1998 DODGE RAM Power Train Problems

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. *AK

THE RPMS INCREASED, AND THE GEARS POPPED ON THE VEHICLE ON THEIR OWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP FOR CHECK UP, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Mileage: 85,000

TRUCK HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS REPLACED MANY PARTS FOR LEAKS AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ENGINE LIGHT CONSISTENTLY COMES ON EVEN AFTER REPAIRS. TRUCK BUCK WHEN ACCELERATING LOOSES ENGINE POWER. WOULD LIKE IT FIXED I READ OTHER COMPLAINTS AND THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I PUT A LOT OF MONEY INTO THE TRUCK AND HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY CANT SEEM TO FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE. PROBLEM HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *JB

VEHICLE CHANGED GEARS ON ITS OWN. THEN, ENGINE RACED. CONSUMER FELT VEHICLE WAS GOING TO TAKE OFF. *AK

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT ROUGHLY 64,000 MILES AND I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A DODGE DEALERSHIP. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2003, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN AT 108,000.

Mileage: 63,898

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. JUST GO TO JASPER.COM. THEY SAY THAT 1995 TO 2001 DODGE TRUCK TRANSMISSIONS HAVE A HIGH RATE OF FAILURE DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. SEEMS THAT DODGE PUT TO LOW A VOLUME PUMP IN ALL THESE TRANSMISSIONS. LOCAL TRANSMISSION REBUILDERS TELL ME THAT YOU CAN NOT LET THE TRUCK IDLE BECAUSE THE TRANNY GETS NO LUBRICATION AT LOW RPM'S. SO DURING THE WINTER WHILE YOU ARE WAITING FOR THE WINDSHEILD TO CLEAR OFF TO DRIVE IN THE NORTHEAST WHERE IT SNOWS. YOU ARE DAMAGING YOUR TRANNY. THE TRANNY OVER HEAT LIGHT NEVER CAME ON JUST THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT.DODGE SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE A LIST OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD DODGE TRANNY PROBLEMS. ONE IS MY BROTHER-IN-LAW.

Mileage: 97,210

MY HUSBAND ORDERED THIS TRUCK IN LATE 1997. WE PURCHASED IT NEW AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WE HAVE FACED IS THE TRANSMISSION. MID-APRIL 1998 THE FIRST PROBLEMS OCCURED WITH SLIPPAGE, THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES WERE REPLACED, ONE MONTH LATER THE TORQUE CONVERTER WENT AND REPAIRS WERE MADE. NOW AT 51,000 MILES AND VERY LITTLE DRIVING FOR THE LAST 2 YRS (SINCE MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN SICK WITH CANCER) IT HAS BLOWN AGAIN. THE FRONT SEALS ARE LEAKING PROFUSELY. THE REAR WINDOW WAS LEAKING SO BADLY AT ONE POINT THE ENTIRE CEILING INSIDE WAS SOADED. THE ABS COMPUTER WENT WACKY ON US EARLY ON ALSO. THE SEATBELT HAS BEEN TWISTED SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WE HAVE NOT SUCCESSFULLY FIXED IT. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. I WILL NOT LIKELY BUY ANOTHER DODGE EVER AGAIN. MERCEDES TAKES THE CAKE.

Mileage: 50,100

THE BOLT THAT HOLDS FIFTH GEAR IN PLACE DISLODGED AND THE GEAR CAME OFF THE SHAFT. VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE IN THE OTHER FOUR GEARS BUT FIFTH GEAR WAS INOPERABLE. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

Mileage: 56,000

THE BOLT THAT HOLDS FIFTH GEAR IN PLACE DISLODGED AND THE GEAR CAME OFF THE SHAFT. VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE IN THE OTHER FOUR GEARS BUT FIFTH GEAR WAS INOPERABLE. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

Mileage: 56,000

WHILE SHIFTING THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING LEFT TO RIGHT. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE FIFTH GEAR GAVE OUT. *AK

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE ATTEMPING TO DRIVE FROM A RED LIGHT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

