RAM Repair & Maintenance in Auburn, NY

RAM Models We Service

Services for Your RAM

Why RAM Maintenance Matters More in Auburn

Four-corner air suspension on the RAM 1500 has a well-documented pattern of struggling in cold weather, with owners across colder regions reporting the system failing to raise or lower properly, or refusing to work at all once temperatures drop into the single digits. That's not a rare edge case here, it's a normal Auburn winter morning, so it's worth having the system checked before the cold really sets in rather than finding out the hard way.

Cold starts are also when a lifter that's starting to wear will tick loudest, and road salt is just as hard on a RAM's brake lines and undercarriage as it is on any other vehicle in this area.

RAM Repair in Auburn, NY: What You Need to Know

RAM trucks are built to work, and the Hemi V8, ZF 8-speed transmission, and optional air suspension all hold up well with the right maintenance. A few specific issues are worth understanding, especially the air suspension's cold-weather behavior for anyone driving one through a Central New York winter.

At Sholar Automotive, we service the full RAM lineup. Our technicians understand Hemi tick and lifter diagnosis, air suspension repair, and Cummins diesel maintenance.

Air Suspension in Cold Weather

Four-corner air suspension on the RAM 1500 has a documented pattern of failing to reach ride height, or not working at all, once temperatures drop into very cold territory. Compressor failure and control module faults are common causes. If your truck has air suspension, it's worth having it checked before the coldest part of winter arrives, not after it leaves you sitting on the bump stops.

Hemi Tick vs. Exhaust Manifold Ticking

A ticking or rattling noise on 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi engines can mean two very different things. True Hemi tick comes from worn hydraulic lifters and can progress to camshaft damage if ignored. A much more common and far cheaper cause is a broken exhaust manifold bolt from heat cycling, which produces a similar sound. We test to tell the two apart before recommending any repair.

Why Sholar Automotive for Your RAM

RAM owners across Auburn and Cayuga County choose Sholar Automotive for technically sound service at rates below dealership pricing. Your brakes, suspension, and other RAM components are also checked as part of your annual NY State inspection, so keeping up with service keeps your sticker valid too.

If you're due for service, hearing a tick or unusual noise, or getting your truck ready for winter, give us a call at (315) 252-7223 or schedule online. We'll take great care of your RAM.

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Getting to Our Shop

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RAM Repair FAQs

Why does my RAM's air suspension fail in cold weather?

Four-corner air suspension on the RAM 1500 has a documented tendency to stop working or fail to reach ride height specifically in cold temperatures, sometimes below about 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Compressor and control module issues are common causes, and it's a known enough pattern that it's worth having checked before winter really sets in.

What is "Hemi tick" and does my RAM have it?

Hemi tick is a ticking or rattling noise on 5.7L and 6.4L Hemi engines caused by worn hydraulic lifters, and it can lead to camshaft damage if ignored. It's important to tell apart from a broken exhaust manifold bolt, which causes a similar tick but is a much simpler repair. We check both.

Why does my RAM's exhaust tick on cold starts?

Exhaust manifold bolts on Hemi engines are known to loosen or snap from heat cycling, causing a ticking sound and exhaust leak that's often mistaken for Hemi tick. It's a common, straightforward repair once correctly identified.

Why is my RAM's 8-speed transmission shifting roughly?

The ZF 8-speed automatic used across RAM trucks is generally reliable, but rough shifts or hesitation sometimes come down to a software calibration issue rather than a mechanical problem, often resolved with an adaptive shift relearn.

Is Sholar Automotive less expensive than the RAM dealership?

As an independent shop, our labor rates are typically lower than dealership pricing, and we're upfront about cost before any work begins. We use OEM or OEM-equivalent parts.

Serving Auburn and Surrounding Communities

Sholar Automotive proudly serves drivers from Auburn, Weedsport, Sennett, Owasco, Fleming, Union Springs, Moravia, Port Byron, Skaneateles, and throughout Cayuga County.