Problem Reports
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2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Problems
Ticking Type Noise From Exhaust Manifold Area
Exhaust manifold bolts commonly break, exhaust manifold gaskets should be replaced and replace bolts as needed.
Coolant Loss and Engine Overheating
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cam Sensor Failure Causing no Start or Stalling
On the 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 the camshaft position sensor may fail and cause the engine to crank but not start or it can cause intermittent stalling. A failed camshaft sensor will require replacement.
Power Seat May Rock Due to Seat Track Issue
The track for the power seat may need to be replaced if the seat rocks when the vehicle accelerates or slows down.
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.
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.
Water Leak Due to Faulty Rear Window Seal
On some models a void in the rear window seal may cause a water leak. Water may be present on or under the carpet. The seal will need to be replaced if that is the source.
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.
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.
Moisture may collect in PCV system and freeze in cold climates
The 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 in very cold climates (below freezing temperatures) moisture can collect in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system and freeze. This will cause various drivability problems and there are revised PCV system components to repair this concern.
Revised return spring available if cup holder binds or is slow to open
A revised return spring is available if the cup holder binds or is slow to open.
Starts, Runs till warmed up, Dies. What to do?
I have a 2002 Ram 1500 4x4 5.9L, truck will cold start run for 10 minutes until its warmed up then die and it wont start again until its cold again. replaced ignition coil because i had no spark there after it died and that didn't fix it. I have fuel pressure and a full charge on the battery. no codes with computer from NAPA. Any idea's before I buy a new ignition control and crankshaft sensor?
I replaced the crankshaft sensor and the truck r...