Mileage: 67,500

UPON STARTING VEHICLE AND MOTOR IS COLD, VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. MECHANIC STATES LIP SEAL IS WEARING CAUSING THE VEHICLE NOT TO SHIFT PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH AND THE 5TH GEAR IN THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY WENT OUT. I CONTACTED SCOTT ENKIRK AND IN TURN CONTACTED DODGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY CLAIM NO RESPONSIBILITY. MY NEIGHBOR'S 1998 DODGE RAM TRUCK ALSO DID THE SAME EXACT THING. DT

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ANDWITH NO WARNING TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, LOCKING REAR TIRES. IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

I HAVE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH PREIGNITION (SPARK KNOCK) IN MY 1998 DODGE RAM 1500 WITH THE 318 CID/5.2L MOTOR. .AT 24,896 MILES, MY DEALER RE-PROGRAMMED THE PCM AND RE-ROUTED THE SPARK WIRES. THE SPARK KNOCK CONTINUED. AT 35,067 MILES, THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE TIMING; I DIDN'T THINK THIS COULD BE DONE. THE SPARK KNOCK CONTINUED. AT 43,281 MILES, THE DEALER REPLACED THE INTAKE PLENIUM GASKET. THE SPARK KNOCK CONTINUED. AT 45,093, THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH ENGINE HEADS. THE SPARK KNOCK CONTINUED. AT 57,452 MILES, I INSTALLED A COLDER THERMOSTAT AND THIS HELPED SOMEWHAT, BUT THE SPARK KNOCK RETURNED. AND, TODAY AT 74,834 MILES I INSTALLED A SET OF TRUCK SPARK PLUGS TO SEE IF THAT WILL HELP. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THIS TRUCK HAS AN INHERINT DEFECTIVE DESIGN IN THE ENGINE WHICH IS BEING PREMATURELY WORN OUT DUE TO SPARK KNOCK. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE, AND HELP ME IN SECURING A REPLACEMENT FOR MY PROBLEM PLAGUED LEMON. THANK YOU!

THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE AND BACK UP, BUT WILL GO FORWARD. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO DEALER WHEN IT WAS FIRST PURCHASED, DUE TO A VIBRATING NOISE. AT 36041 MILES, THE OVERDRIVE UNIT FAILED WHICH HAD TAKEN OUT THE REVERSE. A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED. THIS CORRECTED THE VIBRATION NOISE WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE COMING FROM A BROKEN SNAP RING THAT HELD THE OVERDRIVE UNIT. *SCC

CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO PUT VEHICLE INTO GEAR. THE GEAR SHIFT HAD BROKEN. CONTACTED DEALER. REPLACED PART.*AK

TRANSMISSION WAS IN NEUTRAL, PARKING BRAKE WAS SET. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY FOR APPROX. 1 MIN. WHILE I REMOVED MY THINGS FROM THE INTERIOR. AS I WAS WALKING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE (ABOUT 30-40 FT) I HEARD THE BRAKE "POP" TURNED AROUND AND THE VEHICLE SLOWLY STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS UNTIL IT HIT A POLE. THIS HAPPENED IN A PRIVATE PARKING LOT AND WAS REPORTED TO CORP. SECURITY, BUT NO POLICE REPORT.*AK

THE OVERDRIVE OR 5TH GEAR OF THE TRUCK SLIPPED OUT WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A TRIP TO MYRTLE BEACH, SC. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS HAPPEN TO NUMEROUS OTHER TRUCK LIKE MINE. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED PROBLEMS IF I HADN'T BEEN THE ONLY VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AT THAT TIME.

VERY LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL. CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

LOCKING PINION NUT BROKE, RESULTING IN SHAFT TO FALL WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE PINION GEARS AND SPINDLES. SEVERAL MECHANICS STATED THAT A LOCKING PINION NUT SHOULD NEVER UNLOCK OR BREAK. THUS IT'S DEFECT CAUSED 1,100 WORTH OF DAMAGE AND COULD HAVE DEFINITELY RESULTED IN INJURY.*AK

LOCKING PINION NUT BROKE, RESULTING IN SHAFT TO FALL WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE PINION GEARS AND SPINDLES. SEVERAL MECHANICS STATED THAT A LOCKING PINION NUT SHOULD NEVER UNLOCK OR BREAK. THUS IT'S DEFECT CAUSED 1,100 WORTH OF DAMAGE AND COULD HAVE DEFINITELY RESULTED IN INJURY.*AK

