Dodge Ram: Problems & Solutions

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  • jatoujatou Member Posts: 1
    Twice heading down hill in a 5 week period I have had the truck in cruise and it goes to 1500 rpm and will not respond to any pedal inputs (gas). I travel the same road several times a week and have not had any other problems.

    The truck is an 03 with the hemi, P295 tires and I am using the superchips for the Hemi. It is set to 87 octane. I regularly set it to tow about 5K lbs. It has 45K miles and runs well.

    To fix the problem I pull over shut off the engine and then after a minute start it back up. I have taken it to a dealer and there are no codes in the system and no indication of a failure.

    The manual said that it is a failure of the throttle control system and should be checked out by the dealer.

    Any ideas? Is this a known issue?

    Thanks for any help in advance

    Jatou
  • giturdonegiturdone Member Posts: 2
    Check with cummins motor I know that the Dodge warranty is 7/100000 but on some model years cummins warranties the engine an additional 36000 miles. This not thru dodge after 100000 or 7 years but thru Cummins. Just call a truck shop that deals with Cummins or visit there web site www.cummins.com
  • draggon_9draggon_9 Member Posts: 2
    My truck has been setting all winter and now it makes a whining noise when moving. I suspect the trans. When its really cold it takes a few seconds for the trans to engage. Fluid is fine. Would appriciate any comments. Thanks.
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    On that old of a unit I suspect you've got a hardened transmission pump seal, a clogged transmission line, extremely dirty fluid and/or filter. If you want to take a chance drop the tansmission pan, check for debris, clean, reinstall a new filter and try to flush as much of that ATF out of the system.

    Regards,
    Dusty
  • draggon_9draggon_9 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks Dusty. I'll just limp it to town and have the trans guy's give it a look over. By the way, I went to the store today and somebody wanted to buy my truck. It's in pretty good shape for having only a 140,000 miles. Thanks again. :confuse:
  • manlawn04manlawn04 Member Posts: 4
    The light on steering wheel turns on but to set the speed, nothing happens. This just started last week and I can't find the problem. Plwase help.
  • denverjimdenverjim Member Posts: 5
    I have a new 2005 Quadcab Hemi with 4000 miles. I have a question regarding my a/c. A/C works fine while driving, but when stopped for more than 15 seconds, the air turns warm. The longer I'm stopped the warmer the air gets. It never gets what I would call hot, but it's definitely pretty warm. Once I get going again, the air will eventually get cold again but could take several minutes. Any idea what is causing this? First vehicle I've ever had where the a/c doesn't keep on blowing cold air when stopped. Thanks.
  • mpuckettmpuckett Member Posts: 1
    i have a 2001 dodge ram quad cab w/the 5.9 liter motor...about 2 years ago while at the outerbanks, the engine light came own i took it to a local dealer,they replaced a sensor/module for throttle position worked fine...last friday light came on took it to a local mechanic, they hooked it up to the computer system and it showed a tps sensor bad. i saw it myself...they replaced not 1 but 3...i brought it home a few days ago..engine light back on...the motor acts like it wants to stall,,,and it goes into 1st gear but doesnt want to change into 2nd..the mechanic seems to think its a computer problem but he has no way of diagnosing...wanted to find out some info b4 i take it to my local dealer for repair ..thanks
  • alangstonalangston Member Posts: 3
    DID YOU FIND A SOUTION TO YOUR PROBLEM. I HAVE A 2004 1500 HEMI THAT DID I SIMILAR THING, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT TURNING THE SWITCH ON AND THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BLINKERS AND TAILLIGHTS WON'T WORK.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Please do not type messages in all capital letters. It is difficult to read, and on the internet, is considered shouting.

    Thanks!
    kcram - Pickups Host
  • keedudekeedude Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    My son's 1500 just did the same thing. We replaced the Speed Sensor (on transmission) but that did not fix it. Did you ever get a resolution on your problem?

