Close What Happens If I Put Gas in My Diesel Truck?
Nobody plans to put the wrong fuel in their truck. But it happens more than you think—especially with some stations using green handles for E85 gasoline while others use green exclusively for diesel. BP stations in particular can trip people up, since some follow their English heritage and use green for gasoline and black for diesel. There’s no federal mandate for pump handle colors, so don’t trust the handle—verify the pump label every time.
Why Gasoline in a Diesel Is a Problem
- Diesel doubles as a lubricant for your high-pressure fuel pump and injectors; gasoline is a solvent that strips lubrication.
- Even a small amount can cause knocking, misfires, and accelerated wear if the truck is started.
- Modern diesel systems run tight tolerances—damage can escalate quickly once gas circulates.
Signs You May Have Added Gasoline
- Hard start or no start
- Rough idle, loss of power, or loud knocking
- Excess smoke from exhaust
What To Do If It Happens
- Don’t start the engine. The damage happens when gas circulates through the system.
- Arrange a tow. Bring it straight to a qualified service department. Our North Aurora Ram Truck Center is an easy haul from Naperville, St. Charles, and West Chicago.
- Fuel system drain (not DIY-friendly). Diesel tanks often trap 1–2 gallons that only come out by dropping the tank and accessing the system directly. Incorrect DIY methods can cause more damage. We’ll fully drain the tank, flush lines, and inspect pumps/injectors.
- Change the oil. Gasoline can slip past seals and dilute engine oil. An oil change restores proper lubrication and protects wear components.
- Refill with fresh diesel and test. If there are no odd noises, warnings, or driveability issues after the repair, you’re typically in the clear.
Put gasoline in your Ram diesel?
You came here looking for a straight answer. That’s the same approach we take when helping you maintain or choose your next Ram truck.
Our Locations
River Front CDJR
- 200 Hansen Blvd
- North Aurora, IL 60542
- Hours and Directions
Sales
630-538-7691
| Monday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Friday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Service
331-258-1802
| Monday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Friday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 7:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Parts
630-405-5687
| Monday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Friday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 7:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Ram Truck Center
- 1851 Orchard Gateway Blvd
- North Aurora, IL 60542
- Hours and Directions
Commercial Sales / Business Link
630-907-1700
Dealership Information
Testimonials
I can’t say enough good about the service.
We just purchased our 7th vehicle from them.
“ I’ve been buying vehicles from River Front Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge since 2017, and over the holiday weekend we just purchased our 7th vehicle from them. That alone says a lot about the trust and confidence we have in this dealership. Since day one, John Provenzano has taken care of my family’s vehicle needs and has always gone above and beyond. He is personable, accountable, and truly listens to what we need rather than trying to push us into something that doesn’t fit. He takes the time to make the process easy, stress-free, and personal. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about finding the right vehicle for you and your family, I highly recommend asking for John. We’ll definitely continue coming back! ”
They made the whole experience smooth and simple.
“ We recently got our ProMaster from River Front Ram Truck Center, and I have to say Miles was the best to work with. He was very transparent, straightforward, and made the whole process feel easy. It wasn’t just Miles either — everyone at the dealership was honest, helpful, and really cared about making sure we got what we wanted. Buying a van can usually feel stressful, but they made the whole ProMaster buying experience smooth and simple. This is honestly the best van we’ve ever had, and I really appreciate Miles for helping us through everything and making sure we were taken care of. Thank you, Miles! ”
They have always been the dealer of choice.
“ I went to dealership for service recall not expecting to buy a new car. I found a new car while browsing the inventory which matched my desires and needs unexpectedly. They were gracious enough to allow me to take the car home and show it to my wife. Then they made the purchase of same easier than one might expect. They have always been the dealer of choice in my three previous purchases for care and service. I would (and have) recommend this dealership to anyone seeking a new vehicle. ”
Helpful and courteous.
“ Employees were helpful and courteous ”
Great experience!
“ Chip took good care of me. He did his leg work the repair costs. Very courteous and helpful. Completely explained the repair work. Great experience! ”
Friendly and professional
“ Service was friendly and professional ”
Very quick and easy
“ Th service I received was very quick and easy. Mike G was very helpful. ”
Quick and easy, in and out.
“ My experience at River Front CJDR for the last 12 years has been great and this time was know different. I purchased a new 2026 Jeep Compass, this is my 11th vehicle from River Front. Dave Trisha and marylin made the experience quick and easy, in and out. ”
Easy and fun.
“ Overall great and smooth experience. Dan Spooner and the rest of the team made buying a vehicle easy and fun. ”
Great people to work with!!
“ We recently purchased a Jeep from River Front CJDR and I can't believe how smoothly it went. I have never had a more positive and enjoyable experience purchasing a vehicle. We are VERY pleased with their service. From the minute I requested information online to the last minute after signing the papers we have not one complaint. Citlaly, Jim S and Vinnie are the BEST!!! They truly made us feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. Great people to work with!! We highly recommend them if you are in need of a vehicle! Thank you River Front!!! ”
Responsive employees.
“ Exception service process with responsive employees. ”
It was quick and easy process!
“ Miles was extremely helpful. He answered all questions I had, showed different options and didn’t pressure me into making a decision. It was quick and easy process! ”
Seamless purchase process.
“ I’ve been going to Riverfront to purchase all my cars for a reason. Trust and no pressure. Seamless purchase process. Thanks to the group and thank you Danny Spooner! ”
Great customer service
“ Great customer service. Clean. Friendly and GREAT hot chocolate while you wait. The online sales person was there to greet us as we walked in, and then she handed it over to the sales rep, Tracey, to complete the sale. Vinnie from finance was really friendly and efficient! This process is dreaded by many, but everyone at River Front made it go as smooth as can be and we were out of there in less than 2 hours, which is impeccable timing for the car sales industry. ”
Felt no pressure to buy.
“ Rob was fantastic at explaining all the new features on the 2026 Ram, felt no pressure to buy. Terry and Vinny in finance were outstanding as well! I will bring all my future business here to River Front Dodge. ”
Excellent like always.
“ Excellent like always, personal always looking for ways to save you money. ”
Erza was exceptional!
“ Erza was exceptional! We had several dealings with him over the course of 2025. He did an amazing job to make sure I was completely satisfied with the service. He went above and beyond to get the warranty coverage. The warranty company was less than cooperative but Ezra made things work for us. He is truly an asset to your company. ”
They made it hassle-free.
“ Recently purchased a used Ram at this dealership. Miles and Trish went above and beyond in terms of communication, ensuring the vehicle was checked out and prepped properly, and even followed up continuously after the sale on a few paint touch-ups. First time I actually enjoyed purchasing a vehicle. They made it hassle-free. Would definitely consider coming back in the future. ”
Highly recommend!
“ Purchased a new 2025 Jeep Wrangler today. I found River Front online and I worked primarily with Jim S who was great to work with. Communication was great and the buying process was efficient. There was ZERO pressure to buy all those "extras" most dealers push. I felt like the pricing was fair, I was treated respectfully and I would definately go back for my next Jeep! Overall a great buying experience - highly recommend! ”
Frequently Asked Questions
If I’m in Naperville and accidentally put gasoline in the tank on my Ram 2500, can the River Front Service Department help?
Yes — our Ram Truck Center in North Aurora handles this repair all the time. We’ll tow your truck in, drain and flush the system, change the oil, and make sure it’s safe to drive again.
If I work in West Chicago, can I drive my diesel 3500 to River Front after putting gas in it?
No — driving it makes the damage worse. Gas circulates through injectors and the fuel pump, which rely on diesel for lubrication. Shut it off and have it towed.
Is it true a small amount of gasoline won’t hurt my diesel?
Modern diesel systems are sensitive. Don’t risk it — a professional drain and oil change costs far less than replacing injectors or a pump. If your truck is still under warranty, misfueling damage is obvious and usually voids coverage. Warranties cover part failures, not preventable mistakes.
Can I fix this at my house in St. Charles so I don’t have to tow it to North Aurora?
Not really. Diesel tanks often trap 1–2 gallons that require dropping the tank and a full system flush. Without pro tools, it’s safer (and usually cheaper long-term) to let a technician handle it.
Where can I get help in West Chicago if I put the wrong fuel in my Ram truck?
Our River Front Ram Truck Center in North Aurora is nearby and equipped for proper drain, flush, and inspection so you’re not left guessing.
Why does gasoline cause damage in a diesel engine?
Diesel provides lubrication for critical parts like injectors and the high-pressure pump. Gasoline is thinner and acts like a solvent, stripping lubrication and increasing wear, which can lead to misfires, knocking, or component failure.
“ Thank you very much!!! I had a starter problem on Friday before the Holiday weekend and needed my truck to haul my trailer, Chip and Ray at the Ram dealer took excellent care of me and had my truck ready by 3 in the afternoon can’t say enough good about the service thanks again ”