2002 Dodge Ram 3500 V10 auto w/issues

[BillBaker]

I am posting in this section as I am unaware if it's correct or not. I've had intermittent issues with this truck dying and other issues. I had the truck to a Dodge dealer for diagnostic's and they said multiple codes coming up, possible pcm issue, and a bottom end engine knock. In the last year it's had a new battery, radiator, fuel pump, 2- 02 sensors, both ignition coils, front tires, plugs/wires, and one ball joint. It's a cab/chassis truck and has the straight front axle. I'm not wanting to put more money into it and am looking to sell it as is for $2,500... Located in central Ky. if interested get in touch asap. If I don't have a buyer in a few days i'll be salvaging a few parts off it then selling off the rest individually. Truck has 82,000+ miles.

 

[jhenderson]

I have seen a problem with bad fuel( rust and water) trapped in the fuel rail. It caused dead pedal and low power intermittently. There are also reports of the O2 sensor connectors being mixed up when the sensors were replaced because they're the same style connector located in close proximity to one another.

 

[BigPapa]

A few more pics Bill sent me to post on another forum.

 

[BillBaker]

I have seen a problem with bad fuel( rust and water) trapped in the fuel rail. It caused dead pedal and low power intermittently. There are also reports of the O2 sensor connectors being mixed up when the sensors were replaced because they're the same style connector located in close proximity to one another.

Those are some good concepts. May explain the dead pedal but not sure because it is so random. Truck went 2 months at one point without dying out and it's only on initial throttle from a standstill. The truck is Ca. emmisions (automatic) and only has 2 02 sensors- one on each downpipe that are exactly the same as far as I understand. Thanks for your input-it may come in handy.

 

[jhenderson]

My point exactly on the 02 sensors. The connections are next to one another. Mix them and the computer tries to richen or lean one bank while it's actually reading the other. It's not a common mistake, but it is possible.

 

[BillBaker]

My point exactly on the 02 sensors. The connections are next to one another. Mix them and the computer tries to richen or lean one bank while it's actually reading the other. It's not a common mistake, but it is possible.

Are you saying possibly that there is a difference in the left and right sensor?

 

[BigPapa]

Are you saying possibly that there is a difference in the left and right sensor?

I think he's saying the connectors for the sensors are identical and very close to each other. If someone had them both disconnected at the same time, and they didn't label them, they could be connected to the wrong sensor. If this was the case, the ECM would "think" it's reading the RH sensor when it's actually reading the LH sensor and tune that bank incorrectly.

Also, the Dodge dealer I called with the VIN said it was "National Emissions", not CA emissions. I may be mistaken but, I believe he said there was no CA emissions on the 3500 V-10 trucks. Maybe they weren't available in CA.

 

[jhenderson]

Scott, you are correct. I know this because we changed the 02 sensors on my buddys V10 plow truck for these same symptoms last spring. That was after we drained rust and water from the fuel rail a few weeks earlier. We thought that cured the problem but it came back. I guess it's just the nature of a truck that only runs a dozen times a year. The new sensors fixed his trouble but he told me he had read of that mistake being made so we were extra careful.

 

[BillBaker]

I think he's saying the connectors for the sensors are identical and very close to each other. If someone had them both disconnected at the same time, and they didn't label them, they could be connected to the wrong sensor. If this was the case, the ECM would "think" it's reading the RH sensor when it's actually reading the LH sensor and tune that bank incorrectly.

Also, the Dodge dealer I called with the VIN said it was "National Emissions", not CA emissions. I may be mistaken but, I believe he said there was no CA emissions on the 3500 V-10 trucks. Maybe they weren't available in CA.

Ok..I see. Trying to actually figure out if those 2 sensors have any difference. The limited info Haynes manual doesn't spec anything BUT seen an article saying there is a left and a right. Going to investigate a bit further

 

[BigPapa]

From what I see available, MOPAR only lists (2) sensors, upstream and downstream.

 

[BillBaker]

From what I see available, MOPAR only lists (2) sensors, upstream and downstream.

Yeah that's what I come up with also...mine has just the 2 on upstream.

 

[Mark31]

Are you running pure gasoline? I would think that would be important in equipment that isn't used very much.

 

[BillBaker]

Are you running pure gasoline? I would think that would be important in equipment that isn't used very much.

No I never heard of this suggestion... truck is used all year with the exception of snow or frigid weather when I can't work. I did a search on availability of it and there's only one location remotely close in a town away... would take that V10 a quarter tank or more to get there and back

 

[Mark31]

Bill, ethanol should not be left in a fuel system over a period of time, particularly high humidity and temperature variations. There are some people on here that can explain all the whys in the right jargon, and can get as technical as you want. Maybe one of them will chime in. The red flag for me was your mention water and rust. Consider running the truck out of or as low as possible and letting it winter with pure gasoline and maybe adding some Stabil. You've got a good ole truck. If you want to get rid of it is one thing. To want to get rid of it because of technical difficulties is something else. What would you replace it with? If it is a real hawg, beg, borrow, buy, some cans and haul some pure gas. A small engine shop thrives in the spring because of the damage ethanol does over the winter.

 

[BigPapa]

I think you have Bill and jhenderson confused. Bill hasn't had any water or rust issues with his.

 

[BillBaker]

Bill, ethanol should not be left in a fuel system over a period of time, particularly high humidity and temperature variations. There are some people on here that can explain all the whys in the right jargon, and can get as technical as you want. Maybe one of them will chime in. The red flag for me was your mention water and rust. Consider running the truck out of or as low as possible and letting it winter with pure gasoline and maybe adding some Stabil. You've got a good ole truck. If you want to get rid of it is one thing. To want to get rid of it because of technical difficulties is something else. What would you replace it with? If it is a real hawg, beg, borrow, buy, some cans and haul some pure gas. A small engine shop thrives in the spring because of the damage ethanol does over the winter.

You could be right as far is the dead pedal and fuel related.. I currently do not have a garage to start dismantling particularly with the colder weather setting it. Also... no local mechanics could diagnose or suggest anything. I ended up taking the truck to a Dodge dealer for a diagnostic and all they came back with was pcm codes on a scan and truck has a lower engine knock. My wanting to get rid of was that this is beyond my scope and the truck won't do me any good sitting. Guess I'd have to replace it with another older Dodge most likely. What's your location?...want to tackle it?.. I hear 50/50 on these V10 trucks...either good or bad, I may have gotten a latter one.

 

[Mark31]

I think you have Bill and jhenderson confused. Bill hasn't had any water or rust issues with his.

Yeah, BigPapa, I went back later and reread the whole thread and saw it. This is the first time in my whole life I ever messed up! LOL! Please don't whup me too bad! I apologize! Mark

 

[BigPapa]

Hey, now. I'm not saying ANYTHING about someone making a mistake. I have ZERO room to do that. Just a friendly redirect, if you don't mind.

 

[fest3er]

Yeah, BigPapa, I went back later and reread the whole thread and saw it. This is the first time in my whole life I ever messed up! LOL! Please don't whup me too bad! I apologize! Mark

Are you sure? You could be wrong, you know.

 

[Mark31]

Are you sure? You could be wrong, you know.

Neal, whut is so skeary is dat dem messups seems to be gitting closer together the oler i gets. Jus ax my wife! Sumtimes dey even bak 2 bak!