The Dodge ERC is a 2,967 cc, inline-five turbo-diesel engine produced between 2014 and 2020. Developed under the FCA Global Medium Engine program, it features high-pressure common-rail injection, a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard calibration, it delivers 140 kW (190 PS) with peak torque of 450 Nm, providing strong pulling power for heavy-duty chassis cab and utility applications.
Fitted exclusively to the Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Dodge Power Wagon (in select European and Middle Eastern markets), the ERC engine was engineered for severe-duty operation, including flat-towing, emergency vehicle upfits, and off-road utility. Emissions compliance is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) using AdBlue, meeting Euro 6 standards across its production run. The engine’s design emphasizes durability under sustained load and improved cold-start performance.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under low-fuel conditions, highlighted in FCA Service Information Bulletin 19-007-16. Extended operation below 10% tank level increases cavitation risk, leading to premature pump wear and potential rail pressure faults. This issue is mitigated by updated pump calibration and reinforced inlet valve design introduced in 2017, reducing failure incidence in later production units.
All ERC models (2014–2020) comply with Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Dodge ERC is a 2,967 cc inline-five turbo-diesel engineered for heavy-duty commercial and off-road applications (2014–2020). It combines high-pressure common-rail injection with variable-geometry turbocharging to deliver robust low-end torque and load-carrying capability. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances commercial-grade durability with regulated emissions performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,967 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-5, DOHC, 20-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with VGT | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 99.0 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1,400–2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single BorgWarner VGT (KP45) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, dual-row) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-40, API CJ-4 or FCA Material Standard MS-11106 | |
| Dry weight | 225 kg |
The ERC's VGT and SCR system deliver strong low-RPM pulling power ideal for towing and off-road cycles but require strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using FCA-approved 5W-40 oil to maintain turbo and fuel pump longevity. Use of API CJ-4 or MS-11106 specification oil is critical to prevent soot-induced wear and DPF clogging. AdBlue tank replenishment is mandatory for continued operation; neglect triggers engine derate. HPFP failures are more common in vehicles operated with consistently low fuel levels; operators should maintain tank levels above 10% to prevent cavitation. Post-2017 models benefit from revised HPFP calibration per FCA SIB 19-007-16, reducing risk.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-40 meeting API CJ-4 or FCA MS-11106 (FCA SIB 19-007-16). Not compatible with older CI-4 or lower specs.
Emissions: All ERC models (2014–2020) comply with Euro 6 standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 590 diesel specification (FCA TIS D29671).
FCA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs D29670, D29671, SIB 19-007-16
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Dodge ERC was used across Dodge's Chassis Cab and Power Wagon platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Ram commercial vehicles. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-cooling system revisions in the Ram 3500 and off-road tuning in Power Wagon models-and from 2017 the updated ERC adopted revised high-pressure fuel pump calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine identification plate affixed to the front timing cover (FCA TIS D29672). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('M' for ERC series). All ERC models feature a combined DPF-SCR unit and AdBlue tank. Critical differentiation from 2.9L Multijet: ERC has a Bosch EDC17C84 ECU with 120-pin connector and green diagnostic port. Service parts require model-year verification—fuel pumps before 2017 are not interchangeable with later revised units (FCA SIB 19-007-16).
The ERC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation, with elevated incidence in fleet and off-road vehicles operated with low fuel levels. FCA internal quality reports from 2018 indicated a notable share of pre-2017 units required HPFP replacement before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA records show SCR-related faults contributing to emissions test failures in utility vehicles. Frequent low-fuel operation and poor diesel quality increase pump stress, making fuel maintenance and oil specification adherence critical.
Analysis derived from FCA technical bulletins (2014–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DODGE ERC.
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