2002 Dodge RAM 1500: misfire or rough idle

Filed Apr 10, 2012 · Engine · 97,000 miles · CA

My 2002 ram van 1500 6 cyl engine failed state required smog check. The check engine light went on prior to this. The smog report showed 3 cylinders out of 6 were misfiring. The diagnosis was damaged valves and lost compression. After the mechanic opened the engine he found both heads to be cracked. He also found problems with the water pump and radiator. The total cost of repair was $3100. After further investigation I found out that there are thousands of 1500 engines that failed for the same reason. As with the other owners I changed my oil at regular intervals and maintained the vehicle properly. I had a 1997 1500 in which the same thing happened. Dodge denies responsibility and blames the sludge build up on poor maintenance. Since it was no longer under warranty I was forced to repair it. There should be a national recall of this vehicle's engine and I should get reimbursed by dodge for the repairs. I unfortunately didn't have a choice but to repair the engine but fear that the design defect will result in subsequent failure of the same nature. Dodge should be held responsible for this. Please help.

Filed Apr 9, 2009 · Engine · 69,000 miles · FL

Stalling and rough idle. Engine will surge at stop and force vehicle to move forward very close to other vehicles.

Filed Jul 30, 2008 · Engine · 170,000 miles · TN

We have a 2002 dodge ram 1500. We are the only owner and have taken good mechanical care of this truck. My husband drives a good distance to work and we have around 170xxx miles on this truck. Haven't had alot of trouble out of it until it started misfiring and not starting. Not to bad right....wrong only a few days later the cylinders started missing. Now we are told that we must buy a new engine for it. The junk yard models cost around 1700 dollars. We still owe around $3100 so considering what we owe and the insurance of 450 every six months it isn't even worth fixing time you add in labor. This is so ridiculous we thought we would have drove this truck for a long time. I have an older ford and it has 350xxx miles on it and I bought this one used I guess it was to much to hope for, for this dodge ram to last long.

Filed Sep 26, 2007 · Engine · 85,000 miles · MD

Nov of 2006 I took my truck in for misfire and coolant lose, the dealer checked the cooling system and ok'd it .they replaced my spark plugs for the misfire. About a month ago the truck was not running correctly since my warranty ran out I took it to another shop the rocker arm fell off, it was replaced. A week later 2 rocker arms fell off. With extensive researched it was determined I had a cracked head. When I called the auto manufacturer chrysler, I was told it was under the power train warranty and I needed to take it to the dealer. I did not feel comftorable taking this truck that was half apart to another mechanic to tell me what I already new, that the head was cracked coolant was leaking into the combustion chamber causing my rocker arms to be blown off. I tried talking to the dealership that I purchased it from and they said that chrysler already made a decision on this. All I wanted was to get replacement heads and some costs of repairing the truck. If this would have went to the dealer there was going to be a cost for them.

Filed Aug 3, 2007 · Fuel system · SC

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 1500. He stated that the engine light remained illuminated when he cranked the vehicle. He noticed the vehicle would rough idle when he came to a stop. The dealer stated that the codes indicated there were vacuum leaks in the fuel system. The current mileage was 34,000. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Nov 24, 2006 · Engine · 100,000 miles · TX

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 60 MPH on normal road conditions, the vehicle's engine began to misfire. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who determined that cylinders 1, 3, and 5 were misfiring, and that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. A radiator, coolant, AC blower fan, and spark plugs were replaced, which corrected the problem. A week after the repairs, the AC blower fan stopped functioning, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. Upon inspection, it was noticed that coolant was dried on the top of the radiator and cap. The dealer determined that coolant overflowed. The misfiring problem recurred 2 & 1/2 weeks after the first repair, and was taken back to the dealer. It was noticed that coolant was found inside the ports, and the heads on the engine were warped. Also, it was determined that new heads would have to be installed to correct the problem. The paperwork stated exhaust fumes were found inside the cooling system. The contact planned to contact the manufacturer after filing a complaint with the federal safety agency.

Filed Nov 26, 2002 · Engine · 250 miles · NC

Engine has rough idle when transmission is in reverse or drive, with engine at idle speed. I have driven other identical vehicles that did not exhibit this condition. Condition growing more severe. *ts *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis**770148