2020 RAM 1500: What to Do About Engine Ticking Noise

How to Fix Engine Ticking Noise

This guide provides troubleshooting steps for addressing engine ticking noises in your 2020 RAM 1500. Engine ticking can be concerning, and it's essential to address it promptly to prevent potential further damage. "Still a reliable engine and I’m sure it’s paid off. Interior wise you won’t notice much of a change," notes one owner, but any unusual engine noise warrants investigation.

Symptoms

The primary symptom reported by 2020 RAM 1500 owners related to engine issues is a noticeable ticking noise. This ticking can vary in intensity and frequency, and it may be more pronounced under certain conditions, such as when the engine is cold or under load. It's important to pay attention to when the ticking occurs and any other accompanying symptoms.

Owners have reported the ticking sound originating from within the engine compartment. It's not described as an exhaust leak or other external noise. The sound is often described as a distinct "tick" rather than a knock or rumble.

Keep a detailed record of when the ticking noise occurs. Does it happen only when the engine is cold, or does it persist after the engine has warmed up? Note if the sound increases with engine RPM or if it disappears at certain speeds. This information will be valuable during diagnosis.

Also, be sure to check your engine coolant levels.

Most Likely Cause

Based on the available data, a potential cause of the ticking noise in the 2020 RAM 1500 engine could be related to cylinder #7. While the specific mechanical fault causing this symptom isn't explicitly stated, cylinder issues, such as a failing lifter or a problem with the fuel injector in that cylinder, can produce a ticking sound.

It is also important to consider coolant problems, according to owner data.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing the ticking noise in your 2020 RAM 1500 engine requires a systematic approach.

1. Listen Carefully: Start by carefully listening to the engine to pinpoint the location of the ticking noise. Use a mechanic's stethoscope or a long screwdriver held to your ear to isolate the sound.

2. Check Engine Oil Level: Ensure the engine oil is at the proper level. Low oil pressure can cause lifter tick, which can mimic other engine issues.

3. Inspect Cylinder #7: Visually inspect the area around cylinder #7 for any signs of leaks or damage. Check the spark plug wire and ensure it's properly connected.

4. Consider Coolant: Check coolant levels to ensure these are where they are supposed to be.

5. Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored DTCs. A code related to cylinder #7 misfire or fuel injector issue would be a valuable clue.

6. Cylinder Compression Test: Perform a cylinder compression test on cylinder #7. Low compression can indicate a problem with the valves or piston rings, which could contribute to the ticking noise.

Tools needed:

• Mechanic's stethoscope
• OBD-II scanner
• Compression tester

Step-by-Step Fix

Since the data doesn't provide a specific fix, the following steps are based on common approaches to cylinder-related ticking noises. Please consult a qualified mechanic for accurate diagnosis and repair.

1. Address Underlying Issues: If you identified a DTC related to cylinder #7, address that issue first. For example, if there's a misfire code, inspect the spark plug, ignition coil, and fuel injector for that cylinder.

2. Check Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug from cylinder #7 and inspect it for fouling, damage, or wear. Replace the spark plug if necessary.

3. Inspect Ignition Coil: Test the ignition coil for cylinder #7 to ensure it's functioning properly. Replace the coil if it's weak or faulty.

4. Clean or Replace Fuel Injector: If you suspect a fuel injector issue, try cleaning the fuel injector using a fuel injector cleaner. If cleaning doesn't resolve the problem, replace the fuel injector.

5. Inspect Valve Train: If the ticking noise persists, the issue may be related to the valve train in cylinder #7. This could involve a worn lifter, rocker arm, or valve spring. Inspect these components for damage and replace them as needed. This requires removing the valve cover.

6. Consider Coolant: If low coolant is a problem, address this issue. "Let the jet engine wake up the hood for about 5 mins while I do a pour-over then head out," notes one owner (source).