    Thanks
  • keedudekeedude Member Posts: 2
    My son's did the same (1999 Ram 1500) - did you get yours fixed, and if so, what was the problem?
  • 03ram03ram Member Posts: 4
    i recently bought a mopar push button start kit on ebay and i need to know anything and everything i will need to wire this thing. my understanding is that i need to buy 2 wires for this job (kit came with no wires). one wire goes to the power wire and one goes to the start wire. i have no idea how to do this... i dont know how to even access these wires. do these wires have a specific color that could tell me which ones they are? anything would be helpful.. thanks alot
  • wtr_wizardwtr_wizard Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1997 dodge ram p/u 1500 club cab just pulled the motor and put a 1995 engine in both are 5.9 ltr . couple little differences like the throttle body and injector electrical plugs no problem just swapped them to. also the intake vacuum lines were different, but i fixed that to "I think" S0 finally it wants to start but no go, got spark got fuel but engine wont run. can you help?
  • slhdbslhdb Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for your response,but I did all my homework and Cummins doesn't handle the warranty at all, since Daimlyer Chrysler wanted to handle all the warranties,I contacted
    DC and they verified my warranty as 5yrs/100,00.Sure wish I had the 7 years!
  • alangstonalangston Member Posts: 3
    Sorry. How about an answer to my question ?
    Thanks
  • slhdbslhdb Member Posts: 4
    If your Dodge Ram had fuel transfer pump and or fuel injection pump problems here is some
    facts found on www.nhtsa.dot.gov (follow these steps)
    defects search
    type:equipment
    make:cummins
    model:ISB 6 cylinder
    type:any
    component:fuel system,diesel
    check:select full summary
    retrieve investigations
    see recall campaign number 1-40,all the same,click on document search and read .
    see last on page 40 and click document search and read Chrysler's response letter.
    Hope this might help.
  • kamukamu Member Posts: 3
    I have a used pcm from a local auto salvage on the way. It will take 2 to 3 days to get here. I will let you know if that solves my problem.
  • 1stdodge1stdodge Member Posts: 1
    Similar thing happened to my 04. It would work, but would not engage past 60mph. Dealer had to "Flash" (update), the software in the computer. Works great now.
  • momstractorsmomstractors Member Posts: 2
    Hello, and help! I have a 02 1500 4 door Ram that I purchased new and have had maintained at the dealer. It has 46,000 on it and has been a great vehicle. Today I got in it and started it and the only thing working on the dash was a small round red light. All gages dead, no power locks, no turn signals, no wipers. Motor ran fine, headlights and power windows work. I took it to the dealer as we were supposed to be leaving in it tomorrow on vacation and the call later was that the instrument cluster was gone and it was going to be 750.00 to replace it. I have dealt with this dealer for years, and know the owner personally and have no reason to believe that they are trying to do me wrong. What I can't get over is this truck has been well cared for, low miles and I have to dump this kind on money into it. Is there a secret warranty on this or anything like that or am I just out the 750? Thank you in advance for any help, Doug
  • supract26supract26 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab, 4.7 (I think) engine and auto tranny.

    I get error codes P1491 and 0441, any idea where to start? When I do the key on/off trick my odometer states the following:
    P1491
    0441
    done
    The code for P1491 says Rad Fan Relay Circuit. What would I look for to check this problem.

    Also there is a 0441 (with no "P" before it). Does this mean I have a P0441 code (Incorrect Purge Flow). BTW I am going by the 2001 Ram codes, I have heard that they are the same for 2002. Any help is appreciated before I go to the dealer......
  • supract26supract26 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab, 4.7 (I think) engine and auto tranny.

    I get error codes P1491 and 0441, any idea where to start? When I do the key on/off trick my odometer states the following:
    P1491
    0441
    done
    The code for P1491 says Rad Fan Relay Circuit. What would I look for to check this problem.