CONSUMERS VEHICLE RAN INTO A TRAILER ON HIS PROPERTY AND ABS WAS DEFECTIVE, ALSO BRAKE DRUMS WERE RUSTED, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT HEADACHE BAR AND FUEL TANK, TIRES, FUEL FILTER, STEERING STABILIZER, FRONT SHOCKS, REAR SHOCKS, AIR FILTER, REAR AXLE SEAL AND FLUID, REAR TRANSFER CASE SEAL AND U-JOINTS IN REAR DRIVE SHAFT FAILED AND REPLACED.*YD

CONSUMERS VEHICLE RAN INTO A TRAILER ON HIS PROPERTY AND ABS WAS DEFECTIVE, ALSO BRAKE DRUMS WERE RUSTED, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT HEADACHE BAR AND FUEL TANK, TIRES, FUEL FILTER, STEERING STABILIZER, FRONT SHOCKS, REAR SHOCKS, AIR FILTER, REAR AXLE SEAL AND FLUID, REAR TRANSFER CASE SEAL AND U-JOINTS IN REAR DRIVE SHAFT FAILED AND REPLACED.*YD

CONSUMERS VEHICLE RAN INTO A TRAILER ON HIS PROPERTY AND ABS WAS DEFECTIVE, ALSO BRAKE DRUMS WERE RUSTED, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT HEADACHE BAR AND FUEL TANK, TIRES, FUEL FILTER, STEERING STABILIZER, FRONT SHOCKS, REAR SHOCKS, AIR FILTER, REAR AXLE SEAL AND FLUID, REAR TRANSFER CASE SEAL AND U-JOINTS IN REAR DRIVE SHAFT FAILED AND REPLACED.*YD

CONSUMERS VEHICLE RAN INTO A TRAILER ON HIS PROPERTY AND ABS WAS DEFECTIVE, ALSO BRAKE DRUMS WERE RUSTED, DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT HEADACHE BAR AND FUEL TANK, TIRES, FUEL FILTER, STEERING STABILIZER, FRONT SHOCKS, REAR SHOCKS, AIR FILTER, REAR AXLE SEAL AND FLUID, REAR TRANSFER CASE SEAL AND U-JOINTS IN REAR DRIVE SHAFT FAILED AND REPLACED.*YD

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK

HORN WILL SOUND INTERMITTENTLY DURING THE NIGHT WHEN ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE, BUT INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY RECALL 01V153000. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS. *AK

PINION SEAL REPLACED THREE TIMES ,RING AND PINION REPLACED AT 32000 MILES,PINION NUT ALLWAYS REUSED NEVER A NEW PINION NUT .FOURTH TIME PINION NUT COMES OFF AT 108000 MILES AT 65 MILES AN HOUR . PLEASE ADVISE. DEALER SAYS NOT RESPONSIBLE . *AK

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IN 5TH GEAR, IT POPPED OUT OF GEAR. WHEN TRYING TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN 5TH GEAR, IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL. DLR SAYS IT NEEDED A KIT TO BE REMEDIED.*AK

VEHICLE WAS SET ON CRUISE CONTROL GOING 70 MPH. VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, AND ABS LIGHTS/ AIR BAG LIGHT/ SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO/ GAS GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY, AND TANK WAS FULL. CONSUMER TOOK IT INTO DEALER,AND CLOCKSPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER HAS NOT STATED IF IT WILL BE COVERED.*AK

TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED ,OVERDRIVE AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGED. THE ODOR OF BURNED TRANSMISSION OIL WAS EVIDENT.THIS WAS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND WAS REPLACED WITH A REBUILT TRANSMISSION BY THE DEALER AT $50 DEDUCTIBLE. THE REBUILT WILL ONLY BE WARRANTED FOR THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OR 12000 MILES.I SUSPECT THE TRANSMISSION IS EITHER UNDERCOOLED OR A FAILURE TO USE THE PROPER ATF FLUID CAUSED THIS.VEHICLE IS UNDER SERVICE CONTRACT AND IS SERVICED FOR ALL FLUID CHANGES BY THE DEALER. *AK

