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Dodge Ram Truck Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7_mileage: 12,300. When the truck is running and you want to stop or reduce the speed to make a turn, it dies, but you can start it right away. This happens once a week. The dealer said that it is a 2005 models problem, but they do not know how to fix it. They checked the computer and everything is ok. Do you think that this fail is the transmission or the fuel pump. Thanks

Answer: We have fixed this problem by replacing the ISC (idle speed control) motor.

Question: 2002 Dodge Ram Pickup mileage: 28,000. Truck stalled and would not restart. I get no spark from the coil wire. The computer fault code was 11, which means no pickup signal from the distributor. Any ideas before I dive in?

Answer: The crank angle sensor may have failed. Replacing it should fix your problem.

Question: 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 mileage: 60,000. I'm not a mechanic so don't think I'm stupid but, I was attempting to flush the radiator and searched for the drain plug and have been unable to locate it. I don't suppose you could tell me whereabouts to look? I would have thought it would be on the underside of the radiator.

Answer: If you are unable to find a drain plug (you may not have one) remove the lower radiator hose to drain the system. Do not do this with the engine hot as you could get scalded.

Question: 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 mileage: 71,100. Where is the fuel filter located?

Answer: Your truck is not equipped with a "fuel filter". The only filtering device is a sock on the fuel pick-up in the tank.

Question: 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel mileage: 54,000. I can't seem to get the oil filter to break loose. Is there something I don't know about? The filter is on the passenger side of the engine. I have a new filter that seems to have R.H. threads. I bent the wrench on my second attempt. This is no cheepy wrench. HELP!

Answer: For whatever reason, we have found that the oil filters on some new cars are extremely tight and very difficult to remove. When we run into this situation, we use very large channel lock pliers.

Question: 1999 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton mileage: 72,000. I have a Dodge Ram 1/2 ton -2 wheel drive. The Main Power Steering Gear Box has a leak, I believe, at the Steering Wheel Shaft. However, my "Haynes Manual" has no information on how to disassemble it.

Answer: Haynes does not tell you how to disassemble it because doing this yourself is not recommended. The parts inside power steering gear box require special knowledge and tools to rebuild properly. You need to get a professionally rebuilt unit in this case.

Question: 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x2 5.9L gas mileage: 65,000. I drove to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado, upon coming back down my check engine light came on. Everything seems to work ok, and all gauges read normal. I was in first gear with the O/D turned off to hold the truck back. The CEL is still on. I checked the trouble codes and got a 12 and 14 code. 12 is a battery disconnect and will not leave the CEL light on. 14 is a MAP Sensor voltage problem and the CEL light will remain on. Could this just be because of the altitude of 14,110 feet? Or could it be the sensor needs replaced? It has never done this before. How can I clear the code to see if it comes back on during normal driving conditions? What’s YOUR opinion?

Answer: It is possible that the MAP (manifold absolute pressure) was affected by the altitude. They only way to tell for sure is to have the computer reset and this can only be down with the proper equipment.

Question: 1996 Dodge Ram 3/4t Cummins Diesel mileage: 90,000. My truck used oil when new and continued to after I thought it should be broke in. The first oil I used was CASE-I.H. I used it because they offer similar Cummins engines in their equipment. I am now using 100% pure paraffin base from Central Petroleum Company. It seems to use less oil and the oil seems to stay clean looking longer. I have recently been told by people at Dodge not to use paraffin base oil in this motor. What do you think?

Answer: All motor oils have S.A.E. ratings. Check with your owner’s manual for the rating that is required.

Question: 2002 Dodge Ram mileage: 31,000. Truck will start and run fine then die going down the road and won't start. The next day it will start and run fine for a while and die again. I replaced the fuel filter, distributor cap, rotor, and cam-sensing unit.

Answer: It appears you may have a faulty fuel pump.

Question: 1996 Dodge Ram mileage: 100,000. Hey, I have an 1996 Dodge Ram that when you shut it down it diesels. I’m going to check the timing chain, but before I do can you tell me what is wrong with it?

Answer: Check the ignition timing, idle speed (not to high) and the cooling system to be sure it is not on the verge of overheating.

Question: 1990 Dodge Ram mileage: 125,000. One day I went to start my van and it wouldn’t start. My question is where is the control unit for the electronic ignition located? I have searched high and low, checked books and manuals. They left me in the dust. Now keep in mind that I have replaced the coil, plugs, wires, cap and rotor prior to the non-starting problem and she ran just fine. Please help me find the unit. Thank you for listening.