    Also there is a 0441 (with no "P" before it). Does this mean I have a P0441 code (Incorrect Purge Flow). BTW I am going by the 2001 Ram codes, I have heard that they are the same for 2002. Any help is appreciated before I go to the dealer......
  • sandy8sandy8 Member Posts: 2
    We are looking at a 2001 4x4 Dodge crew cab.
    Auto with 360.
    We talked to the previous owner he never had any problems, he bought the truck when it was a year old. It has 60,000 miles. We are having it checked over.
    After being up all night looking at web sites with peoples comments about a dodge truck now I am scared.
    We have ford with 180,000 miles and it has had three transmissions. We bought it at 117,000 miles and have spent plenty doing repairs. We put one trans in it is a vactory rebuild with a three yr warrenty has been good for far.
    Now I am more afraid to wind up doing the same.
    Will a dodge last for over 10000 miles?
    We take care of our vehicals and keep them for as long as they will run.
    We cann't afford to trade often.
    Does dodge trucks have lots of problems and should I say away from a dodge 4x4?
    Please help me on this dicision.
    Sandy
  • sandy8sandy8 Member Posts: 2
    I need advice fast.
    We are looking at a 4x4 club cab with 60,000 miles. The previous owner said he didn't have any problems. He bought the trucks when it was a yr old.
    It has a 360 and we are going to have it looked at by outside mechanic.
    We can tell the tires have been out of alignment and the dealer that has it offers a 30 day warranty(no big deal) but we are trading a 93 f-150 with 180,000 miles and it has had three transmissions. We only put one three yrs ago factory rebuild with a three yr warranty.
    After reading all night some people post like Dodge trucks are nothing but trouble.
    We take care of our vehicals and keep them forever.
    Will a dodge 4x4 full size 360 auto last? Do they seem to be full of problems?
    I don't like the way a ford drives to much play in the steering. My husband does.
    I have to go give a deposit today so please let me hear from some Dodge trucks owner.
    Thanks Sandy
  • mucheetilmucheetil Member Posts: 4
    I just put a new Jasper engine into my 1996 Ram 1500. It runs great fo a while then it acts like it has a vapor lock. I loose all power and have to wait till it cools down to get it going again. I need some help please. Thank you.
  • joejennjoejenn Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 automatic 122000. I recently did a tune up with an accell after market kit (new wires, cap, rotor, plugs, and coil). 2000 miles later truck stopped and would not start-did this several times but found by wiggling the coil wires/plug that feeds the coil it started. Took plug apart and crimped female ends and it has not done this stalling in two weeks (the other times though-- in between wiggling the wires it would be fine for weeks so who knows). Now I have been noticing my idle speed, whether in drive or park, will rev up to 1100 - 1200 on its own - making it hard to hold at a light. I don't know if these 2 problems are related or not. Could the excel coil be putting out too muc power or not matching the computer specs? I replaced the TP sensor - no change and I replaced the idle control valve 4 year ago. If I shut the truck off and restart it, it will then idle fine until I do some various driving.

    Thanks for any help.
  • darockdarock Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500.....5.2l V8. I have noticed a few quirks and I expected some because the dealer cut the price back a lot.

    The first issue:

    A squeaky, "shimmering" noise from the front. (I can't really pinpoint it) It could be from the suspension or the dashboard. As I drive slow, it squeaks a lot and only a little as I accelerate. I did read a bulletin about some welds under the dash that can pop and then rub as the truck frame has any flex to it. Anyone have that issue and know if it is something a warranty will cover etc?

    The Second issue:

    This one I need to try and recreate if possible, but here is what I have....I was driving down a road at 30+ speeds and gunned it to see how it accelerated. It dropped into the lower gear as normal, but then after a few seconds it popped into neutral or something like it. The engined reved up and I let off. It quickly went back into gear and I could recreate it during that trip.

    Any info would be great. I have an appointment with the dealer to do some work on this and having answers for some of this would be helpful.

    Thanks
  • jster65jster65 Member Posts: 1
    Less than 6000 miles on it, I do moderate off roading and towing. There is an issue hard to explain but I'll try. When driving at any speed the truck's steering does not self correct, if I turn steering wheel a touch to the left or right, the truck continues in that direction notwithstanding the crown in the road. A touch in the opposite direction and the truck radically heads in that direction. There appears to be too much sway and at times, it appears that I am a drunk driver as it's sometimes difficult to keep in one lane. The steering is responsive, though not consistently. The dealer has aligned wheels, balanced wheels, and has rotated them. The last visit they told me all they needed to do was increase tire pressure. According the mechanic, the truck is operating normally. Taking a different mechanic on a test drive, he noticed what I was saying and is baffled and unsure how to explain it to Dodge for technical assistance. Any suggestions? Thanks.
  • cballycbally Member Posts: 1
    Hey I have a 97 dodge, went through some of the same problems, I bet you are also noticeing lack of power, I wouldput money on your intake gasket is blown, its only about $25 for the part and if you can do the work it only took me an afternoon to replace it
  • supract26supract26 Member Posts: 5
    2002 Ram Quad/Auto/5.7L
    Fault P1491 Rad. Fan Relay. Where is it located? Code specifies the relay may be faulty. $20.38 at local Dodge dealer. I want to try and replace it before I bring it in for service. Does anyone know where this relay is located in the vehicle. Dealer says this may account for my AC problem also.

    Please email me the location if you may know since I don't know how to read replies to these forums.
    TIA, Much Appreciated.
    Chris
  • preeypreey Member Posts: 4
  • preeypreey Member Posts: 4
    Hi just wondering if you can help me?
    I’m looking for a speed censer The one that goes in the back axle
    for a 1999 dodge ram 350 5.9 diesel but I live in the uk ?
    do you no of any wear I could get one from mail order?
    Thanks for your time

    preey

    link title
  • hpspringerhpspringer Member Posts: 7
    NO!!!

    Taking care of your vehicle, seems to have little to do with it with a Dodge.