WE PURCHASED A 1998 DODGE CONVERSION VAN AS OUR FAMILY VEHICLE. ON SEPT 21,2000 MY WIFE LOADED OUR CHILDREN, AGES 7,6, & 2, INTO THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN WENT & LOCKED THE HOUSE DOOR. OUR 2 YEAR OLD GOT OUT OF HER CAR SEAT, WENT TO THE FRONT OF THE VAN, & PULLED DOWN ON THE GEAR SHIFT PULLING IT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER A 3 FOOT WALL, DOWN A STEEP HILL, THROUGH A 2 FOOT DITCH, AND THEN STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT THIS CONDITION COULD HAVE TRAGIC. I OWN AN INSURANCE AGENCY SO I STARTED TO CHECK AROUND TO SEE IF THIS WAS A DEFECT THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE PUT INTO GEAR WITHOUT FIRST APPLYING THE BRAKE. WHAT I FOUND OUT WAS SHOCKING, I WAS INFORMED BY THE DODGE DEALER THAT THIS SAFETY FEATURE WAS AN OPTION ON THIS VEHICLE, WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED OF AT TIME OF PURCHASE , THIS IS LUDICROUS!!! IN MY RESEARCH I HAVE YET TO FIND A PRIVATE PASSENGER VEHICLE THAT IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH THIS SAFETY FEATURE AND TO DECLARE IT AN OPTION ON A FAMILY USE VEHICLE IS IRRESPONSIBLE. THANK GOODNESS THE LORD WAS LOOKING OVER MY FAMILY THAT DAY, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT FAMILY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SITUATION, SO NO FAMILY HAS TO NEEDLESSLY ENDURE A TRAGEDY.*AK

REAR DIFFERENTIAL BROKE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK

STEERING COLUMN MADE A GRINDING NOISY WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL OR SITTING STILL. DEALER THINKS IT WAS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE AXLE SHAFT BEARINGS. CHRYSLER HAS CHANGED THEM IN NEW MODELS.THEY WERE AWARE OF PROBLEM, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ANNOUCED. *AK

MAJOR TRANSMISSION REPAIR/OVERALL NEEDED. OVERDRIVE REMAINED ON, FLUID HEATED UP QUICKLY. REPAIRS BILL OVER $1890. VEHICLE HAS 46,000 MILE AND ONLY 2 1/2 YRS OLD. *AK

THE RING AND PINION GEAR AS WELL AS BOTH OUTER BEARINGS IN THE REAR AXLE FAILED AT 50000 MILES WITH SCHEDULED MAINTAINANCE. I HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL DRIVELINE SHOP BECAUSE THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR. I WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THEY WERE DOING AS MANY AS FOUR DOZEN REAR END REPAIRS A MONTH ON DODGE TRUCKS AND FULL SIZE VANS FOR THE SAME ABOVE MENTIONED DEALER. THE ONLY REASON THEY ARE NOT DOING THEM ANY LONGER IS BECAUSE DODGE DECIDED TO START REPLACING THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY INSTEAD. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS COULD HAVE LEAD TO A LOCKING OF THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD HAVE PROVED FATAL. *AK

THE RING AND PINION GEAR AS WELL AS BOTH OUTER BEARINGS IN THE REAR AXLE FAILED AT 50000 MILES WITH SCHEDULED MAINTAINANCE. I HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL DRIVELINE SHOP BECAUSE THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR. I WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THEY WERE DOING AS MANY AS FOUR DOZEN REAR END REPAIRS A MONTH ON DODGE TRUCKS AND FULL SIZE VANS FOR THE SAME ABOVE MENTIONED DEALER. THE ONLY REASON THEY ARE NOT DOING THEM ANY LONGER IS BECAUSE DODGE DECIDED TO START REPLACING THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY INSTEAD. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS COULD HAVE LEAD TO A LOCKING OF THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WHILE DRIVING WHICH COULD HAVE PROVED FATAL. *AK

AS I WAS TURNING THE CORNER THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WHICH WAS FULLY INFLATED CAME OFF THE TRUCK & I WENT AROUND THE CORNER ON 3 WHEELS. I HAD IT TOWED TO RALLEY DODGE & THEY SAID THAT MY EXTENDED WARRENTY WOULDN'T COVER THE DAMAGE .*AK

LOST FIFTH GEAR - NUT SPUN OFF ALLOWING GEAR TO SLIP ON SHAFT.

