and resolving it such as by replacing the oil or fuel filter will remove this warning.
What Are the Common Problems Of the “Exhaust System Service Required See Dealer Now”?
The “exhaust system service required, see dealer now” warning is seen in Dodge vehicles when the exhaust system is facing serious issues. It means that the warning should not be ignored and should be adhered to immediately. Some of the common problems behind this warning include.
1. Rust
For the exhaust system, rust is the predator that preys on its longevity and efficiency. For a Dodge or Ram vehicle that is old or driven for longer hours, rust easily builds up and can disintegrate your exhaust system little by little. Rust mostly accumulates when either moisture or salt is collected on the exhaust system components. Clearing off the rust and replacing the rusty parts will solve this problem.
2. Leak in the Exhaust System
The leak in the exhaust system of the Dodge vehicles occurs when a component is damaged. It can be the hose or the joints that crack when the Dodge vehicle is exposed to harsh driving conditions. These include uneven terrain with potholes that cause extreme impact to the vehicle and make it hard for the exhaust system to endure. This common exhaust system problem can easily be resolved by replacing the leaking component.
3. Shaking
The shaking or vibration in the accelerator or steering wheel of your Dodge vehicle indicates an issue with the exhaust system. Extreme issues in the exhaust system can make the entire car shake which can be both scary and dangerous at the same time. These vibrations can be felt when the pipes are clogged or the sensor is faulty. Diagnosing the actual cause and fixing it will settle the problem.
4. Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor
An oxygen sensor allows the exhaust system of the Ram vehicle to function by sensing the oxygen in the system and transferring that information. When this sensor malfunctions the entire system falls into ambiguity and the exhaust system fails to operate correctly. Due to this, the air coming out of the exhaust system of the Dodge vehicle will be an incorrect mix and at a higher temperature. It might also lead to a choking of the catalytic converter. Replacing a malfunctioning sensor is needed to solve this issue.
5. Exhaust Smoke
Smoke coming from the exhaust of the Dodge vehicle has different meanings depending on its color. A grey or white smoke means that the coolant is being burned. This indicates a leak in the engine and should be adhered to quickly. Excretion of blue smoke means that oil is being burned. This should also be looked into as damage to the valve seals or valve guides is behind the flow of oil into the combustion chamber. Black air is usually due to a choked air filter or choked fuel injector causing the gas or fuel to burn and get wasted.
6. Damaged Hangers
Damage to the hangers of the exhaust system of the Dodge vehicle, which shields it from outside impacts, causes the pipes to go loose and become susceptible to harm. Not only do these pipes themselves get dented but their movement also hits other parts of the exhaust system causing cracks in the system. Immediately replacing this hanger will save the exhaust system from long-term damage.
7. Unwanted Noise in the Engine
When there is a leak in the exhaust system of the Dodge or Ram vehicle, the engine starts producing noise that is troublesome and distracting. Due to this leak, caustic gases also enter the inside the vehicle which can be seriously harmful. It is important to consider the engine noise as soon as you hear it to solve the underlying issue timely and protect yourself from the dangerous effects of toxic gases.
What are the Causes Behind the Exhaust System Service Required Warning?
The error “exhaust system service required” appears on Dodge or Ram vehicles when there is a problem with the exhaust system. Some causes behind this warning are:
Glitch
Sometimes the Dodge vehicles show the warning ‘exhaust system service required’ as a glitch and this warning automatically goes away if you run your Dodge Ram 2500 or Dodge Ram 3500 for a little while. Turn it off and then turn it on, hopefully then the glitch warning will disappear. If it doesn’t, there is some other cause for the warning.
Rough Driving Conditions
If you drive your Dodge Ram on bumpy roads, the chances of exhaust system damage increase. It is the forceful impact that can cause the exhaust system to fail as the components within it are removed from their original place and weakened. The same occurs when the Dodge vehicle is driven in extremely hot or cold conditions. It causes the components to be rusty and worn out. This leads to the exhaust system malfunction.
