Dodge & Ram Repair & Service in Cedar Rapids
HEMI power, Cummins diesel, and everything in between — serviced right.
Your Local Dodge & Ram Specialists in Cedar Rapids
From the hardworking Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 to the iconic Charger, Challenger, Durango, and Grand Caravan, Cedar Automotive delivers expert Dodge and Ram repair you can count on. Our technicians understand the engineering behind these vehicles and use professional-grade diagnostic tools to keep them running at peak performance. Whether you drive a daily commuter or a heavy-duty work truck, we treat every vehicle like our own.
Dodge and Ram vehicles are built tough, but they still need a shop that knows their quirks. Cedar Automotive handles everything from routine oil changes on your Ram 1500 to diagnosing HEMI lifter tick on a Charger R/T, to servicing the Cummins turbo diesel in your Ram 3500. We stock the correct OE-spec fluids and filters and follow manufacturer service intervals to protect your warranty.
Located in Cedar Rapids near the regional airport, we serve Dodge and Ram owners throughout Eastern Iowa. If your vehicle needs attention, give us a call or book online. Most repairs are quoted upfront with no surprises.
Dodge & Ram Services We Offer
- Oil changes and fluid services (HEMI & Cummins spec fluids)
- Brake pad, rotor, and caliper replacement
- HEMI engine diagnostics, lifter replacement, and performance service
- Automatic transmission service and repair (845RE, ZF 8-speed, 68RFE)
- Electrical diagnostics and Uconnect system troubleshooting
- Suspension, steering, and ball joint replacement
- 4WD and transfer case service
- Cummins diesel engine repair, turbo service, and DEF system maintenance
- Car key and key fob programming
Common Dodge Issues We Diagnose and Repair
Hemi MDS Lifter Failure
5.7L and 6.4L Hemi engines in Ram, Charger, Challenger, and Durango are prone to collapsed MDS (multi-displacement) lifters that produce a loud tick and P0300 / P0301 misfire codes. We replace the failed lifters as a full set, swap the affected camshaft when lobe wear is present, and reprogram the PCM so the tick stays gone.
Hemi Tick Diagnosis
Not every Hemi tick is MDS — some are exhaust manifold stud failures, broken spark plug tubes, or worn rocker arms. We listen with mechanics’ stethoscope and scope tools, pull the right valve cover for inspection, and deliver a correct diagnosis before spending money. Misdiagnosing a Hemi tick wastes four hours of labor minimum.
ZF 8HP Transmission Service
The ZF 8-speed automatic in Ram 1500, Charger, Challenger, Durango, and Grand Cherokee lasts indefinitely with fluid service and dies early without it. We use the correct ZF LifeGuard 8 fluid, perform the fill procedure at the correct temperature, and reset transmission adaptations so shifts learn smooth and crisp after service.
3.6L Pentastar Cylinder Head
Early 2011–2013 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines (Charger, Challenger, Grand Cherokee, Town & Country) suffered left-bank cylinder head failures that drop a valve seat. Symptoms include a P0300/P0306 misfire and a rough idle. We scope the cylinder, confirm the head failure, and quote the correct left-head replacement instead of chasing spark plugs.
Power Steering Hose Leak
Ram 1500 and 2500 trucks are known for leaking high-pressure power steering hoses, especially where the hose crosses the exhaust. A smell of power steering fluid and a whine at full lock confirm the leak. We replace the hose with an OE Mopar unit, flush the fluid, and inspect the pump to make sure contamination has not spread.
Rear Differential Pinion Seal
Dodge and Ram rear differentials develop pinion seal leaks that drip onto the exhaust and eventually starve the ring and pinion of oil. We replace the pinion seal with a proper crush-sleeve procedure, refill with the correct gear oil and limited-slip additive, and verify the pinion bearing preload is correct before the truck leaves.
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cedar Automotive fix the Dodge Hemi lifter tick?
Yes — Hemi lifter failure on 5.7L and 6.4L engines in Ram, Charger, Challenger, and Durango is one of our most common repairs. We replace the MDS lifters as a full set, swap the affected camshaft when the lobes show wear, and reprogram the PCM with the latest Mopar calibration. Getting to the lifters early usually saves the camshaft. Call Cedar Automotive at (319) 450-7584 for a diagnostic.
Do you service the Ram / Dodge ZF 8-speed transmission?
Yes. The ZF 8HP transmission in Ram 1500, Charger, Challenger, Grand Cherokee, and Durango needs fluid and filter service around 60,000 miles with the correct ZF LifeGuard 8 fluid. We perform the fill at the correct temperature, reset adaptation values, and road-test so shifts learn smooth. Skipping this service is the top cause of early 8HP failure.
Can you diagnose the 3.6L Pentastar cylinder head failure?
Absolutely. Early 2011–2013 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines (Charger, Challenger, Grand Cherokee, Town & Country) suffer a left-bank cylinder head failure that mimics a misfire but will not clear with new plugs or coils. We scope the cylinder, confirm the dropped valve seat, and quote the correct left-head replacement rather than letting you chase parts until the engine quits.
Do you program Dodge and Ram keys without the dealer?
Yes — we cut and program Dodge and Ram SKIM transponder keys and proximity fobs for Ram 1500 / 2500, Charger, Challenger, Durango, and Grand Cherokee at independent-shop prices. Cedar Automotive carries dealer-level Mopar access. Call (319) 450-7584 so we can confirm the year and security type of your Dodge or Ram before you make the trip.