7. Oil Change: Consider changing the oil. Sometimes, the wrong type of oil can cause engine noise.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Spark plug for cylinder #7 (check your owner's manual for the correct part number)
• Ignition coil for cylinder #7 (check your owner's manual for the correct part number)
• Fuel injector cleaner or new fuel injector (check your owner's manual for the correct part number)
• Valve cover gasket (if removing the valve cover)
• Mechanic's stethoscope
• OBD-II scanner
• Compression tester
• Basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers)

Real Owner Costs

Based on available information, actual owner costs for addressing engine ticking noises on the 2020 RAM 1500 can vary significantly depending on the cause.

• DIY Repair: If the issue is a simple one, such as replacing a spark plug or cleaning a fuel injector, the cost could be relatively low, ranging from $20 to $100 in parts.
• Professional Repair: If the ticking noise is due to a more complex issue, such as a worn lifter or valve train problem, the cost can be significantly higher. This could range from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the extent of the repairs and labor costs.

Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual cost will depend on the specific cause of the ticking noise and the repair shop's labor rates.

Prevention

Preventing engine issues and related ticking noises in your 2020 RAM 1500 involves proper maintenance and care.

• Regular Oil Changes: Perform regular oil changes according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Use the correct type of oil and filter.

• Coolant Level: Check the coolant level regularly.

• Proper Warm-Up: Allow the engine to warm up before putting it under heavy load, especially in cold weather. As one owner shared, "At what temp is it best to start driving? Obviously totally warm is best but I don’t warm my engine in the summer" (source).

• Avoid Pressure Washing Engine Bay: "Light water pressure in an engine bay, hose ‘pressure’ only. If you really can’t help yourself leave lots of space between components & nozzle…and never blast connectors," advises one owner (source).

What Owners Say

Real experiences from RAM owners:

Owner Experiences

"At what temp is it best to start driving? Obviously totally warm is best but I don’t warm my engine in the summer." — omfgwtafalready (source)

"Not sure what happened yesterday but i was heading home after completing a brake service and oil change for a family member and my 2020 1500 displayed that i need to change the gear nob to Park, I did so at the traffic light & i regret that i ever did." — NobodyHeavy5211 (source)

"The truck never turn back to drive instead the Truck kept struggling to start from that point on so i was stuck in the middle of the Road until my Tow came." — NobodyHeavy5211 (source)

Real Repair Costs

"Edit 2: The dealership charged me $363 to put a fuse in slot F51 on the passenger side fuse panel. Since I have Auto Stop/Start that slot, along with F52 are supposed to be empty or it throws error codes." — sgt_rock_wall (source)

"Edit: I have an appointment, using my warranty for the 3rd time in a year, on Monday with the Chevy dealership. Edit 2: The dealership charged me $363 to put a fuse in slot F51 on the passenger side fuse panel." — sgt_rock_wall (source)

"Seller probably trying to recoup for level and tires. I wouldnt buy for more than $20K usd personally." — CannibalAnus (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a ticking noise?

A: The repair time varies widely depending on the cause. A simple spark plug replacement might take 30 minutes, while a valve train repair could take a full day or more.

Q: Can I drive with a ticking noise?

A: It depends on the severity of the noise. If the ticking is faint and doesn't affect engine performance, you might be able to drive cautiously to a mechanic. However, if the noise is loud or accompanied by other symptoms, it's best to avoid driving the vehicle to prevent further damage.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 RAM 1500?

A: While ticking noises can occur on any vehicle, the frequency on the 2020 RAM 1500 isn't specifically indicated in the data. However, based on online discussions, it's not an unheard-of issue.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: If you're comfortable with basic mechanical work and have the necessary tools, you can attempt some of the simpler repairs, such as replacing spark plugs or cleaning fuel injectors. However, for more complex repairs involving the valve train or engine internals, it's best to seek professional assistance. As one owner notes, "Since everyone’s so touchy around here, just don’t, they spent thousands of hours engineering the setup of your truck" (source).