Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team!
The message and frequent regeneration cycles on your 2017 Ram 2500 with a 6.7L Cummins suggest your diesel particulate filter (DPF) is having a tough time keeping up, and now it’s asking for a manual regeneration. This is typically needed when the DPF is too clogged for a normal regen cycle to clear it out.
To perform a manual regeneration, you’ll need a compatible diagnostic scan tool that supports Ram trucks, such as a Snap-on scanner or an Autel tool. Here’s a general idea:
1. Connect the scanner to the truck's OBD-II port.
2. Navigate to the DPF service or regeneration section in the software.
3. Follow the prompts to initiate the manual regen. The process will require the truck to idle at a high RPM to burn off the soot, so make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area and have plenty of fuel (usually above 1/4 tank).
If you don’t have access to a scanner, some dealers or diesel shops can perform this for you.
That said, if your DPF is clogging repeatedly, you may be looking at deeper issues, like faulty sensors, an EGR problem, or oil contamination in the exhaust. At 273,000 miles, the DPF itself could also be at the end of its service life.
If you need any further advice or want help finding a trusted RepairPal shop in your area, please feel free to call us at 877-913-1554.