    Read my previous post regarding My 2002, Ram 1500 with the 360.

    :lemon:
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    Sandy, I think you'll find that electronic forums like this will attract a majority of people at both extremes, those who are in love and those that hate whatever the product. This is especially true of those that have a desperate need to convince others that they should hate whatever product also. For every irate Dodge, or Ford, or Chevy owner, there are dozens of others that are more than satisfied.

    In the truck forums you'll be hard pressed to find glowing positive reports, and when you do it is important to read the post carefully. In other truck forums you will hear of perfect examples, but from people who have always owned and have a religious-like allegiance to that make. Others are glowing over trucks that are only a few thousand miles old. Miles and time are the true indicators.

    I'll tell you that my '03 Dakota is not perfect, but on average has been extremely reliable and very solid. The vast majority of Dodge truck owners that I personally know are more than pleased with their vehicles. I have eight friends or acquaintances that own RAMs and not one is unhappy with the product. Since I came from owning GM trucks I think I have a fairly open perspective. In addition, I work for a company that maintains a fleet of different cars and trucks. In recent years especially, the Dodge has performed better in reliability than Ford or GM.

    I won't try to tell you that a RAM is perfect. Like any other manufacturer that makes thousands of vehicles assembled by humans, some are going to be less than what they should be and there will be sour owners. Your own experience with the F150 bears this out. However, look at all the truck forums and add up the number and severity of the problems and I think you'll find that Dodge does pretty well.

    Best regards,
    Dusty
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Probably a dealer only part, but most dealers are quite used to dealing with FedEx/UPS/DHL over here.

    Just email the dealer of your choice, preferably on the east coast, and make sure to include your V.I.N.
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    Does your truck have the original fuel pump and/or catalytic converter?

    Regards,
    Dusty
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    After reading all night some people post like Dodge trucks are nothing but trouble...........

    Mmmm.................well, that's not really surprising considering that this is the 'Dodge Ram Owners: Problems & Solutions' forum! :blush:

    Take note of Dusty's post, and remember that any manufacturer can provide the odd lemon or two. When you buy just one truck, rather than a fleet, it's really just the luck of the draw whichever make you choose.

    Good luck! :)
  • momstractorsmomstractors Member Posts: 2
    Hello it's me again. One call to the Chrysler customer service line and after he confirmed with the dealer the problem and the it has been well maintained by the dealer he authorized the dealer to make the repairs under warranty, even though it is past for that part. I don't have the truck back yet but it looks as though things may work out. I just hope it doesn't go every 3 years, Doug
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Be patient Sandy, you've had three replies already to the same question which you posted twelve hours ago................not bad for this particular forum.

    Anyhow, you've got one against (hpspringer), one for (Dusty), and one "There's no guarantees in life!" (me).

    :shades:
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    P0441 Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow

    Basically this code is telling you that fuel vapors are not being adequately purged from the fuel tank. The evaporative system pulls vapors from the tank to the Evaporative Canister using intake manifold vacuum. Somewhere in the system there is a leak or the system is not realizing the correct purge pressure. If you look on the underside of the hood there should be a label with a schematic of the evaporative system plumbing and components that should be checked. Items that could cause this, besides cracked or deteriorated hoses, are the Evaporative Purge Solenoid or the Leak Detection Pump being inoperative. The Fuel Filler Cap , however, should be a prime suspect because of the year. Early model years (through 2003) had a supplier that used the incorrectly finished metal diaphragms that permitted premature corrosion.

    P1491 Rad Fan Control Relay Circuit

    This is the circuit that controls the electric fan on the radiator. I'm not sure where the relay is on a RAM, but it's likely under the cover of the Power Distribution Center that's under the hood.

    Best Regards,
    Dusty
  • darockdarock Member Posts: 3
    Anyone have any info on this before I take it in and the dealer makes an excuse.............:-)
  • supract26supract26 Member Posts: 5
    Dusty, Thanks for the reply. I reset the computer (taking off the neg battery cable) and the 0441 went away. The P1491 is still there. I looked in the PDC but there was no relay in there for the radiator fan. BTW my rad fan is the thermal clutch type. I thought the problem my lie in my ac condenser fan since my ac is acting up also. The check engine light and my ac acting up occurred with the same time frame that I noticed the light on. I'm wondering if the problems are connected.
  • supract26supract26 Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone know of a link to an online service manual for the 2002 Ram???
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    That's an easy one.............AllData
  • hpspringerhpspringer Member Posts: 7
    Sandy, Dusty, Mac24,

    Maybe, I jumped the gun, and my perspective of the Dodge Ram goes to my recent problems.