VEHICLE HAS ANTIL-LOCK BRAKES. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIES BRAKES BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, AND THERE IS PULSATION WITHIN THE BRAKES. ALSO, TRANSMISSION DOESN'T HAVE SPEED/GEARS SLIP, AND THERE IS A LEAK UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. *AK

TRANSMISION FAILED WITH NO WARNING, I.E. SLIPPING. *AK

SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE SPEEDOMETER COULD BE OFF BY 10% AND STILL BE WITHIN VEHICLE'S SPECIFICATIONS. SPEEDOMETER CHECKED, AND FOUND TO BE ONLY OFF BY 1 MPH. *AK *ML

TRANAMISSION FAILED DUE TO INCORRECT INSTALLATION AT FACTORY. YH

PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BEARINGS. FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED FIVE TIMES. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE SPINDLE, HUBS AND BEARINGS ON BOTH SIDES. *AK

PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BEARINGS. FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED FIVE TIMES. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE SPINDLE, HUBS AND BEARINGS ON BOTH SIDES. *AK

VEHICLE SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL WHEN HITTING BUMPS IN THE ROAD, MANUFACTURER SAID THAT THIS IS NORMAL. NLM

HAVE HAD MANY RECALLS ON THIS TRUCK, NOW TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. *AK

VEHICLE HAS A BROKEN PARK ROD WHICH IS A PART OF THE PARK GEAR. WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO PARK, IT WILL KEEP ROLLING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *ML

"AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED THE TRUCK IS A PIECE OF JUNK, THE TRUCK IS CURRENTLY IN SERVICE FOR 4 DAYS SO FAR THIS WEEK FOR ALL THE ABOVE PROBLEMS(THIS IS THE REASON I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN NUMBER), ON TOP OF THE ALREADY ACCUMULATED 25-30 DAYS OF SERVICE. THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, AS WELL AS MY STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE, OH AND BY THE WAY I NEED 4 NEW TIRES AS WELL, AFTER ONLY 25,000 MILES."NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION WHILE IN 5TH GEAR AS DESCRIBED IN TSB#21-10-98, PRIOR TO REPAIR. MJS

REAR END REQUIRES REPLACEMENT DUE TO FAILED BEARINGS WHICH CAUSE NOISE. MJS

ORIGANAL TIRES FROM FACTORY (GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS 265/75R16) HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY GOODYEAR 3 TIMES IN 16 MONTHS DUE TO DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP. VEHICLE HAD A MAJOR VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OF 45 AND 65 MPH.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 265/75R16 )

FIFTH GEAR LOSS IS CAUSED BY ( NUT HOLDING FIFTH GEAR BACKING OFF) AS I WAS TOLD BY DEALER. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE DEALER (TSB 21-10-98) COST TO FIX THIS IS $400.00-$799.00 AND THEY SAID IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. I WAS TOLD IT WAS CAUSED BY BACKING OFF THE THROTLE IN FIFTH GEAR. THIS IS A CLEAR CASE OF DESIGN DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION. I KNOW OF MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS TRUCK WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

RING & PINION GEAR FAILED. DODGE HAS MORE THAN 1200 ON BACK ORDER AND CANNOT GET THE PART. MY PART HAS BEEN ON ORDER FOR 5 WEEKS. LOCAL DEALER CONFIRMED THAT DODGE HAS SENT THEM A NOTIFICATION TO TRY TO RESET THE RING & PINION GEAR AS A FIX RATHER THAN REPLACE THE PART. DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE WILL NOT CONFIRM THAT THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS PART. *AK

SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW, IT HAS BEEN JUMPING INTO NEUTRAL WHEN WE TRAVEL,DOWN BUMPY ROADS. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, CHRYSLER CANADA HAS BEEN CONTACTED, MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN CONTACTED, TRANSPORT CANADA HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE RECIEVED ANY REPORTS REGUARDING THIS PROBLEM. IF YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO E-MAIL ME WITH ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE IT WOULD BE GRATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HELPING ME OUT. *AK

5TH GEAR LOST WHILE ON I-37 NORHTBOUND IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TX. SHIFTED UP FROM 4TH GEAR TO 5TH AFTER ENTERING FREEWAY. NO 5TH GEAR.

