1997 Dodge RAM 1500: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Mar 13, 2002 · Fuel system, Transmission · NY

My fuel pump quit working, had to have truck towed to dealer to fix,(under warranty) while there I complained about transmission (banging going into 3rd gear,drive shaft clunk), was told we serviced tranny, everything ok. Truck was still acting the same.then at 33,000/34,000 mi.trany started shifting erratic from 2-3rd gear,had dealer check and reservice trany, scan system, they road tested vehicle, said everything is ok. Now the next day,trany slips going into 3rd gear,(engine overreaves between 2-3rd gear). Called dealer and was told they would charge me to look at it again. I talked to a couple of trany shops and was told dodge has defective transmissions, for my year vehicle.

Filed Apr 3, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

After replacing transmission, transmission failed again. Consumer was driving approximately 65mph and vehicle just gradually started slowing down. Consumer coasted to side of road with engine still running, but not able to go in any gears. Transmission was replaced 1-22-00. *ak vehicle experiences several transmission problems, there have been recalls amongst the repairs, driveshaft broke while driving, consumer states that chrysler corp has no records of a transmission being sent to new country dodge where the replacement took place, transfer case was retorqued, consumer had taken vehicle to dealer many times prior to complete transmission failure and dealer could not remedy problems. Clunking noise under vehicle, dealer replaced front swaybar links. O2 sensor replaced. Consumer stated at times he hadto hit the starter with a hammer to get it to work, ignition coil failed, and battery failed. Vehicle stalls when coming to a stop, check engine light illuminated. Excessive amounts of fuel used, distributor cap was replaced, vehicle also backfiring. Brakes grinding, front brake pads were metal to metal, rotor was scored badly, dealer replaced front pads and both rotors.

Filed Mar 9, 2000 · Suspension · CA

Clunk in front suspension.tried fixing 14 times.also found crack in weld at control arm bracket and frame.

Filed Nov 24, 1999 · Electrical · MN

Intermitant surging in engine resulting in driveline clunk or harshness in transmission.

Filed Nov 11, 1999 · Tires, Transmission · NC

This problem is in regards to the electrical system:ignition:electronic control unit. Summary of problem: intermintent surge,buck,driveline clunk, or transfer harshness. The exact same problem as described in service bulletin # 96-40, the federal safety agency item # sbo49106. I have been esperiencing problems with this for some time I have approached 2 different dealers ,hendrick dodge and bumpous dodge. They received my truck with 29,000 miles on it continued to drive till warranty expired and claimed nothing was wrong. As a result of this problem it has loosened the the rear shackles causing the rear differential to become loose and cause extreme wear on the passenger side tires. I have had absolutely no satisfaction with the either dealership this vehicle is a lemon. In the past I had to return it 7 times to have a water leak fixed, of course no documentation was given to me, at the time it never occured to me that this would be useful. Smart on their part. I would like some help dealing with this matter, as I am one individual with very little power and recourse. Thank you kevin carlson

Filed Jul 17, 1999 · Brakes · AZ

As per the federal safety agency #sb049106,bulletin #96-40,sequence #152.the description in this report describes how my truck has driven since I received it.I went through all the hoops and rings that the dealer and the regional manager required and finally ended up in arbitration only to be told that my truck didnt have a problem,what I felt (and experenced) was inherent to the vehicle and all the vibration, clunking and hesitation just bothered me more than anyone else was because I was sensative to it.after 2 years of battling with this and brake problems(which I will say ,they fixed after 32000 miles and $400+ of my money) I couldnt afford the time off to continue battling. Not once was this buletin ever brought up,infact,during arbitration,if was asked if any bulletins refered to problems like this and the answer was a flat "no".I still have all my records and copies of the dealer service records.I'll try to call monday,07/19/99.my home #is 623‑878‑2138(recorder/fax) cellphone is 602‑321‑0921.thank you phil lobins.