Dodge RAM 1500 Common Problems — Chico, CA
Dodge RAM 1500 common problems — 5.7L Hemi MDS lifters, 8HP70 transmission, EVAP, air suspension. Diagnosis in Chico CA. (530) 826-4275.
The Short Answer: The RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi has the same MDS lifter failure issue as the GM AFM system. The 8HP70 ZF transmission is excellent but requires ZF-specific fluid. Air suspension on 2013–2018 Ram 1500 is the most common expensive failure.
The Dodge RAM 1500 is one of the top-selling trucks in Chico and Butte County. The 5.7L Hemi with MDS (Multi-Displacement System) has the same cylinder deactivation lifter failure pattern as the GM AFM system. The key to avoiding it is 5,000-mile oil changes with the correct Mopar MS-6395 spec oil — no exceptions.
5.7L Hemi MDS Lifter Failure
What Is MDS
MDS deactivates cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7 under light throttle using oil-actuated collapsing lifters. Same concept as GM AFM. Same failure mode — degraded oil causes lifter locking pins to stick.
Symptoms
Loud ticking from the valve train, misfire codes on MDS cylinders (P0301, P0304, P0306, P0307), rough idle, check engine light. The tick is worst at cold startup and may quiet down after warmup.
Prevention
Change oil every 5,000 miles with Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20 or Mopar OE 5W-20 — both meet MS-6395 spec. Never exceed 5,000 miles on the 5.7L Hemi with MDS.
Repair Cost
MDS lifter replacement from $1,499.99 labor plus parts at Tedious Auto Repair. All 16 lifters replaced. Camshaft replacement required if lobes are damaged. MDS disable tune available to prevent recurrence.
RAM 1500 Air Suspension (2013–2018)
Coil Spring vs Air Suspension
2013–2018 RAM 1500 offered optional Air Ride suspension. The air bags, compressor, and height sensors fail at 80,000–120,000 miles — an expensive repair. Conversion to coil springs is a popular option.
Symptoms
Vehicle sitting low in the rear or front, compressor running constantly, warning light on dashboard, rough ride quality from a failed air bag.
8HP70/75 Transmission
Best Transmission RAM Has Used
The ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic is one of the best automatic transmissions on the market. Problems are rare when fluid is maintained.
Critical Fluid Requirement
Use only ZF Lifeguard 8 ATF. Never use Mopar ATF+4 or any other fluid — the ZF requires its specific chemistry. Fluid service every 40,000 miles from $249.99.
EVAP System
Loose or Cracked Gas Cap
EVAP leaks are the most common check engine light cause on RAM trucks. P0440, P0442, P0455. Check the gas cap first — loose cap is the most common cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common RAM 1500 problems?
Most common RAM 1500 problems: 5.7L Hemi MDS lifter failure (oil neglect causes lifter collapse, ticking, misfires), air suspension failure on 2013–2018 models, EVAP leaks (gas cap, P0440/P0442), and transmission shudder if wrong ATF is used in the 8HP70.
How much does RAM 1500 MDS lifter repair cost in Chico CA?
MDS lifter replacement at Tedious Auto Repair starts at $2,714.21 plus parts. All 16 lifters replaced. Camshaft replacement added if needed. Written estimate before authorization.
What transmission fluid does the RAM 1500 use?
The RAM 1500 8HP70/8HP75 ZF 8-speed requires ZF Lifeguard 8 ATF — not Mopar ATF+4. Using the wrong fluid causes shudder and premature wear. Transmission fluid service from $249.99 at Tedious Auto Repair.
Does Tedious Auto Repair service RAM trucks in Chico CA?
Yes — RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 are among the most common vehicles we service. We stock MDS lifter kits, perform ZF transmission fluid services, and handle all RAM repairs. Call (530) 826-4275.
Written by Buddy Rausch, Owner — Tedious Auto Repair, 2695 CA-32, Chico CA 95973. 4.9★ / 800+ reviews. ASE-Certified Since 2007. (530) 826-4275