Table of Contents

Why EcoDiesel Owners Look at an EGR Delete

The 3.0L EcoDiesel is built by VM Motori and used in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its EGR system sends a metered amount of exhaust gas through a liquid-cooled cooler and back into the intake. The goal is to lower combustion temperatures and cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

The tradeoff is that soot and heat pass through the cooler and the intake again and again. Two documented problems explain why owners search for an EGR delete: EGR coolers that crack from thermal fatigue, and soot and oil buildup in the intake.

Symptom Checklist

  • Coolant loss with no visible leak outside the engine
  • White smoke or steam from the exhaust at startup
  • Coolant showing up in the intake
  • Rough or uneven idle
  • Sluggish low-end response or reduced fuel economy
  • Check engine light with EGR, intake runner, or boost codes

Important: These symptoms can also come from other causes. Scan for codes and pressure test the cooling system before you order, so the kit matches the actual problem.

How the EcoDiesel EGR System Works

Cooler, Valve and Plumbing

The factory system takes exhaust gas from the exhaust side, cools it in a liquid-cooled heat exchanger, and feeds it into the intake through an electronically controlled valve. Engine coolant flows through the cooler, so a failure in the cooler can affect the cooling system as well.

Soot, Oil Vapor and Intake Buildup

Dry soot on its own tends to pass through the engine. The problem starts when that soot mixes with oil vapor from the crankcase ventilation system. The mix forms a sticky, tar-like sludge that coats the intake manifold, intercooler piping, and intake valves.

On the 3.0L, that sludge can slow and eventually seize the intake swirl valves, also called intake manifold runners. A seized set of swirl valves can lead to rough idle, weak low-end response, and in some cases a repair that involves the intake manifold.

Common EcoDiesel EGR Problems

Cooler Cracks and Coolant Loss

FCA and NHTSA have documented that thermal fatigue can crack the EGR cooler internally over time. A cracked cooler sends heated, vaporized coolant into the EGR system. Under certain conditions, that mixture can combust inside the intake manifold, which is why the issue was handled as a safety recall.

Swirl Valve Restriction

Sludge buildup is the usual path to intake runner codes on this engine. Heavy buildup can also restrict airflow enough to trigger a boost code.

Related Fault Codes

These are the codes most often tied to the problems above. Scan for the exact codes first, and pay close attention to P0401 if it shows up.

Code Description Typical Link to the EGR or Intake
P0401 EGR flow insufficient EGR valve or cooler passages blocked by soot
P200A Intake manifold runner performance, Bank 1 Swirl valves restricted by buildup
P200B Intake manifold runner performance, Bank 2 Swirl valves restricted by buildup
P0299 Turbocharger underboost Intake restriction keeps boost below target

Check for Open Recalls First

Before you spend money on parts, check your VIN for open safety recalls. FCA issued two separate recalls for the EGR cooler on the 3.0L EcoDiesel:

  • Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic, 2014 to 2019: NHTSA campaign 19V-757, FCA code VB1
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2014 to 2019: NHTSA campaign 20V-699, FCA code W79

Only certain vehicles in those model years are included. In both recalls, a dealer replaces the EGR cooler at no cost to the owner. On the Grand Cherokee, dealers also inspect the intake manifold and replace it if needed. You can enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a recall is open on your truck.

A recall repair replaces the cooler and keeps the truck as the factory built it. An EGR delete removes the system and is intended for off-road use only. If your truck has an open recall, you should know about it before you decide.

Fitment by Model Year and Vehicle

Important: This kit is listed for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 trucks only. Confirm your exact year and engine before ordering.

Vehicle Years Listed Engine
Ram 1500 2014 to 2018 3.0L EcoDiesel
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014 to 2018 3.0L EcoDiesel

The same listing covers both the Ram 1500 and the Grand Cherokee, so one kit serves both platforms for those years. You can see the full listing here: 2014 to 2018 EGR valve and cooler delete kit.

If you own a 2019 or newer truck, do not assume this kit fits. Send your year, model, and VIN to support before ordering.

For Grand Cherokee owners who also need DPF side parts, EngineGo lists a 2014 to 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee DPF and EGR kit. Ram 1500 owners can check the EcoDiesel DPF delete kit collection and confirm current Ram fitment with support.

Does It Need Tuning?

Yes. The engine control module expects EGR flow, valve position, and cooler temperature data. If you install block-off plates without a matching tune, expect a check engine light, fault codes, and possibly reduced power while the truck protects the engine.

A tune is what lets the truck run correctly with the EGR removed. Any change in power or fuel economy comes from the tune and the cleaner intake charge together, and results vary by truck, so EngineGo does not promise horsepower or MPG numbers. Send your year and engine to support to confirm which tuning option matches your truck. If you want to understand how the tune and hardware work together, read our guide on whether you should tune after a delete.

Installation Notes

EngineGo advises professional installation for this kit. The job touches the cooling system, the intake side, and the exhaust side, so it involves more than a simple bolt-on swap.

  • Let the engine and exhaust cool fully before you start. Never open a hot cooling system.
  • Use jack stands or a lift, never a jack alone.
  • Have fresh coolant on hand.
  • Wear eye and hand protection around coolant and exhaust parts.
  • Read the full kit instructions before you remove any parts.

Legal Notice: Off-Road and Competition Use Only

EcoDiesel EGR delete kits are intended for off-road, race, or non-public-road use where permitted. Federal law prohibits removing or disabling emissions controls on a motor vehicle certified for road use, and many states check for tampering at inspection or registration. An EGR system exists to reduce NOx, and removing it increases NOx output. Removing emissions equipment can also affect warranty coverage for related components.

These parts are not intended for use on emissions-controlled vehicles operated on public roads unless legally permitted in your jurisdiction. Customers are responsible for confirming compliance with federal, state, and local laws before purchase and installation. Professional installation is recommended.

FAQ

Will an EGR delete kit fit both my Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The EngineGo kit is listed for both vehicles, 2014 to 2018, with the 3.0L EcoDiesel. Check your year and engine against the listing, and contact support if your truck is a 2019 or newer.

Is there a recall on my EcoDiesel EGR cooler?

Possibly. FCA recalled certain 2014 to 2019 Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic trucks (19V-757) and certain 2014 to 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles (20V-699) for EGR cooler cracking. Dealers replace the cooler at no cost. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to check.

Do I need a tuner after deleting the EGR?

Yes. The engine control module expects EGR data, and a tune is needed to address the resulting codes and restore normal drivability.

Why do EcoDiesel EGR coolers fail?

The recall documents describe thermal fatigue, which can crack the cooler internally over time and let heated, vaporized coolant into the EGR system.

Can I install this myself?

EngineGo advises professional installation. The job involves coolant lines and intake work, so have an experienced installer handle it if you are not comfortable with that kind of work.

Is this legal for street use?

Do not assume it is. Emissions-related products like this are intended for off-road, race, or non-public-road use where permitted. Confirm your local and federal laws before purchase and installation.

Not sure which kit matches your exact truck? Send us your year, make, model, and VIN and we will help confirm fitment before you order, or shop EcoDiesel delete kits to compare EGR and DPF options in one place.