2016 Ram 2500 - P2002 Code and Frequent Regen Cycles

Question

My 2016 Ram is hitting active regen every 100 miles or so. It’s driving me crazy and killing my fuel mileage. I’m getting a P2002 (Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold) code that won't stay cleared. I do a lot of highway driving, so it should be cleaning itself out fine, but the overhead display keeps saying 'Exhaust Filter 80% Full'.

I’ve checked the intake for leaks and don't see any obvious soot buildup at the tailpipe, so I don't think the DPF is cracked yet. The truck still has plenty of power, but it feels like it's stuck in a loop of trying to clean a filter that won't stay clean. I'm afraid I'm going to cook the turbo if this keeps up.

NoStartNoel · Accepted Answer

✅ Confirmed fix: The issue was actually the DPF Pressure Differential Sensor. It was biased by about 0.5 psi at key-on-engine-off. Because it wasn't reporting '0' when the engine was off, the calculation for soot load was completely skewed.

I replaced the sensor (Part #68210517AA) and the two soft lines leading to the exhaust bungs. After a 30-minute highway drive, the soot load dropped to 10% and hasn't triggered an active regen in over 400 miles. Always check the live data for that sensor before condemning the expensive filter.

DefDeleteDan_NO · Answer

Have you checked the pressure differential sensor or the lines leading to it? If those rubber hoses have a tiny crack or if the metal tubes are clogged with soot, the ECM gets a false reading on the pressure drop across the DPF. It will think the filter is plugged when it isn't, or vice versa. Use a vacuum pump to test the lines.

2016 Ram 2500 - P2002 Code and Frequent Regen Cycles

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