1997 Dodge RAM 2500: fire, smoke or burning smell

7 of the 213 complaints about the 1997 Dodge RAM 2500 describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2012
10
2011
4
2010
4
2009
2
2008
5
2007
8
2006
3
2005
10
2004
6
2003
2
2002
5
2001
9
2000
1
1998
2
1997
7
1996
9
1995
6
1994
4
1993
1
1992
2

What owners say

Filed Jun 7, 2005 · Electrical, Transmission · 161,000 miles · NM · fire

The outer dash silencer pad caught on fire and burned the clutch and fuel lines. It fried the computer, the occupants were almost killed. There was a recall issued #737, in august 1997. The customer was not notified of the recall. The consumer paid all repairs out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified, but the claim was denied. Chrysler will not help the consumer with the repair bills, tom kelly made a decision and the consumer was told that he does not communicate with people and his decision was final. The consumer had no problems with vehicle before the incident and was out of state when it happened. The consumer realized the recall was for dodge trucks built march 7, 1997 through may 15, 1997 and the consumers vehicle was built on may 16, 1997. *jb the alternator was inoperative due to a bad PCM which was replaced. The A/C had become inoperative after the PCM was replaced. *sc

Filed May 24, 2005 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · OR

Dt: consumer noticed there was smoke coming from the dashboard above the headlight switch while driving. Immediately consumer turned the engine and the headlights off. After a couple of minutes it stopped smoking. After waiting several minutes, the engine started, but the headlights would not come on. Consumer called dealership, and was informed that there was no recall for make and model. Dealership has not checked this vehicle. Consumer checked the federal safety agency website and found a recall for the 3500 series but not the 2500 series. Discovered this is not an isolated incident. Vehicle has not been repaired yet due to expense.

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Engine · TX · fire

1997 dodge ram 2500 experiencing engine problems.*mr consumer backed out the driveway and as the vehicle reached the street, the engine died. Consumer started the vehicle, at first it seemed to have choked then went on fine. The consumer decided to get another vehicle because it was acting sluggish. When the consumer arrived to the dip she smelled fumes. It wasn't gas but an oily smell, it lasted a few seconds. Consumer wasn't sure if it was her vehicle because the vehicle in front of hers had a smoking tailpipe. The consumer decided to pulled over and phoned a wrecker. Before she could pull over other drivers and by-standers were informing her of smoke. She didn't smell or see any smoke. Within seconds the entire front of the vehicle caught fire. The consumer turned the vehicle off and opened the door. Flames were coming from under the vehicle as well. She jumped and landed on the grass and that's when she heard a loud bang, looked back and the entire front and inside front of the vehicle was on fire. Upon returning home she checked the driveway for any fuel leakage but there wasn't any. *ph

Filed May 14, 2003 · Electrical · WI · fire

When the consumer pulled out of a gas station, there was a smell of plastic burning. Suddenly flames appeared under the hood. The mechanic stated the main bolt for the 120 amp vibrated off, which caused the wiring to heat up and catch fire.

Filed Jun 14, 2002 · Electrical · MS · fire

While driving 45 MPH consumer saw flames under hood. Dealer replaced relay switch and solenoid.

Filed May 29, 2002 · 97,360 miles · NV · fire

On trip to camping ground in sierra nevada mountains, started to smell "hot brakes" although I had not been using them at that point. Thought brake shoe may be dragging or that it could be another motorist. Approached camp ground with growing certainty it had to be my truck. After parking in camping space and shutting down motor, I noticed smoke issuing from under hood. Opened hood to investigate and found flames licking up firewall/toe board. Inspection revealed that firewall insulation had fallen down onto exhaust pipe and started on fire between the insulation and the toe board/firewall. Some exhaust "header wrap" was on the exhaust pipe but it had loosened. The area of contact with the insulation was covered with the "header wrap" but it did no good. I was unable to push the remaining insulation piece out of contact with the exhaust so the return trip home *two days later) was very nerve wrecking. The recall service was improperly done. *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis***762404

Filed Sep 8, 1997 · Engine · IL · fire

While driving on highway owner began smelling unknown odor. Pulled to gas station and found that the exhaust pipe had burned insulation within 3 to 4 inches of firewall. Rug inside compartment retained heat. Had wrong insulation on firewall. Supposed to be aluminum insulation. Instead, had soft black insulation. Vehicle caught on fire.