    I have owned Ford, Chevy, GM, and Dodge Trucks in the past (I'm no spring chick). I have NEVER experienced such a severe problem with the other trucks with such low mileage and right now I am very upset and disappointed in the fact that DC was aware of the flaw in the heads for this engine and did nothing to warn the owners. Sorta like they hoped you would get high mileage before the problem became apparent and then they would not have to pay for the repair.

    Part of my reason for purchasing the vehicle was the reputation of the the 360 engine as a working engine and been around forever.

    Also I have problems with a dealer that supposedly does a tune up on the vehicle, charges me extra for the plugs, and then I find out I still have the original plugs in my vehicle. This from a dealer with and excellent reputation!!!

    One problem that I see, especially when servicing at a Dodge dealer is their frequent replies that "We cannot duplicate the problem", especially when under warranty.

    Actually, prior to this problem, I loved my RAM for many reason, comfort, Mileage (yes, I have gotten what I consider very good gas mileage for a truck), the ability to have a truck that works like a truck BUT rides like a car.

    Oh and don't forget those admiring stares from others and the frequent comments about what a good looking truck, and then there is the attitude that comes with it, like when you're traveling on the freeway and come up behind another vehicle, it's like what they see in their rear view mirror is that big front end shouting get out of my way!!!

    Also, it turns out that the major repair which Chrysler so graciously paid for on an "an out of warranty vehicle", was not so gracious after all, BUT was covered onder the 7/70 extended warranty for defects.

    All in all, I have loved this truck, I have just lost all confidence in a dealer who repeatedly tells me, "you must have gotten bad gas". From what I have seen and heard from others is then general attitude of DC is not to fix of bring to the owners attention a problem covered by warranty unless the owner complains of a problem. In other words, you can take your Chrysler product in for a problem covered by warranty, and the mechanic can be aware of 2 or 3 other problems with the vehicle that are covered by warranty, but they are only going to fix the one you tell them about.

    As Dusty has said, in the electronic media, such as this, you will find all extremes, we use to call it "Flaming" in the early days of the internet. AND, Max24 is certainly right in that:

    After reading all night some people post like Dodge trucks are nothing but trouble...........

    Mmmm.................well, that's not really surprising considering that this is the 'Dodge Ram Owners: Problems & Solutions' forum!


    My advice regarding the particular truck you are considering is:

    1. Considering that this vehicle is appoximately 4 years old and 60,000 miles, I would question why it is getting ready for its third owner, I would think that with a truck of this age and mileage that if there were no problems with it, it would not have changed hands this many times.

    2. Knowing that there is a potential, especially in this engine and age of a truck, for it to have a flawed head casting which could develope into multiple cracks in the head, I would have a mechanic check it in particularly in these areas and pay the extra for a compession check.

    Best of luck in your search :confuse:
  • fitzhugh1fitzhugh1 Member Posts: 2
    My truck is a 1997 2500 Ram with a 5.2 engine. The a/c works with the engine cold but after the engine warms up the a/c blows warm. The compressor clicks on/off when I rotate the blower switch with the engine cold but the compressor is always off when the engine is warm. The low pressure side pressure is within the green range of my pressure gauge when the compressor is running but is just in the red range when the engine is warm and the compressor is not running. Any ideas. Thanks for any input. Lee Smith
  • kamukamu Member Posts: 3
    I put the used pcm in yesterday I have not had a problem since, I will keep ypu posted if anything goes wrong.
  • darockdarock Member Posts: 3
    I noticed that my light doesn't turn on when I open the truck door. After inspecting everything I found out that the little plunger trigger on the inside of the door is gone.

    I was wondering if that is something uncomplicated to replace or is it strictly something a dealer mechanic should mess with?
  • parsonrikparsonrik Member Posts: 1
    :confuse:
    I have a 2000 dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab. Today something happened that I can not figure out. I got into my truck turned the key to start it and Nothing, I mean nothing. I had all the lights when you normally start the vehicle on the dash. I have a fully charged battery, the starter was tested and works fine. But still, i turn the key to start the truck and nothing. No clicking sound, no noise, no sound from the starter, only I can hear the fuel pump. The vehicle don't start, the starter dont turn, dont make noise of any type. COuld it be the neutral safety switch or the ignition switch. Please help. Confused
  • scimansciman Member Posts: 1
    1999 Ram Quad, 5.2, manual tranny, was running fine, starting fine, came out 2 hours after I parked and would not start. It has strong crank but no fire. Fuel is full, new fuel pump 12 months ago. Anyone take me down the list of what to check? :(
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