2004 Ram 1500 problem

This is seriously driving me crazy. I've had this thing in several times with no resolutions. Here's the deal, I need some input:

It's a 2004 Dodge Ram 4x4 SLT with 5.7L Hemi.

In the past, it had cold start problems. It would have a hard time getting ignition while turning over...or it would turn over and get ignition, misfire and die. I saw a TSB for this, 14-002-05

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As time went on, it started to die during regular operation. Usually it was going up a hill, but it could be during quick jackrabbity accel/deceleration, cranking the wheel and turning, or just driving normally. Each time it would not restart for at least 30 seconds. Eventually it did give an error code. What they did the first visit was flash the PCM as per TSB 18-008-03

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They replaced the O2 sensor and gave it back to me. Nothing changed, it kept doing the same thing.

I took it to a different dealer, and they flashed the PCM again...and were concerned that the first dealer did not flash the PCM as they stated. Upon flashing the PCM, the problems persisted, but differently. Instead of outright dying, it would sputter and misfire during driving. I would put it in neutral and give it some gas, and eventually the throttle response would or would not save it. Not very safe.

The entire time at rest, the engine would not sit at normal idle of 600 rpm, it would dip below 500 and die. Above 600 it was not a smooth idle of

600,610,600,610...it would fluctuate between 500-800 rpm.

I also started to notice that during rest the battery would dip below 50%, and during acceleration it would jump to about 56%, and then at idle it would slowly go back down, taking about 20-30 seconds to get to 49% or so...and stay there.

I complained that it seemed like a crankshaft problem...lo and behold there was a TSB, 18-002-04

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Not only did they perform this, but they replaced the sensor as well. The vehicle has been sputtering and ALMOST dying, but I can save it from totally dying.

Now I have a new throttle problem. I accelerate and it pegs itself at 2100 rpm...and stays there. I brake, and it's still at 2100 rpm...I almost rear-ended someone because the truck wanted to keep going (as opposed to almost getting t-boned in a left turn when it died the other day), so while it was accelerating BUT NOT increasing the rpms, I slammed on the brakes, and the engine cut to 500 rpms and proceeded to misfire and sputter. I threw it in neutral and gassed it and it came back.

Because I'm getting good at this, it doesn't die. It could die, but I don't let it because it takes so long to restart it *IF* it will restart...once it took 15 minutes at rest.

So I have no idea what is going on here. I really need help because I'm spending too much time going to the dealer for this, and it's not safe to drive. No one knows what to do.

PLEASE HELP!!!

(message crossposted)

Reply to
lax.ca
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"lax.ca" wrote in news:zbBce.1167008$Xk.569423@pd7tw3no:

Keep taking it back in until it's fixed, as it's still under warranty. If they can't/don't/won't fix it, check out the lemon laws in your state. Good luck.

Reply to
Joe

Yeah...It's BC, Canada...and they are pretty liberal towards consumer rights. It's been in 4 times...I'm thinking about it.

Reply to
lax.ca

Don't think about it, DO IT!!!

Reply to
TBone

You say nothing about the check engine lite being on or any fault codes found, so it sounds like the dealer may be trying to help you but they are guessing at the problem, Tell them you want to have the co-pilot hooked up so they can figure out what is wrong with your car. That is a tool that will take a picture of everything that happened when the problem occurred. When it acts up you push a button and that's it, take it to the dealer and they can download the data and try to figure it out or send it off to Chrysler.

Glenn Beasley Chrysler Tech

Reply to
maxpower

No, I did get a code...it's in one of the first paragraphs...but it seems as if they didn't actually do the work and reset it. What the code was, we'll never know...but the current dealer managed to get them to admit they didn't do anything (probably because they could not reproduce the problem) and simply flashed the PCM and billed Chrysler fraudulently.

I did get a new problem last night. Usually the check engine and battery lights come on until you start it. This time the check engine FLASHED until I started it, then it went off.

But they did have a light...the first dealer had the truck towed to them and we called them at 7am to report the problem. They let it sit there all day and never even did anything, and claimed that in the 3 calls we made, we didn't tell them what was wrong...a lie...and they couldn't check the fault code? They didn't see the check engine light when they started the truck? Even if they didn't hear from us, it would give a code. The problem is that it isn't giving a code for the problem, which is perplexing the service dept. at the new dealership.

Now I am going to do what you said with the co-pilot and I am going to drive it this time and make it screw up.

Thanks!

Reply to
lax.ca

If they will install it for you, make sure you drive the vehicle normally, don't try to make it act up because when you look at the readings they will be all confused. also find out what code is in there and document it for yourself

Reply to
maxpower

What dealers have you been dealing with. I'm tinking about a new PU. This problem sounds like a major design flaw. It shouldn't be allowed to happen!

b/t/w I've witnessed such treatment from BC Dodge dealers over the past

15-20 years, GM dealers too.

lax.ca wrote:

Reply to
Bob

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