CLUTCH WOULD NOT RETURN TO POSTION, CLUTCH GO ON, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. ASKING NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *AK

CLUTCH WOULD NOT RETURN TO POSTION, CLUTCH GO ON, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. ASKING NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *AK

TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR UNTIL ENGINE IS AT ABOUT 2000 RPM AND OCCASIONALLY WILL NOT ENGAGE AT ALL WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP.

WITH ENGINE RUNNING, YOU CAN SHIFT INTO GEAR JUST BY PUSHING DOWN ON SHIFTER. ENGINE CAN BE STARTED IN ANY GEAR.

INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE JUMPS OUT OF GEAR, AND THE OVER RIVE LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER IS INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

OWNER'S CHILD WAS ABLE TO SWITCH GEARS FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITHOUT APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF AND HIT A FENCE. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

THERE IS A BUZZING NOISE IN THE TRANSMITION WHEN PUT IN REVERSE AFTER A COLD START. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK IN 4 TIMES NOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THEY SAY ALL THE TRUCKS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS A NON HARMFUL PROBLEM THAT A MODIFICATION HAS BEEN MADE FOR. THE HAVE PREFORMED THE MODIFICATION AND IT HASN'T FIXED THE PROBLEM. I AM BRINGING THE TRUCK IN AGAIN FOR THEM TO DO THE MOD AGAIN. MY PROBLEM IS THAT I AM ABOUT OUT OF WARRENTY, AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THIS IS A HARMFUL PROBLEM. I HAVE MECHANIC FRIENDS THAT AGREE WITH ME WHEN I SAY IT SOUNDS LIKE THE TRANSMITION ISN'T GETTING FLUID WHEN IT IS FIRST PUT IN REVERSE. IF WHAT MYSELF AND THE MECHANIC FRIENDS I HAVE ARE RIGHT, THE TRANSMITION WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK. THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE I KNOW THAT HAVE DODGES, AND NONE OF THEM HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WHY CAN"T THEY FIX THIS PROBLEM?

TRANSMISSION, 4X4 SENDING UNIT.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS SLIPPED AND FAILED TO ENGAGE SINCE PURCHASE. HAVE RETURNED TO DEALER MORE THAN ONCE AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WRONG. IWAS TOLD THAT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL IS FASTER THAN THE COMPUTER WORKING THE TRANS.

SHIFTER LINKAGE BOLTS SHEERED OFF, UNABLE TO PUT INTO PARK

HORN DIFFICULT TO OPERATE; TRANS SHIFTS OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS AND ENGINE IS UNDER LOAD

TRANSFER REPLACED W/IN 4 MTHS OF PURCHASE, TRANSMISSION NOW DOES NOT WISH TO SHIFT...DEALER IS QUESTIONING

TRANSFER REPLACED W/IN 4 MTHS OF PURCHASE, TRANSMISSION NOW DOES NOT WISH TO SHIFT...DEALER IS QUESTIONING

THERE IS A LOCK UP IN TRANSMISSION/TORQUE CONVERTER. COMPUTER PROGRAM THAT TELLS TORQUE CONVERTER WHEN TO LOCK UP AND UNLOCK HAS A PROBLEM, CAUSING TORQUE CONVERTER TO LOCKUP AND UNLOCK SPORADICALLY. DEALER HAS NISPECTED VEHICLE . MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

