2005 vs 2006

[Slowmoe]

I posted a question on here and another forum about buying a 2006 ram 2500. Several folks said they had screwy electronics as well as other problems. Is the 2005 in the same boat as the 06?

 

[bigceltic]

I posted a question on here and another forum about buying a 2006 ram 2500. Several folks said they had screwy electronics as well as other problems. Is the 2005 in the same boat as the 06?

I have a 2006, bought it new. No real problems to date - have 107K on it now. Has been rock solid for me.

 

[AllianceDiesel]

Most likely they are talking about the TIPM. It was a great concept but the protocols were poorly thought out. As long as you dont put cheap electrical parts or use trailers with junk wiring you will be fine. When you go look at a pickup take a traileelr plug tester with you and make sure the powers and ground are good for the 7 way plug and make sure all the lights work on the pickup.

 

[seafish]

There ARE legitimate concerns about the longevity of the TIPM that started being used in 2006. If you are going to tow a lot and/or add aftermarket electronic accessories, then I would steer away from a 2006 model, all other things (mileage, maintenance, condition, etc) being equal.

 

[Regcabguy]

An '07 will work for you too. I've been hooked up to my TIPM for seven yrs now. No issues. The only electronic issue I've had is when the dealer fried my ECM during an emissions reflash. That was the one and only trip to the dealer too.
I'm knocking on the wooden computer desk as I type.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Yea, most of the problems I see in my shop are customer related. There are a few that have been taken care of that just randomly blow a fuse, but usually at high mileage like 300k+. The TIPMs are notoriously finicky on voltage, and a bad brake controller can cause disasterous problems. However, one well taken care of should last a long time. There are also products out there that prevent accidental back feeding and over draw, like the TIPM saver that used to be sold by a TDR member. I think there are other versions available and suggest them to customers that don't do their own wiring and that don't understand the consequences of ignoring yellow lights on the dash.

I also see a number of electrical problems in the injector wiring harness, where the injector wires come out through the valve cover gaskets, mostly on '07 5.9 models. Any other problems are usually related to sensor failure, which is relatively rare, followed by the very rare ECM failure.

 

[TFucili]

One downside unique to the the '05 is the OD Lockout went away on the automatics. I had no electrical issues with my '05.

 

[Regcabguy]

One downside unique to the the '05 is the OD Lockout went away on the automatics. I had no electrical issues with my '05.

BD sells a device to counteract that '05 aberration.

http://ecddiesel.com/overdrive-lockout-disable-05-dodge-48re.html

 

[Bob4x4]

One downside unique to the the '05 is the OD Lockout went away on the automatics. I had no electrical issues with my '05.

The tow haul switch can be programed to do the od lockout. I go back and forth on how I have mine set

 

[Shadrach]

Other trivia : 2006 is the first year of the "bigger "headlights, much better than the 03-05. It is also the last year for the "flat" tail lights, making it a unique looking style. It is the highest production year as well. 2006 is the first year of the Mega Cab.
David

 

[tmh1955]

MY '06 Laramie has been painless in the 100k miles I've owned it

 

[inlinesix3million]

There have also been above average early injector failures in 06's. It is thought to be QC issues related.

 

[mwilson]

Other trivia : 2006 is the first year of the "bigger "headlights, much better than the 03-05. It is also the last year for the "flat" tail lights, making it a unique looking style. It is the highest production year as well. 2006 is the first year of the Mega Cab.
David

To add to your trivia above...

Factory ready for engine brake when equipped with the automatic transmission. Transmission and engine brake work together on downshifts.

Has combination tow/haul and O/D Lockout button on shifter.

 

[CScranton]

Have 06 W/G56 4x4 tow mostly like the dash design better than the 05. No problems w/42K

 

[MyDiesel]

My 06 Megacab has over 130K miles on it. Here is what's been done. AC/Defrost air direction vain replaced under wnty. At around 100K replaced ball joints, rough roads here. My Tach no longer reads reliably, suspected cold solder joint problem. Added a small digital box that gives much more information by just plugging it in (under 100$). From reading this site, JB welded on a section of reinforced hose to prevent transmission line rub through, Thanks TDR! My rear door locks do not work, wires broken. I will repair with high strand test lead wire, I'm a tech by profession. Most the miles on my truck are under the programming of the Smarty JR. I do not regret my purchase one bit. It took me about two years before the love of my truck hit its peak. Not that I'm on the downhill slide now.

 

[HHhuntitall]

My 06 Megacab has over 130K miles on it. Here is what's been done. AC/Defrost air direction vain replaced under wnty. At around 100K replaced ball joints, rough roads here. My Tach no longer reads reliably, suspected cold solder joint problem. Added a small digital box that gives much more information by just plugging it in (under 100$). From reading this site, JB welded on a section of reinforced hose to prevent transmission line rub through, Thanks TDR! My rear door locks do not work, wires broken. I will repair with high strand test lead wire, I'm a tech by profession. Most the miles on my truck are under the programming of the Smarty JR. I do not regret my purchase one bit. It took me about two years before the love of my truck hit its peak. Not that I'm on the downhill slide now.

Man... those are some rough roads!!

I've got an '06 Megacab I bought last year with an overheated engine.... the transmission cooler line got a pinhole and leaked all the water out. The CEL came on, so the owner pulled into Orielly's and bought a gallon of antifreeze to put in it, then tried to drive home.... Light came on again, but he decided to go ahead and "limp" it in on in.... It started missing and burning oil profusely after that.... But of the 191k miles, it has had minimal problems, only the blend doors in the AC and a dead radio. The transmission was rebuilt, but from I can tell, it only needed a solenoid in the valvebody and the shop just took advantage of the guy.... but that's moot now.... No wiring issues with it. I go the new engine in it last week and drove it 200+ miles today. Electrical system works as it should....