Answer: The single module engine controller (SMEC) is located on the center of the firewall above the engine.

Question: 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 mileage: 67,000. Hi, I purchased this vehicle used and I don't know if the 4 speed AT has been serviced previously. A friend (who is an ASE certified tech) advised that if I change the fluid now, and it HASN'T been serviced in the past, I might do more harm than good by dislodging sediment and debris. I am fairly experienced in automotive matters, and I have heard this before from other people. However, it just seems like an "old wives' tale" to me. I would like your opinion on this matter. Incidentally, I am not having any trans trouble; I just want to service it properly. Thank you!

Answer: With 67,000 miles on your car, it would be a good idea to service the transmission.

Question: 1997 Dodge Ram mileage: 80,000. The alternator was not charging - had new brushes put in. Since then, once in awhile the alternator will go to full charge and the lights will get over bright. Some say it is the voltage regulator but we cannot find it. It is not in the alternator and it is not on the firewall some say it's built into the computer. It only does it once in awhile but I'm afraid it is going to burn out my headlights when it does it. Thank for your help.

Answer: Assuming the alternator is all right, your problem may be the voltage regulator. Unfortunately, it is located in the computer and the only remedy is to replace the computer. If money is an issue, we have seen external regulators installed, however, we do not recommend this.

Question: 1988 Dodge Ram Minivan mileage: 125,000. Under load the engine, "cuts out". There are no codes when taken to a Dodge mechanic and the van was put on computer. Have new fuel pump/filter, dist cap, rotor button, and plugs, plug wires. The engine runs like a top at idle, no misses or anything, but when put in drive and powered up it" dies" momentarily. Mechanic said maybe, ignition module or bad distributor assembly.

Answer: Yes, your mechanic may be right. The ignition module may be causing your problem.

Question: 2000 Dodge Ram mileage: 44,000. I think that my timing chain either jumped or slipped when I was driving and if that is what happened would that cause any damage to the valves, pistons or any other internal engine parts?

Answer: There is a good chance that the valves may be bent or damaged if the timing chain has jumped or slipped.

Question: 1989 Dodge Power Ram pickup My 4WD won't engage. I have replaced the vacuum switch on the transfer case along with the switch on the front axle. I know that there is pressure in the vacuum lines because I heard a hissing sound when I took the vacuum hoses off of the switch on the transfer case. The 4 WD lever will shift with no grinding, for both 4l and 4h. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer: The actuator for the four-wheel drive may not be working. Replacing it may fix your problem.

Question: 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 mileage: 91,000. The dodge dealer says that Split-Fire spark plugs are not to be used in Dodge trucks because the truck will run worse.

Answer: Use the spark plugs recommended by the factory. It does make a difference.

Question: 1994 Dodge Ram van mileage: 134,000. It just recently started to sputter and die. It runs decent at idle, but when you push on the acc it runs like its missing are starving for gas. I changed the plugs, wires, checked the timing. What else could cause this to run rough? Could it be a fuel pump going out? Valve problem? I’m stumped. I don’t believe it’s a filter, it’s in the tank, what else is left?

Answer: Your stalling problem may be cause by the fuel pump. Replacing your fuel pump and the fuel filter should fix your problem. The pump is in the tank.

Question: 1986 Dodge Ram 150 318 mileage: 99,870. My engine maintenance light came on and don't know how to turn it off.

Answer: To reset electronic type, locate the Green, Red, White or Tan plastic case behind the instrument panel in the lower left cluster area. Slide the case from the bracket and open the cover. Remove the 9-volt battery and insert a small rod or screwdriver into the hole in the switch, closing contacts. Replace the battery with a new 9-volt alkaline type. Close the case. Slide the case back into the bracket.

Question: 1997 Dodge Ram mileage: 108,000. I am going to change my clutch in my truck, what is the most important thing that I should do when installing the clutch.

Answer: Several things are important. Resurface the flywheel. Replace the pilot bearing releasing the bearing carefully. Align the clutch disc while tightening the clutch cover bolts. If the disc is not aligned correctly, the transmission will not fit up.

Question: 1998 Dodge Ram mileage: 124,000. Recently I have been noticing a "whining" sound emitting from the rear of the truck. I do not notice any leaks in the differential. It occurs when I accelerate and gets louder and higher pitched the faster I go. When I slow down, the latter occurs. If I put the truck in neutral while traveling, the noise continues as the truck slows down at a lower pitch. My tires do cause some road noise but is different from the sound that I am hearing. What do you think it is?

Answer: The noise you describe may be caused by an axle bearing starting to fail.

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