THE FIRST INCIDENT OF LOSING 5TH GEAR WAS IN ELIZABETHTOWN KY. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN @ 55MPH AND LOST 5TH GEAR. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO SWOPE AUTO CENTER IN ELIZABETHTOWN AND THE DESCRIPTION OF REPAIRS IS THAT 5TH GEAR WAS LOOSE. REPAIRS WERE MADE AS FOLLOWS: INSTLLED NUT PKG., INSTALLED SEALER, INSTALLED LUBRICANT, REPLACED THE NUT AND WASHER AND THEN REASSEMBLED. BREAK-DOWN #2 OCCURRED 4/19/99 THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN @ 55MPH AND SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. IT WAS TAKEN TO TAYLOR CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH DODGE IN KANKAKEE IL. THE MILEAGE IS AT 70590, IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT FIFTH GEAR IS LOST, AND THE INPUT SHAFT IS BAD. THE ORIGINAL REPAIR WAS $1100.00 AND NOW THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED AT $3200.00. AFTER READING YOUR SERVICE BULLETIN, I FOUND THERE ARE TWO LISTED ON THE TRANSMISSION ALONE, SB#980911211098, AND SB#980925211098, THEY BOTH HAVE TO DO WITH THE LOSS OF 5TH GEAR. *AK

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS LATE ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS JUMPING INTO GEAR, DIAGNOSTICS' WERE PERFORMED BY DEALERSHIP RESULTING IN A NEGATIVE RESULT, THE TRUCK STILL PERSIST'S WITH THE PROBLEM USUALLY AT SPEEDS' 35 MPH AND UNDER. THE TRUCK HAS PULLED RIGHT UPON DELIVERY, DEALERSHIP REPLACED CALIPERS STATING THAT THE O.E.M. CALIPERS WERE SEIZED FROM FACTORY, THREE DAYS LATER THE PROBLEM WAS BACK, DEALERSHIP PERFORMED ALIGNMENT, PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED AND CONTINUES TO DO SO. THE REASON I PUT POWER STEERING DOWN UNDER THE COMMENTS SECTION IS BECAUSE OF MY BELIEF THAT THE PROBLEM RESIDES IN THE STEERING GEAR-BOX, WHICH HAS NOT BEEN CHECKED. THE BACK-UP LIGHTS DID NOT WORK UPON DELIVERY BUT WERE FIXED IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE BEEN FINE EVER-SINCE. THE DRVER-SIDE WINDOW MOLDING LEAKS AND ON CERTAIN DAYS CAUSES FOGGING OF THE WINDOW RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VISION AND AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. O.E.M. JACKSTAND IS ALSO TO SHORT TO REPLACE TIRE ON INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION.

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS LATE, JUMPING INTO GEAR ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS USUALLY BETWEEN 10-35 M.P.H. DEALERSHIP ANALYZED PROBLEM, BUT FOUND NOTHING. PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *AK

VEHICLE IS RUNNING IN PARK ,AND BY ITSELF THE VEHICLE WILL JUMP OUT OF PARK INTO NEUTRAL OR DRIVE, CAUSING A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. *AK

TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES LEAKING, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT.

PLEASE REFER TO SERVICE BULLETIN 971017182997, NHTSA SB054220. THIS IS WHAT I AM EXPERIENCING ON MY TRUCK. I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS WITH THE DEALER THEY DID ALL THEY COULD. THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKS UP BETWEEN 40 AND 53 MPH. I WANTED THEM TO FIX IT. THEY SAID ALL OF THE DODGE RAM PICKUPS DO THIS. THE WHOLE TRUCK STARTS TO SHAKE BETWEEN 40 AND 53 AND ITS DUE TO THE GEAR SETTING IN THE TRANNY AND THE ENGINE RPM. THIS WAS DESIGNED BY DODGE FOR FUEL EFFECIENCY BUT CAUSES THE TRUCK TO SHAKE DUE TO TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP. I WAS SATISIFIED THAT IT WASN'T JUST A PROBLEM WITH MY TRUCK WHEN THE DODGE DEALER LET ME PICK OUT A NEW DODGE ON HIS LOT WITH THE SAME SIZE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN, IT HAD 6 MILES ON IT (BRAND NEW 99'). WHEN I DROVE THE NEW TRUCK IT WAS CONSIDERABLY WORST THAN MINE AND STARTED TO SHAKE BETWEEN 30 AND ABOUT 53 BUT IT SHOOK MORE THAN MY TRUCK THRU THE ENTIRE RANGE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS SHAKING DUE TO TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKUP WON'T EVENTUALLY SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND POSSIBLY THE TRANSMISSION. I FOUND YOUR SERVICE ON THE INTERNET, SO I AM GIVING IT A TRY. THANK YOU

