Replace the turbocharger wastegate actuator on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine to restore proper boost pressure control.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Turbocharger wastegate actuator × 1 — Use OEM Holset specification for HE351VE turbo
• Wastegate actuator gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intake air temperature sensor O-ring (if disturbed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch, minimum 2 hours after last operation
2. Disconnect both negative and positive battery cables to prevent electrical faults during actuator replacement
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips and lifting off mounting grommets
4. Document or photograph wastegate actuator electrical connector orientation and linkage position for reference
5. Clean area around turbocharger and actuator mounting location to prevent debris entry

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air intake components
   Loosen clamp on air filter housing inlet tube. Disconnect intake air temperature (IAT) sensor electrical connector on the intake tube. Remove intake tube from turbocharger inlet by loosening the hose clamp and carefully pulling tube away from turbo. Set aside to provide access to turbocharger top area.
2. 2

   Disconnect wastegate actuator electrical connector
   Locate the wastegate actuator on the driver's side of the turbocharger. Press the release tab on the electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. Move wiring harness aside and secure away from work area.
3. 3

   Disconnect actuator control linkage
   Locate the actuator rod connecting to the unison ring on the turbocharger. Use needle nose pliers to remove the circlip or retaining clip securing the actuator rod to the unison ring ball joint. Carefully separate the actuator rod from the unison ring, taking care not to damage the ball socket. Note the exact position and orientation for reassembly.
   ⚠Do not force or bend the actuator rod. The unison ring mechanism is precisely calibrated and damage will require turbocharger replacement.
4. 4

   Remove wastegate actuator mounting bolts
   Using appropriate socket, remove the three wastegate actuator mounting bolts securing the actuator to the turbocharger compressor housing. Support the actuator with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Remove the actuator and gasket from the turbocharger.
   Torque spec

   Wastegate Actuator Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Clean mounting surface
   Thoroughly clean the actuator mounting surface on the turbocharger compressor housing using a wire brush and parts cleaner. Remove all traces of old gasket material. Wipe clean with shop towels and ensure the surface is completely dry and free of debris. Inspect mounting holes for damage or stripped threads.
6. 6

   Inspect unison ring operation
   With the actuator removed, visually inspect the unison ring for smooth movement. The ring should move freely without binding. Check for carbon buildup or damage. This is an opportunity to verify the turbocharger VGT mechanism is functioning properly before installing the new actuator.
   ℹ️If unison ring is binding or stuck, the turbocharger requires cleaning or replacement. Installing a new actuator will not resolve mechanical binding issues.
7. 7

   Install new wastegate actuator gasket
   Position the new wastegate actuator gasket onto the turbocharger mounting surface, aligning all bolt holes. Ensure the gasket is properly seated and flat against the mounting surface with no gaps or wrinkles.
8. 8

   Install new wastegate actuator
   Position the new wastegate actuator onto the turbocharger, aligning the mounting holes with the gasket. Start all three mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, tighten in a crossing pattern (star pattern) to the specified torque using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Wastegate Actuator Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect actuator control linkage
   Align the new actuator rod end with the ball joint on the unison ring. Press the rod firmly onto the ball stud until it seats completely. Install the retaining circlip using needle nose pliers, ensuring the clip is fully seated in its groove. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the rod.
   ⚠Ensure the circlip is completely seated. An improperly installed clip can allow the linkage to separate during operation, causing loss of boost control.
10. 10

    Connect actuator electrical connector
    Route the wiring harness back to the actuator. Align the electrical connector and press firmly until you hear and feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place.
11. 11

    Reinstall air intake components
    Reconnect the intake air temperature sensor electrical connector. Position the intake tube onto the turbocharger inlet, ensuring proper alignment. Tighten the hose clamp securely. Verify all connections are tight and properly seated.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect positive battery cable first, then negative cable. Use a diagnostic scan tool to clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to wastegate actuator performance. This ensures a clean baseline for verification testing.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning mounting grommets and pressing down firmly until all clips engage
2. Double-check all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
3. Verify intake system is completely reassembled with no loose clamps or disconnected sensors
4. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle. Listen for any unusual noises from the turbocharger area, especially air leaks at the actuator mounting location
• Monitor for diagnostic trouble codes using a scan tool. No wastegate actuator codes should be present
• Using scan tool live data, verify wastegate actuator position changes smoothly from 0-100% as commanded by the ECM during idle
• Perform a test drive and monitor boost pressure. Boost should build smoothly and reach expected levels (typically 25-30 PSI under load depending on conditions)
• Verify no exhaust smoke or performance issues that would indicate improper wastegate operation
• Re-scan for codes after test drive to confirm no new wastegate-related faults have set

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