RAM Truck Repair Mississauga

HEMI Tick, Engine Noise and Camshaft Issues

The HEMI tick is the most talked-about RAM issue in Canada and one of the most misunderstood. The 5.7L HEMI uses a multi-displacement system (MDS) that deactivates four cylinders during light load. The lifters in the deactivation system — specifically the MDS lifters — collapse prematurely from oil sludging, infrequent oil changes, or extended idle time on job sites. You hear a persistent ticking at idle that worsens when the engine is cold and may quiet down after warm-up.

In many cases, one or two lifters are collapsed, not all sixteen. We identify the exact cylinders using live misfire data and bore camera inspection before quoting anything. A single-bank lifter replacement on a RAM 1500 runs $1,800–$2,800. A full lifter and camshaft replacement when the lobe is worn runs $2,800–$4,200. The 6.4L HEMI in RAM 2500 has similar lifter vulnerability under heavy towing loads. Do not ignore the tick — a failed lifter can score the camshaft lobe, turning a $2,000 job into a $5,000 one. See [Engine Diagnostics] for full inspection details.

Exhaust Manifold Leaks and Broken Bolts

Exhaust manifold bolt failure is one of the most frustrating RAM issues because it is almost guaranteed on high-mileage 5.7L HEMI trucks. The exhaust manifold uses iron bolts threaded into an aluminum head. Heat cycling — especially under Mississauga winter-to-summer temperature extremes — causes the bolts to corrode and snap flush with the head. You hear a ticking or tapping sound that changes with engine temperature, louder on cold start and quieter when fully warmed.

This is different from HEMI tick — exhaust manifold leaks sound sharper and higher-pitched, and you can sometimes feel a slight pressure puff near the manifold gasket. Repair requires drilling out broken bolts from the head and installing thread repair inserts — a job that takes 4–6 hours of careful work on a RAM 1500. Cost: $480–$780 depending on how many bolts are broken. Ignoring it causes exhaust gases to leak into the engine bay, deteriorate surrounding wiring, and eventually crack the manifold itself.

Transmission Slipping, Hard Shifting and Towing Damage

RAM 1500 with the 8HP75 eight-speed automatic develops torque converter shudder from fluid degradation by 80,000–100,000 km under normal conditions — earlier if the truck tows regularly without transmission cooler maintenance. You feel a vibration between 50 and 90 km/h at light throttle that feels like a road vibration but disappears when you accelerate or decelerate.

The 68RFE six-speed in RAM 2500 and 3500 behind the Cummins diesel is a stronger transmission but is routinely pushed past its thermal limits by owners who tow at or near maximum payload without auxiliary coolers. We see 68RFE failures primarily from fluid breakdown under sustained load on the QEW. Fluid service every 50,000 km under towing conditions prevents the majority of these failures. Fluid service $320–$420. Internal transmission repair $2,800–$5,500 depending on severity. Full rebuild $4,500–$7,500.

Cooling System Failures and Overheating

RAM 1500 HEMI water pump failures are common between 100,000–140,000 km. The plastic impeller degrades and loses flow efficiency without visible external leaks — your temperature gauge creeps up in slow Hurontario traffic but drops on the highway where airflow helps. By the time overheating becomes obvious, the thermostat housing plastic has usually started weeping coolant as well. We replace both together — $520–$780.

The 6.7L Cummins diesel in RAM 2500 and 3500 runs a heavier cooling demand under towing load. EGR cooler clogging causes localized overheating and coolant loss. Coolant in the intake is the tell-tale sign. EGR cooler replacement $850–$1,400. Cummins radiator replacement $650–$1,000. Full coolant system service every 5 years is not optional on these engines.

Electrical Problems, Sensors and Starting Issues

RAM trucks from 2013–2020 have a well-documented history of TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures. The TIPM controls fuel pump relay, horn, windows, wipers, and numerous other functions. When it fails, symptoms appear random — truck stalls at intersections, fuel pump runs after shutdown, horn sounds without pressing anything, or the truck simply will not start. In many cases, the fuse box must be replaced, not repaired — $350–$750 for the module.

Ram 1500 key fob and PATS-equivalent SENTRY KEY failures prevent starting with no warning codes. Crankshaft position sensor failures on HEMI engines cause stalling and no-start conditions that look like fuel delivery problems on generic scanners. We read RAM’s full module network to distinguish between these before recommending parts. Salt-corroded grounds cause ghost codes on BCM and affect trailer brake controller function on working trucks.

Suspension, Air Suspension and Steering Problems

RAM 1500 with the optional air suspension system fails most commonly in cold weather. The compressor overworks in freezing temperatures and burns out the motor. You wake up to a truck sitting lower on one corner or all corners. Air spring replacement $350–$550 each. Compressor $600–$950. Symptoms appear gradually — the truck takes longer to reach ride height after startup before the compressor fails completely.

Coil spring RAM 1500 models lose front suspension ball joint integrity under payload by 100,000–120,000 km. Loaded trucks in Malton and Meadowvale hit this earlier. Steering gear leak on RAM 2500 — the recirculating ball steering box leaks from the sector shaft seal by 150,000 km. Power Wagon and 4×4 RAM 2500 front axle U-joints wear under regular off-pavement use. Front end alignment after any suspension work is essential — a misaligned RAM 2500 destroys $600 tires in 30,000 km.