Problems in the Exhaust System
The exhaust system is made up of many different components and if any one of them is damaged or clogged, your Dodge Ram dashboard will show the ‘Exhaust System Service Required warning’. You will need to diagnose which component is causing the trouble by visual and physical inspection as well as by performing certain tests. Fix the root cause and your warning will disappear.
Malfunctioning Turbo
A turbo that is not functioning correctly in a Dodge vehicle can cause the ‘exhaust system service required’ warning. The flow of exhaust gases is affected and problems in the downstream exhaust system are experienced. If the cause of this warning is a faulty turbo then it can be easily recognized by black smoke arising from the exhaust. Fixing the turbo will get rid of the warning.
Faulty DEF Pump
This might seem unusual but a broken DEF pump in your Dodge Ram can also be the cause behind this ‘exhaust system service required’. Even though a damaged DEF pump mostly shows a different warning, sometimes the exhaust system warning is also seen. So if you can’t seem to figure out any exhaust-related problem in your vehicle, go and check if the DEF pump is functioning correctly. If it is faulty, get it replaced.
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What is the Solution of the “Exhaust System Service Required See Dealer” Warning?
When you see the ‘exhaust system service required’ warning on your Dodge Ram’s dashboard, your first thought would be what is wrong with my vehicle? But once you find the cause, getting a solution for it would be your next stop. Let’s get into it step by step.
Step 1: Get rid of the Glitch
Turn your Dodge vehicle off and on, and then run it for a while. If there’s a glitch in the warning system, the warning will disappear. If it’s still there after the reset then you need to move to step 2.
Step 2: Inspect the Exhaust System
Check the exhaust system thoroughly to see which component is causing the issue.
Step 3: Replace the Damaged Component
When you find the trouble-causing component in the exhaust system of your Dodge vehicle, replacing it will solve the issue. The defective components may include a faulty oxygen sensor, rusty surface, cracked pipes, and broken hangers. For the components accumulated with rust, either replace the rusty part or the entire component depending upon the amount of rust.
Step 4: Check Other Vehicle Parts
If you checked all components of your exhaust system, and all is well but the warning ‘exhaust system service required’ still shows on the dashboard of your Dodge Ram, you need to check the other parts for example, the turbo and the DEF pump. Sometimes a fault in these Dodge Ram parts can cause this warning too. Repair or repair the faulty part and your vehicle will be good to go.
How Does a Faulty Exhaust System Affect My Car’s Performance?
A faulty exhaust system can be rather uncomfortable for your car’s performance. In a Dodge Ram, damage to the exhaust system can lead to different issues such as
If you notice the ‘exhaust system service required’ warning on your Dodge vehicle’s dashboard along with any of these symptoms, try to solve the root cause as quickly as possible because it can be dangerous for you.
How Can You Prevent Exhaust System Problems?
It is better to opt for preventive measures to keep the exhaust system of your Dodge vehicle maintained rather than spending money on replacing its components. To prevent exhaust system problems you should:
- Avoid driving in harsh conditions such as uneven roads or extreme cold.
- Inspect the exhaust system components regularly and also visit a dealer for a regular professional maintenance checkup.
- Get the exhaust system serviced routinely to avoid rust due to moisture accumulation or clogged filters.
Wrap Up
The warning ‘exhaust system service required’ on the dashboard of your Dodge Ram vehicle is an indication of something wrong with the exhaust system such as leaks, sensor issues, vehicle vibrations, hanger damage, etc. Nonetheless, these problems can be solved by simply replacing the defective components. You will notice signs such as loud noise or shaking when the vehicle is facing the exhaust system issue. Since it can be dangerous due to the accumulation of toxic gases, the warning should be adhered to quickly. You can prevent these issues by steering clear from bumpy roads and shunning away from driving in extremely cold environments. Getting the exhaust system routinely checked and serviced will also ensure its longevity.
