Engine overheating can result from coolant leaks which are commonly found at the thermostat housing gasket, water pump, heater return tube O-ring at the water pump, intake manifold gasket, and timing cover gasket. Our technicians recommend a complete inspection of the cooling system after any repairs are made to be sure there are no other leaks.
Problems for specific Dodge Ram 1500 years:
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Most reported 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 problems
Increased Oil Consumption Due to Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
On 3.9L V6 and 5.9L V8 engines, the intake manifold gasket may leak and cause increased oil consumption and a spark knock during acceleration; the gasket should be replaced.
28 Reports
Odor from HVAC vents
Some vehicles may develop a musty odor coming from the HVAC system, Dodge has issued a cleaner/disinfectant and a coating for the evaporator designed to inhibit bacterial growth.
24 Reports
Check Engine Light Due to Pinched Leak Detection Pump Vacuum Lines
If a Check Engine Light illuminates indicating leak detection pump (LDP) failure, the cause is often pinched or disconnected vacuum lines to the pump. Vacuum lines should be inspected before replacing the leak detection pump. Contamination (carbon or debris) in the pump can cause failure and any hoses should be cleared before a new pump is installed.
22 Reports
Rerouting Ignition Coil/Spark Plug Wires Can Solve Misfire/Surge Problems
On the 3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8, rerouting the ignition coil wire and spark plug wires can help solve a misfire and/or surge problem that occurs at approximately 45 mph. A service bulletin was published that outlines the specifics of the repair. It states the rerouting procedure should be performed before other repairs are done for misfires, surging or spark knock.
12 Reports
Oil leaks from valve cover, intake manifold, and timing cover gaskets
On the 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8 and 5.9L V8 the Oil leaks commonly from the valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets (front and rear), timing cover gaskets, distributor O-ring, and the rear main seal area. Using fluorescent engine oil dye can be helpful in determining the source(s) of the oil leak.
12 Reports
Vehicle Drifts/Pulls to One Side When Brakes Are Applied
Some models could have a severe drift or pull to one side when the brakes were applied. If this is not caused by a dragging brake caliper, there is a service bulletin describing the step-by-step diagnosis and many possible solutions. Our technicians note the most common solutions are performing a four wheel alignment, checking torque on suspension components, installing shims between the wheels and hubs, and replacing the suspension arms.
9 Reports
Foam pad between inner door panel and door may stop buzzing
Installing a foam pad between the inner door panel and the door can repair a buzzing caused by the door speaker.
9 Reports
Carbon buildup at top of piston may cause noise
One the 3.9L V6 and 5.9L V8 the carbon buildup on the top of the piston is common. As the buildup increases with mileage and over time, symptoms may vary from light ticking, to ticking/hammering, to hammering/knocking noises. Fuel injector cleaner often solves the problem.
9 Reports
Engine oil leaks at distributor may be misdiagnosed
On the 3.9L V6 and 5.9L V8 the engine oil leaks at the distributor can be misdiagnosed as leaks from the intake manifold seal, oil pan gasket, or rear crankshaft (rear main) seal. A revised distributor is available if oil is found inside the distributor.
9 Reports
Replace leaf spring tip liners to stop noise when driving over bumps
When driving over bumps a clicking or squeaking from the rear leaf springs may be fixed by replacing the (leaf) spring tip liners and installing a spring clinch clip (kit available from the dealer).
9 Reports
Regulator valve may cause noise when transmission is in reverse
A loud buzzing or whining when the transmission is in reverse may be caused by a regulator valve in the transmission valve body. A revised valve was released that does not resonate. Careful diagnosis should be performed because other causes can create the noise.
8 Reports
HVAC Air Flow Switching to Defrost When Accelerating
The AC/heater (HVAC) system may unexpectedly switch to the defrost mode when accelerating. This system is operated by engine vacuum and should be inspected for any vacuum leaks if this problem develops. There is also a revised vacuum check valve available to address this concern.
8 Reports
Battery acid may deteriorate cruise control system vacuum hose
Battery acid can leak on, and deteriorate a vacuum hose for the speed (cruise) control system. If the hose becomes loose or leaks vacuum, the speed (cruise) control will not function.
4 Reports
New cover available if driver's side hinge cover for center armrest breaks
New covers are available if the driver's side hinge cover for the center armrest breaks.
4 Reports