2013 Ram 1500 Hemi Pinging

So, my brother just bought a 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 with a MDS Hemi in it...only 2000 miles on the odo (was a "shop truck" for the dealer. He claims it makes a pinging/rattling noise under light throttle or light loaded acceleration. WOT, no noise. He's tried up to 91 octane fuel, thinking it was pre-detonation, and no change. Anyone experience such a thing with the MDS Hemi? From what I understand about MDS, it cuts fuel to 4 cylinders to increase gas mileage at cruise. Could it be MDS leaning the motor out when it's not supposed to be doing so?

He has a full warranty on the truck and has taken it to two dealers. Neither claim anything is wrong. As a matter of fact, both dealers basically shooed him away like they didn't want to be bothered with it. He's at his wits end and would appreciate any feedback anyone has. He claims the noise is loud enough for other people to hear outside of the truck, so it's not a "heard inside the cabin only" type of noise. Help please!

It is most likely the MDS. In the newer Ram they are very aggressive with the operating range in 4 cylinder mode. It is very noticeable, especially if the truck has dual exhaust.

no tech tips or tech center cases..... Two model years and that low of mileage. Could be a case of carbon build up. We get some "ping" issues time to time that you really can't do anything about (not the hemi that I can remember). It's not like you can adjust timing, or fuel like the old days. Lean means clean and that's that.... guess if it were mine I'd be looking into a top end clean, full tank of gas, some fuel system cleaner added in, good load on a trailer and head N up the 17 where it will get the snot worked out of it.

I would put an oil separator on it. Intake can suck oil when they get driven alot without getting warmed up. Also clean the intake out with throttle body cleaner IMO.

I'd bet some exhaust manifold bolts are missing. Common on the previous generation.

I am on my second MDS Durango and never experienced that issue. I ran the first one to 160k and the second has 150k... headed for 200. I had a small manifold leak at >100k miles (cold only, closed up when hot) that sounded like a valve tappet but that is a completely different sound and issue.

I would be concerned about two things... the mechanical or electrical issue that may be causing it (MDS hanging up somehow on one hole? timing issue?) and the fact that the knock sensor isn't retarding timing to try to stop it (or maybe it is... has the dealer put a datalog on it?).

I'd ask the dealer to try again and harder.

Every one reading this post needs to back up the truck only has 2,000 miles on it I bet its a lose heat shield on the exh

With 2K on the clock, Id agree its not broken manifold bolts, but I have seen odder things come in the dealership. As for the pinging They can ping if puppied around, IE shop truck. Can get oil puddleing up in the intake. Ive seen dozens come in with similar issues and when intake is pulled off like 1/2 cup of 5w20 is dumped out. Id also install a oil separator on it, and drive the crap outa it to clean the tops of the pistons off, use a goot top end cleaner, rod on it, then install separator.


Ive fixed a lot in this way.


Rizlone, or Seafoam works well.