1998 Dodge Ram 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 sensor issues?

1998 DODGE RAM

119,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

TJANECK

MEMBER
1 POST
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I recently fixed the water pump on my truck (360 5.9L) and after I put everything back together, I started having issues with one of my sensors (not sure how those would be related). I took it to the local autoparts store for a basic diagnostic and they said one of the sensors was coming up as an issue, but didn't/couldn't specify which one. Since then they cleared the codes and the check engine light is no longer on and the codes don't come back up. I have cleaned the MAP and speed sensors with the proper cleaning agent, but the truck still isn't running right. My truck will not shift in the right spot (will shift at higher RPMs) and has a loss of power when going up hills and in overdrive. The engine runs real strong, but something is not telling it to shift when it needs to. The idle also seems a little lower than normal, but not bad or rough. I did some online research and the symptoms seemed synonomous with a corroded MAF sensor, but I'm pretty sure my truck doesn't have one. Could I have disrupted one of the sensors when I was working on the engine? If so, which one would show these signs? What are these symptoms typically associated with? I'm very curious why changing the water pump would cause these issues (however I was working in the area of the sensors). I greatly appreciate your time and I anxiously await your answer.

Trevor

Nov 18, 2009 at 12:48 PM

JSWAIN

MEMBER
24 POSTS

My truck had the same symptoms (later shifting) and the brake light and abs warning lights came on in the dash. Was a speed sensor in tranny. Dealer changed it, not sure what the exact terminology for the sensor is. Would have nothing to do with water pump, though. Maybe you could have someone check to see if that sensor is working properly.

Nov 19, 2009 at 9:26 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
110,190 POSTS

If the engine is running strong, something is telling me there may be a problem with a shift solenoid. You mentioned that the engine revs higher than normal then shifts. WHen it shifts, is it an abrupt shift or smooth?

I really wish we knew what the code was that AZ found for you. As far a the water pump replacement, there really isn't anything up there that would cause a shift problem. The control module for the trans is in the back and the shift solenoids are in the transmission.

WHen you mentioned that the truck isn't running right, are you refering to the shifting proble or is the engine doing something different. You did mention a loss of power in OD. Have you checked to make sure the catylatic converter isn't plugging?

Nov 23, 2009 at 6:10 PM

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