Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Diesel Died, Engine light on

[CSMITH]

Went for a drive Saturday over Chinook Pass in Washington. Truck seemed to be running ok but a couple times I thought I felt the engine miss. We got to the top of the pass and was heading down toward Yakima when the transmission started down shifting. The RPM jumped up to 2500 and then it would upshift back to normal. It did this a few times and the engine light came on so I pulled over. All my gauges looked normal. Turned engine off and checked under the hood. Everything looked okay so I started the truck and started heading back home. Ran good for about 3 miles and then it lost all kinds of power. I pulled over and while in neutral I tried to give it throttle and It just missed, cutout, and was smoking from the exhaust which I'm sure was from me trying to rev the engine. No real smoke at idle. Finally the diesel just died at 20301 miles. Any idea's what happen? My truck is sitting 150 miles from home at a dealer. I'll call the dealer tomorrow to see what he found out. I know that dodge pays for towing under there warranty but how about a car rental or motel costs? This little adventure looks like its going to cost me a few bucks.



2001 Dodge Ram Quad, Auto, LB, Green, Leer top, Westin, and all the goodies.....

 

[VicR]

Do you have a post fuel filter fuel pressure guage? Did you fill up right before the trip? Just wondered if a bad load of diesel plugged your filter.



Good luck - hope its nothing serious.



-Vic

 

[CSMITH]

I don't believe it's the fuel because I have burned over a half a tank. I go to a station that sells allot of fuel. My fuel filter from genos has about 5000 miles on it. Thanks for the reply.

 

[jmtandem]

CSMITH,



Be glad your truck is under warranty with ony 20,000 miles. Let them fix it on their nickel. I suspect it is a fuel pressure or quality issue, maybe an air leak on the fuel system. Basically the engine is bullet proof.

 

[DEZLPWR]

I'll take a stab here....

and bet that your VP44 went tits up on you. It sounds like you are not bombed, so let the stealer "take care" of you. Hopefully it is at a stealer that knows what they're doing when it comes to diesels... .

Keep us updated on what the problem was.