2001 Dodge RAM 2500: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 2, 2013 · Electrical · 102,000 miles · CA

Turned key to start position and engine would not crank over. Turned key off and back on and found none of the dashboard warning lights came on (water in fuel, temp, brake, seat belt, etc.). There was no indication of electrical power to the dash or ignition switch. Upon inspection I found the main power feed wire to the ignition switch (8 gauge stranded) broken at the connector below the steering wheel hub. Further examination reveals that this wire flexes each time the steering wheel is tilted. I attached a new connector to the wire and plugged it back in, and everything worked as normal. After about a month I tilted the wheel up while the engine was running and the engine immediately quit and I had the same no-start, no-light condition as the first time. Found the replacement connector had come loose from the plug and reconnected it which again cured the problem. This has happened twice more until I finally spliced in about 5 inches of new wire to make a loop and relieve the stress on the original wire. If this condition, the first time the wire broke, had happened while I was underway and wanted to adjust the steering wheel tilt, I would have lost engine power, steering assist, brake assist, and I'm not sure what else. This would have almost certainly have caused a serious and ugly accident. I don't see any other complaints about this issue, so maybe mine was just a fluke. But I doubt it. I think this has the potential to be a deadly problem. Meanwhile, my dashboard is also in pieces. I just cover it up and try not to look at it. After all, it's a dodge...

Filed Feb 8, 2009 · Fuel system · 79,700 miles · OR

Failure of fuel lift pump on 2001 dodge ram 2500 diesel engine. Pump failed causing total loss of power while merging with traffic .

Filed Sep 14, 2007 · Fuel system · 30,000 miles · MS

Loss of power while entering high speed traffic, causing high speed traffic to take evasive actions to prevent collisions. Failure of transfer pump causing failure of injection pump on numberous occasions, this should be recalled at the time of the last repair their was no replacement for transfer pump available, so an after market electric pump with proper flow rate amd pressure was installed and has been in service for over 1 year. The injection pump still flags as bad and has loss of power until engine is at full running temperture and will eventually need to be replaced.

Filed Aug 13, 2007 · Acceleration · 99,151 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle will begin to lose power. The contact stated that the failure is called dead pedal, which occurs when the accelerator pedal is depressed against the floor and the vehicle loses power while in motion. The dealer diagnosed the failure as a faulty fuel connector and stated that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. She stated that she has had fuel components replaced before by a local authorized dealer. The failure mileage was 99,151 and current mileage was 100,442.

Filed Feb 23, 2006 · Engine, Suspension · 80,000 miles · IL

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH the engine started sputtering and smoking resulting in a loss of power. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic determined the injection pump needed to be replaced, which no repairs were made. Also, the mechanic noticed the tie rods were pulling apart on the front left and right side. The mechanic replaced the front left and right tie rods and ball joints. The dealership and manufacturer were alerted.

Filed Nov 25, 2005 · Acceleration · 101,000 miles · MS

Dt: the contact replaced the accelerator position sensor twice. While driving, the engine light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle idled, but he had no control over the accelerator pedal. The first time this happened the vehicle had about 50,000 miles on it. At approximately 101,000 miles the consumer started experiencing the same problems again. *ak updated 12/27/05.

Filed Jun 29, 2005 · Fuel system · 89,000 miles · NY

With aprox. 89,000 miles on the truck I experienced loss of power during normal operations. Replacement of the fuel filter fixed the problem for a short periods of time. Thought the problem was bad fuel. As it turned out it was my transfer pump getting weak. This inturn, due to low juel pressure, caused my fuel injection pump to eventuly fail. I had to have this repaired in may of 2005. From what I have been told by the repair shop this is an inherit problem with the cummings. I have spoken with other cummings diesel owners and they have told me of the same problems. Dodge most be aware of this problem. This is a very expensive repair, $2100 between the two pumps and that is with me replacing the transfer pump myself. There should have been a low fuel pressure inticator install in these trucks at the factory. They are avalible in the aftermarket. I have also had front ball joint problems with this truck. These joints are maintance free jionts that fail, I believe due to the added weight of the cummings motor. This is also an expensive repair because you most replace the entire control arm assemble, not just te ball joint.

Filed Dec 8, 2004 · Transmission · 41,857 miles · NM

At 41,857 miles, my 2001 dodge cummins diesel 3/4 ton 4x4 pickup truck began to lose power on the highway. I bought this truck new on may 24, 2000 and have had difficulty with the stiff, rigid gears and clutch ever since. I complained but to no avail. I was told that due to the torque, it was "normal". Then, the clutch failed and I barely made it to town and to the dealers garage. This truck was bought n from the local dealer, ridgewood motors and has been meticulously maintained ever since. It should not have failed with such low mileage. Since ridgewood mechanics replaced the clutch, it drives like a different truck, smooth and efficient. I called and emailed daimler-chrysler about this problem and they said it wasn't covered by warranty and it was my tough luck. I'm out $898.26 and now wonder what else will fail in a truck that dodge calls "ram tough"! I'm furious about this incident and daimler-chrysler's condescending attitude. I want to be reimbursed my costs to replace this clutch, problematic from day one.

Filed Jan 22, 2004 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · LA

My dodge ram 2500 diesel truck loss power and would not run well at all. I asked archer dodge on jan 20, 2004 to find and fix the problem. A fuel transfer pump, part # 5080885aa (replacement pump #) was installed for a total of $500. The failure of this pump in this vehicle is common and is documented in an article by chuck arnold "what happens to dodges". Failure of the injector pump, a $2000 replacemnet job is common when the charge pump fails, I was lucky. Dodge recalled defective pumps installed in all trucks built 7 days prior to the day my truck was built. I feel I got one of the older pumps for one thing and that dodge should pay for the work. The other thing is that there is no idiot light or guage telling you there is a problem with the charge pump. I am looking for a retrofit so I can monitor this pressure and prevent damage to my fuel injection pump in the future. This engine should run for 1,000,000 miles and I dont want the possibility of a $3000 workover every 60,000 to 120,000 miles ( the estimated length of time before failure for the charge pump.) failure of this system is total and if it happens at the wrong place could cause loss of life, fire, and serious personal and property damage. I would like to see dodge recall all units and retrofit them with a device that monitored the discharge pressure of the charge pump, notifying the driver that a failure of the fuel system is eminant. This could be done with an additional gauge or even a engine warning light. I have called dodge and opened a complaint #12000342, but I did not get the satisification of hearing that it was a serious problem to them. If it is common knowledge that this failure occurs, why not alert the customers of dodge that it is a probem. Even though my truck was not recalled, it appears it should have been based on what I have learned from other owners and dodge. Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide.

Filed Jun 27, 2002 · Fuel system · OR

Fuel lift pump failure could cause a serious accident, loss of power will cause loss of brakes,power steering, and control. Thousands of failures have occurred, the failed part is on national back order due to the large number of system failures. Chrysler/dodge has not addressed this issue!!!

Filed Apr 16, 2001 · Engine · VT

Part of the interior breaks off and blocks the exhaust which causes a loss of power - has occurred on the highway which is especially dangerous when passing another vehicle.