WHEN THIS VEHICLE IS PLACED IN PARK THE GEAR SHIFT READS PARK, BUT ITS REALLY IN REVERSE. WHEN IN REVERSE ITS REALLY IS IN PARK. CONSUMER HAS TO PLACE IT IN NEUTRAL TO START IT UP. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEAL LEAKS OIL, CAUSING DIFFERENTIAL TO THROW A BEARING. YH

MY 1998 DODGE RAM EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL WHEN HITTING HARD BUMPS IN THE ROAD. CHRYSLER DISTRICT MANAGER SAYS ALL DODGE RAMS DO THIS AND I OUGHT TO DRIVE A LITTLE SLOWER. THE ABS BRAKES HAVE ALSO FAIRLED ON A STEEP DECLINE. THE NOISE FROM THE FRONT END WAS HORRENDOUS AND THE WHEELS CONTINUED TO ROLL WITH NO EFFORT TO STOP. ALSO THE FRONT END OF THIS TRUCK CANNOT BE ALIGNED. DODGE HAS ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY INSTALLING AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS, HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AND I HAVE GONE THRU 3 SETS OF TIRES. IF ALL RAM TRUCKS SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL THEN ALL SHOULD BE OFF THE ROAD AS MINE IS. I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL CALLS FROM OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

CONSUMER EXPRIENCING ON GOING PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION JUMPING OUT OF GEAR INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT DEALER SHOP ON FIVE OCCASIONS AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. DEALER/MFR. NOTIFIED. *AK THE FRONT RIGHT SPRING FAILED. THE RELAY ROD AND THE CAMBER MALFUNCTIONS. *YH

TRUCK VIBRATES BETWEEN 30-67 MPH. DEALER HAS CHANGED THE TORQUE CONVERTER, DRIVERSHAFT, REPLACED RING AND PINION, YOKE, BEARINGS AND SEALS. TRUCK HAS BURNED 1/2 QT OF OIL PER 1000 MILES SINCE NEW. *AK *ML

TRUCK VIBRATES BETWEEN 30-67 MPH. DEALER HAS CHANGED THE TORQUE CONVERTER, DRIVERSHAFT, REPLACED RING AND PINION, YOKE, BEARINGS AND SEALS. TRUCK HAS BURNED 1/2 QT OF OIL PER 1000 MILES SINCE NEW. *AK *ML

I JUST BOUGHT A NEW 1998 DODGE RAM 1500 TRUCK HAVE JUST PUT 100 MILES ON THE TRUCK I HAVE BEEN UABLE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF A NECK INJURIE AND THE TRUCK HAS BEEN PARK IN MY GARAGE AND NOW IT IS IN THE SHOP WITH A PIN HOLE IN TRANSMISSION CASING SO I AM WITH OUT A TRUCK BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION IS ON BACK ORDER AND HAVE NO IDEA WEEN IT IS GOING TO BE IN NOW I CAN DRIVE BUT I HAVE NO TRUCK TO DRIVE

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED IT JUMPS OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL WHEN HITTING A BUMP. DEALER'S INVESTIGATION REPRESENTATIVE CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL STALL, AND WHILE IN REVERSE POSITION THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO STALL. ALSO, THERE IS A TRANSMISSION LEAK WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE. DEALER REPLACED PARTS OF THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL GEAR. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINING OF DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE STREET AT 40 MPH, ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. DEALER NOTIFIED, BUT STILL WANTS CONSUMER TO PAY EVEN WITH WARRANTY. *AK PROPORTIONING VALVE WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A SNAPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN, DEALER REPLACED FRONT AXLE TRACK. STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER. LOWER RADIATOR HOSE WAS RUBBING THE FRAME AND WAS WORN, DEALER REPLACED. *SLC

IN COLD WEATHER DEFECTIVE PCM PART WITHIN COMPUTER BECOMES INOPERATIVE, CAUSING THE FUEL/OIL PUMP AND WATER GAUGE TO GO OUT. ALSO DRIVER IS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. CHRSYLER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK