The intake air heater relay controls the grid heater that helps diesel engines warm intake air for reliable cold starts. This guide compares five widely available replacement relays compatible with Dodge Ram and Cummins diesel models, highlighting fitment, construction, and OE cross-references to help you pick the right part.
| Product | Brand | Primary Fitment Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dorman 904-356 Intake Heater Relay | Dorman | Select Dodge Models (Direct Replacement) |
| Dorman 904-300 Intake Heater Relay | Dorman | Select Dodge / Ram Models (Direct Replacement) |
| EATAKWARD 68188401AA Intake Manifold Heater Relay | EATAKWARD | Replaces 68188401AA / 904-308 / 56026842; 1994–2002 5.9L Diesels |
| Premium Relay Solenoid for Dodge RAM (Xspeedonline) | Xspeedonline | Meets OEM, Replaces 68188401AA / 904-308; 1994–2002 Ram 2500/3500 |
| SPJIUQI 12V Air Intake Heater Relay (Fits Dorman 904-300) | SPJIUQI | Fits 2008–2018 Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500 5.9L & 6.7L Diesels |
Content Navigation
- Dorman 904-356 Intake Heater Relay Compatible With Select Dodge Models
- Dorman 904-300 Intake Heater Relay Compatible With Select Dodge / Ram Models
- EATAKWARD 68188401AA Intake Manifold Heater Relay Replacement
- Premium Relay Solenoid AIR Intake Heater Grid For Dodge RAM (Xspeedonline)
- SPJIUQI 12V Air Intake Heater Relay For Dorman 904-300 And More
- Buying Guide: How To Choose An Intake Air Heater Relay
- Installation And Safety Notes
Dorman 904-356 Intake Heater Relay Compatible With Select Dodge Models
Fit And Function: Designed as a direct replacement to match the original relay fit on specified Dodge vehicles. The housing and terminal layout follow common OE designs for straightforward installation.
Construction And Durability: Built from quality components intended to provide a long service life and reliable operation under typical engine bay conditions.
Use Cases: Recommended when the original relay shows fatigue, fails to engage the intake heater, or produces intermittent operation that causes cold start issues. Check vehicle compatibility before purchase.
Dorman 904-300 Intake Heater Relay Compatible With Select Dodge / Ram Models
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Direct Replacement Design: Matches the original relay’s fit and function for specified Dodge and Ram models. Terminals and mounting points mirror OE layout for drop-in replacement.
Reliability Features: Marketed as an ideal solution for replacement when the factory relay has failed due to age or heat cycles. Dorman emphasizes durable construction to minimize future failures.
Compatibility Tip: Confirm the factory part number on your vehicle before ordering since multiple Dorman relays exist for similar applications.
EATAKWARD 68188401AA Intake Manifold Heater Relay Replacement
OE Cross-Reference: Lists OE numbers including 68188401AA, 904-308, and 56026842. Intended as a direct replacement for grid heater relay applications on 1994–2002 5.9L diesel engines.
Performance Notes: Built with OE quality components to meet original standards and handle extreme conditions. The seller highlights resolving cold start issues such as heater not cycling off or inlet heater errors.
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Installation: Designed for bolt-on replacement. Verify the relay mounting and connector style on the engine to ensure the part matches your existing relay assembly.
Premium Relay Solenoid AIR Intake Heater Grid For Dodge RAM (Xspeedonline)
OEM Standard Construction: Claimed to meet or exceed OEM standards and tested during manufacturing. Marketed as a no-worry replacement for grid heater relay needs.
Cross-Reference Numbers: Replaces part numbers including 68188401AA, 904-308, 56026842, covering common 1994–2002 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 applications.
Recommended Use: Useful where an exact OE cross-reference is required. Inspect connector orientation and mounting holes to verify fitment prior to installation.
SPJIUQI 12V Air Intake Heater Relay For Dorman 904-300 And More
Part Number Coverage: Lists multiple referenced numbers including RY-1779, R7282, 5187880AC, 56029173AB and is specified as compatible with Dorman 904-300.
Fitment Range: Covers 2008–2018 Ram trucks with 5.9L and 6.7L diesel engines, including 2500–5500 series where this relay type is used.
Application Notes: Intended as a direct electrical replacement. When replacing, confirm the electrical terminal layout and relay function matches the OEM component to ensure heater grid operation.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Intake Air Heater Relay
Selecting the correct intake air heater relay requires matching electrical, mechanical, and OEM cross-reference details. Use the checklist below to compare options effectively.
1. Confirm Vehicle Fitment And OE Numbers
Verify Part Numbers: Check the original relay part number or OE cross-reference (examples: 68188401AA, 904-308, 904-300, 5187880AC). Matching OE numbers reduces risk of mismatched connectors or mounting.
Model-Year Compatibility: Some relays cover specific model years and engine families. Confirm compatibility with your Dodge Ram or Cummins engine year and displacement.
2. Connector Type And Terminal Layout
Terminal Match: Ensure the replacement relay has the same number and arrangement of terminals. Terminal mismatch can prevent installation or cause electrical faults.
Mounting Style: Verify bolt locations and housing dimensions. Even relays with correct electrical specs can differ in bracket or stud placement.
3. Electrical Ratings And Relay Function
Voltage And Amperage: Most intake heater relays are 12V; confirm amperage rating is equal to or exceeds OEM specifications to handle heater grid current.
Relay Type: Identify whether the relay acts as a simple switch or solenoid-type assembly. Some vehicles use solenoid relays integrated into the heater grid assembly.
4. Build Quality And Material Considerations
Component Quality: Look for parts advertised with OE-quality components or tested manufacturing processes. Durable construction helps resist heat and vibration in the engine bay.
Corrosion Resistance: Relays exposed to under-hood moisture or road salt benefit from housings and terminals with corrosion-resistant finishes.
5. Warranty, Testing, And Seller Support
Testing Claims: Brands that specify testing during production can offer greater confidence in reliability. Check product listings for test and inspection details.
Return Policy And Warranty: Confirm seller return policies and any warranty coverage if items fail early. This can be important when sourcing aftermarket relays.
6. Diagnostic And Installation Tips
Symptoms Of Relay Failure: Common signs include failure of the intake heater to energize, heater error codes, rough cold starts, or inability to start in cold weather.
Multimeter Checks: Test the relay coil resistance and continuity across switched terminals with a multimeter before replacement to isolate the relay as the fault.
Connector Inspection: Inspect wiring harness connectors for corrosion or melted insulation that could cause intermittent operation after installing a new relay.
7. Comparison Perspectives
OEM Cross-Reference vs. Universal Fit: OEM cross-referenced relays (e.g., those listing 68188401AA) are typically the safest bet for exact fit. Universal-style relays may fit multiple models but require closer inspection of terminals and mounting.
Aftermarket Brand Comparison: Established aftermarket brands emphasize component quality and testing. Lesser-known brands may offer cost savings but require extra diligence on fitment and reviews.
Long-Term Reliability: Durability under high heat and vibration is a key differentiator. Parts specified as direct replacements typically mirror OEM materials and are more likely to match service life expectations.
Installation And Safety Notes
Always disconnect the vehicle battery before removing or installing an intake heater relay to prevent shorts. Follow vehicle-specific service manual instructions for torque values and connector release procedures.
If the intake heater relay replacement does not resolve cold start faults, check related fuses, wiring harness continuity, the heater grid element resistance, and engine control module codes for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
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