2022 Ram Owner Says the Dealer Claims Her Truck Needs a $400 Fuel Injection Service, She Adds, “But I Only Have 33K Miles On It, Is That Why They Call Them Stealerships?”

Before you hand over your credit card, find out why this common 30,000-mile "maintenance requirement" is often nothing more than an expensive dealership myth designed to empty your wallet.

Imagine pulling your low-mileage 2022 Ram 1500 in for a simple oil change, only to be hit with a high-pressure sales pitch for fuel injector and throttle body cleaning that isn't even in your owner's manual. You’ve babied the truck with premium fuel and highway miles, yet the shop insists these expensive "add-ons" are vital for performance.

Betsy Hasselbrack on the Ram 1500 Owners Facebook page says,

“I had my 2022 Ram at the dealership for an oil change and tire rotation. The service tech recommended I get the fuel injector and throttle body services performed ($400), telling me that “it will keep the engine performing well.” The truck only has 33k miles, about half of which are highway. I pull a travel trailer a few times a year and take a few long driving trips. Only 89 octane gas (or higher) is used. Are these services necessary to maintain performance at this mileage? My gut told me to decline them because at 33k miles, it just seems awfully low to be needing this done. Is that why they call them stealerships?”

The Truth About Early Fuel Injection Service: 

As a senior reporter with 30 years in the automotive industry, I’ve seen the "service advisor shuffle" more times than I can count. When Betsy asked if 33,000 miles is too early for a fuel injection service, her gut instinct was spot on. Modern engines, specifically the Hemi and Pentastar powerplants found in the 2022 Ram 1500, are marvels of engineering designed to run cleanly for much longer than those in the 1980s.

The term "stealership" exists because many service departments operate on a commission-based structure. When a technician suggests a fuel injector and throttle body service at 30k miles, they are often following a "dealer-recommended" menu rather than the manufacturer’s requirements. If you check your Ram owner's manual, you won't find a fuel injection flush listed as a 30,000-mile requirement.

Why Your Ram 1500 Likely Doesn't Need It

Modern Top Tier gasoline contains high levels of detergents that keep injectors clean naturally. Since Betsy is using 89 octane or higher, she is already providing her engine with the cleaning agents it needs. Furthermore, highway driving is actually beneficial for your fuel system; the higher temperatures and consistent flow help prevent carbon buildup.

If you are concerned about long-term reliability, it is better to focus on the core mechanical issues. For instance, many owners worry about the longevity of their trucks beyond just the fuel system. I’ve covered this extensively in my report on The Ram 1500: Why It’s The Best And Worst Truck You Can Buy, where I break down the balance between Ram’s luxury and its maintenance quirks.

Understanding the Throttle Body "Service"

The throttle body manages the air intake. Over time, oil vapors can create a thin film of "gunk" around the butterfly valve. While a dirty throttle body can cause a rough idle, it rarely happens at 33,000 miles unless the truck has been idling for hours in extreme dust. Selling this as a "necessary" preventative measure at this stage is a reach.

Readers often ask me about the true cost of ownership and whether these trucks hold up under pressure. When evaluating if Ram dealership maintenance packages are worth the money, you have to look at the history of the specific model. My analysis of The 2025 Ram 1500 Hurricane Engine: Why You Should Be Concerned highlights how new engine technologies are changing the maintenance game, but for a 2022 model, the old-school fuel flush is rarely a priority.

Key Takeaways for Ram Owners

• Consult the Manual: If the service isn't in the Mopar maintenance schedule, it’s a dealer profit-maker.
• Fuel Quality Matters: Use Top Tier 89 octane to keep injectors naturally clean without chemical flushes.
• Ask for Proof: If a tech says you need a throttle body cleaning, ask to see a photo of the carbon buildup.
• Beware of "Wallet Flushing": 33,000 miles is the sweet spot for dealers to "upsell" because the truck is out of its initial honeymoon phase.

Real-World Performance and Towing

Betsy mentions she pulls a travel trailer. Towing actually helps keep an engine clean by increasing cylinder pressures and temperatures, which can help burn off deposits. This "Italian Tune-up" is often more effective than a $200 chemical spray. If you are using your truck as a workhorse, you are likely doing more good for the engine than a service bay ever could.

When considering how to avoid unnecessary car dealership service charges, knowledge is your best weapon. Knowing which parts of the truck are actually prone to failure helps you say "no" to the fluff. I previously detailed some of these structural and mechanical concerns in Is The Ram 1500 Really The Most Unreliable Truck?, which provides a broader perspective on what actually breaks versus what dealers want to "fix."

What Ram Owners Are Saying

The sentiment online mirrors Betsy's skepticism. Many owners feel that these early service recommendations are nothing more than a revenue stream for the shop.

User "HemiGuy2022" on Reddit: "My dealer tried the same thing at my 30k oil change. I told them to show me where in the Ram manual it says I need that. They couldn't. It's a total scam for trucks that aren't showing symptoms." 

User "TowingPro" on Reddit: "I have 110k miles on my Ram and never did a 'fuel service.' I just run a bottle of Techron once a year. Save your money for the 60k-mile fluid changes instead." 

Wrap It Up

At 33,000 miles, a fuel injection and throttle body service is almost certainly an unnecessary expense for a truck running well on 89 octane. Unless you are experiencing a rough idle, stalling, or a significant drop in fuel economy, your gut feeling is correct: the dealer is likely looking to pad their bottom line. Stick to the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance and save your hard-earned cash for the services that actually keep your Ram on the road.

How About You? Has your local dealer tried to sell you "preventative" services that aren't in your owner's manual? Click the red link below to write your comment and join the community in sharing experiences.

Next Up: Is the Ram 1500 Really the Most Unreliable Truck? While many owners love their trucks, reports on reliability vary wildly between the V8 and the newer Hurricane engines. I take a deep dive into the data to see if the "unreliable" label is actually earned or just hype. Read the full story here.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Denis Flierl brings an insider’s perspective to Torque News, where he has been a Senior Reporter since 2012. Before picking up the pen, Denis consulted for the automotive industry's biggest brands and honed his skills as a test driver. He cuts through the noise to deliver the latest auto news, compelling owner stories, and the expert analysis necessary to navigate today's changing automotive market.

Have a tip or question? Follow me on X @DenisFlierl and @WorldsCoolestRides, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Betsy Hasselbrack