P3891moderate severityPowertrain

Ammonia Slip Catalyst Efficiency Low

on 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD

What this code means

The ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) downstream of the SCR is not effectively converting excess ammonia to nitrogen. Ammonia is escaping to atmosphere.

Symptoms

  • Ammonia smell from exhaust
  • Check Engine Light
  • Failed emissions test
  • Eye and throat irritation near exhaust
  • White haze from tailpipe

Common causes

  • ASC catalyst degradation
  • SCR over-dosing DEF causing excess ammonia
  • ASC contamination
  • Exhaust temperature too low for ASC
  • ASC catalyst physically damaged

Diagnostic steps

  1. Measure ammonia levels downstream of ASC
  2. Check DEF dosing rates for over-dosing
  3. Monitor SCR and ASC temperatures
  4. Inspect ASC for physical damage
  5. Test downstream NOx and NH3 sensors

Repair notes

Replace ammonia slip catalyst. Correct any DEF over-dosing issue. Inspect SCR system calibration.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
Stuck on this repair? Take it to The Diag Desk — ask a master tech about this exact car → real human answer within 24h, never AI
🔓 LIBERATED FOREVER
The 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel repair data is free for every DIYer and shop on earth, permanently, because Lost Pines Precision Automotive, Bastrop, TX paid $99 to unlock it.
Mitchell1 charges $169/mo for this. ALLDATAdiy charges $30/yr per vehicle. Open Labor Project is free permanently, because of community sponsors like Lost.
Free another vehicle →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 10 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →