If you own a 2019–2024 Ram 2500 or 3500 with the 6.7 Cummins, chances are you’ve heard about the grid heater bolt issue. Over the past few years, it’s become one of the most talked-about concerns among 5th Gen Cummins owners.
Recently, we installed a Banks Monster Ram Intake on a customer’s 5th Gen Ram here at FASS Motorsports in Washington, Missouri. The upgrade not only improves airflow and performance, but more importantly, it eliminates the factory grid heater bolt that has the potential to cause catastrophic engine damage.
Below we’ll explain why this upgrade is so popular and show the install video from our shop.
The 5th Gen Cummins Grid Heater Bolt Problem
The factory intake horn on the 2019–2024 6.7 Cummins uses a grid heater mounted directly in the intake. This heater helps warm incoming air during cold starts.
The problem isn’t the heater itself — it’s the small retaining bolt that secures part of the grid heater assembly.
In some cases, this bolt can loosen or fail. If that happens, it can fall directly into the intake and enter the engine.
And as you can imagine, sending a bolt through a running diesel engine is not exactly ideal.
Best-case scenario, the engine shuts down quickly. Worst-case scenario, the engine experiences severe internal damage.
That’s why many 5th Gen Cummins owners are proactively replacing the factory intake horn.
Enter the Banks Monster Ram Intake
The Banks Monster Ram Intake was designed specifically to address this problem.
Instead of relying on the factory grid heater design, the Monster Ram replaces the entire intake horn assembly with a redesigned airflow path and heating solution.
This eliminates the problematic grid heater bolt entirely.
At the same time, the intake improves airflow into the engine, which can help with throttle response and overall efficiency.
Key Benefits of the Banks Monster Ram
- Eliminates the factory grid heater bolt risk
- Improves intake airflow
- Maintains cold-start functionality
- High-quality Banks engineering and construction
- Direct replacement for the factory intake horn
For many 5th Gen owners, the biggest benefit is simply peace of mind.
Installed at FASS Motorsports
We recently installed a Banks Monster Ram Intake on a customer’s 2019+ Ram 2500 equipped with the 6.7 Cummins.
The install itself is straightforward and can be completed with basic tools, though we always recommend professional installation if you're not comfortable working under the hood.
Our team completed the install here at our shop and recorded a quick video highlighting the process.
Watch the Install Video
Below is a quick video showing the install of the Banks Monster Ram Intake on this 5th Gen Cummins. While it isn’t a full step-by-step installation guide, it gives a good overview of the process and highlights the finished result.
Why 5th Gen Cummins Owners Are Making This Upgrade
Many Ram owners are installing the Banks Monster Ram for one primary reason:
Preventative maintenance.
The factory grid heater bolt issue may not affect every truck, but the potential consequences are serious enough that many owners choose to eliminate the risk entirely.
By replacing the factory intake horn with the Banks Monster Ram, you remove that weak point from the system.
Available at FASS Motorsports
At FASS Motorsports, we offer a wide range of upgrades for Cummins-powered Rams — including intake systems, fuel systems, suspension upgrades, and more.
If you’re considering the Banks Monster Ram Intake for your 5th Gen Cummins, our team can help with both parts and installation.
We regularly work on Ram trucks from across Franklin County, the St. Louis area, and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The 6.7 Cummins remains one of the most capable diesel engines on the road today, but like any platform, it has a few known weak points.
The Banks Monster Ram Intake provides a simple and effective solution for one of the most talked-about concerns on the 2019–2024 trucks.
Better airflow. Better peace of mind.
Not a bad combination.
Have questions? We're here to help.
- Phone: 636-429-7020
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Email: info@fassmotorsports.com
FASS Motorsports
25 Town and Country Drive
Washington, MO 63090
