This diesel truck was started in order to let it warm up. Owner went into a building to retrieve a pair of gloves and returned 5 min later to find the vehicle on fire. Smoke was pouring out of the front cowl at the base of the windshield. Entry to the vehicle was attempted in order to put the fire out however the locking mechanism kept the doors shut so entry could not be attained. The truck was on fire and it had locked the doors. The drivers side window had to be busted out with a fire extinguisher in order to gain entry. Once the fire was extinguished the problem area was evident. The entire heater blower area was melted.
2002 Dodge RAM 2500: fire, smoke or burning smell
5 of the 155 complaints about the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500 describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 6 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 2500. The contact experienced issues with the 6-speed manual transmission in his vehicle. The clutch would fail while driving at various speeds. In addition, the gears would slip as if the clutch were depressed and the contact smelled a burning odor while driving in reverse. He took the vehicle to multiple dealers more than ten times. One of the dealers installed a new clutch, but it failed 10,000 miles later. At approximately 34,000 miles, the dealer repaired the clutch again; however, the issue recurred. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The current mileage was approximately 37,000 and failure mileage was approximately 500. Updated 1/5/09 *cn the consumer also stated when backing up his trailer there was a burning smell coming from the clutch area. A transmission shop examined the clutch and pressure plated and discovered the clutch was worn and the pressure plate had heat marks from clutch slippage. The mechanic also stated the pressure plate appeared much older than the clutch itself because of the large strands of fiber stuck in the cover that appeared to be from the previous clutch that came apart. The engine light had illuminated. It was determined that the fuel injection pump needed to be replaced. Updated 1/09/09.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the clutch locked up and the vehicle was inoperable. While driving 55 MPH, it seems as if the clutch releases and the rpms increase before the vehicle begins to drive normally. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer approximately twelve times, but they can never duplicate the failure. The clutch has been replaced twice. The failure occurs intermittently. The current mileage was 35,000 and failure mileage was 500. Updated 01/24/08 *bf the dealer stated wiring plug fuse blown, alarm will go off with key in ignition or not, pdc cover broken, difficult to start in cold weather, noticed a burning smell, and fuel injection. Updated 01/24/08
Vehicle idles and does not accelerate when the gas pedal is stepped on. Also, vehicle tends to decelerate often when it is traveling at various speeds on the road. Taken to the dealer for a total of 10 times, but the cause was still undetermined.*ak the vehicle never ran right after the wiring on the steering was replaced. Cruise control or gas pedal does not work. Truck caught fire in the steering column. The vehicle engine shut off by itself and started back up by itself twice.
Transfer case has gone out four times in vehicle, always while driving. On two occasions transfer case disintegrated. Consumer saw smoke coming from rear of vehicle, then heard pieces falling and vehicle began to vibrate, then slow down. On two occasions consumer heard noises, and took vehicle to dealer where transfer case was replaced.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500 fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500?
5 of 155 owner complaints about the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500 (3%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 2005.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500?
There are 0 recalls and 6 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2002 Dodge RAM 2500
VIN decoder
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