Dodge RAM 2500 overheating problems

Filed Jul 9, 2019 · Electrical · 200,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 2500. While driving 70 MPH, the contact smelled smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact was able to drive home and park the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and noticed smoke coming from the alternator. The contact also noticed that the battery cables were overheated. The contact disconnected the battery cable wires, which caused the smoke to stop. The vehicle was not able to be driven. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v739000 (electrical system). The contact called allen samuels chrysler dodge jeep ram waco (located at 201 w loop 340, waco, tx 76712, (254) 848-6200) and notified them of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 170,000 miles · MD

Hazzard: intermittent head lamp operation (low and/or high beam cut-off) cause: unknown. Safety issue: keeping the headlamps on while driving (dodge ram 1998.5 2500 4x4 quad cab slt; 5.9l 24v cummins diesel; 47re; stock (no fog lights); 170,000 miles). Problem: headlamps (low and/or high beam), and occasionally, but not consistently the dashboard lights, cut-off intermittently -- actuating the dashboard mounted headlamp switch (push-pull) restores the lights. Trouble shooting/repairs (executed by a certified automotive repair facility): (1) checked multiple grounds (clean and tight); (2) checked fuses; (3) checked output from generator (steady - approx. 14.5 with "no load"; batteries - new 6/18); (4) checked circuits (verified continuity and resistance); (5) replaced steering column mounted multifunction switch; (6) replaced "headlamp/security" relay; (7) replaced headlamp/dashboard lighting combination switch (replaced 22 months ago (167,000) - original failed. Note: dashboard above switch - warm to touch. (8) replaced headlamp bulbs (both). Note: no diagnostic trouble codes set. Next action: replacing the headlamp/dashboard combination switch again. Oem replacement switch installed at approximately 167,000 miles may be malfunctioning. A visual inspection of the switch did not indicate signs of overheating. Actuating the switch indicates normal operation. Speculation: a "ccd bus communication error" is occurring; pulse from PCM (?) to headlamp circuit may not yield the level of resistance required resulting in the intermittent "cut-off". Technical advice/guidance/assistance either directly from the manufacturer (fiat chrysler automotive), or through the dodge ram dealership network is required to correct this hazardous condition.

Filed May 5, 2016 · Engine · 74,000 miles · WA

Truck has a 53 block which has cracked below the #5 cylinder freeze plug at 74,000 miles. First noticed overheating with loss of coolant that didn't go on the ground, then found 53 on block and found crack. Dodge will not even acknowledge the problem of the 53 block exists, and have been somewhat rude in their denials and lack of info. Cummins will at least acknowledge the problem, but has offered no solutions for a problem caused by poor block design. Estimates to fix are about $9,000. Which I can't afford. This problem should be covered under a dodge extended warranty, however dodge refuses to accept any responsibility. This issue can cause the truck to overheat, which could leave driver and passenger(s) stranded or even cause a fire.

Filed Dec 28, 2015 · Engine · 166,577 miles · WI · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, a strong burning odor of coolant emitted inside the vehicle. The temperature gauge increased rapidly as the engine overheated. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where coolant was dispensed into the reservoir. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where the head gasket was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,577. Updated 02/10/16*lj

Filed Dec 9, 2015 · Electrical, Visibility · 125,000 miles · FL

The air conditioner/heater blower in my truck has been working intermittently, but getting worse to the point that it rarely works now. I took it to a shop a few weeks ago, but the system happened to work that day and they could not find any issues. However, I did some research on the internet and there are many other owners having this problem. The cause is a faulty ignition switch/wiring harness connector which actually melts from the heat caused by improper wire gauge/design. This information can be readily found on dodge truck forums by doing a google search. There was a previous recall for this issue on earlier model years (safety recall #875 according to one site) but none that I could find for my model year. This is a safety issue as visibility could be reduced by frost or fogging of the windshield since the windshield defroster will not work. Moreover, failure of the vehicle's heater could be a safety issue in very cold weather--especially in remote locations. It may also be possible for the overheated/melted connectors/components to cause a fire or to manifest other failures associated with the ignition switch (uncommanded engine cutoff, etc.). Thank you in advance for investigating this issue.

Filed Aug 31, 2015 · Engine · 120,000 miles · WY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge ram 2500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 11v350000 (steering), 13v529000 (steering), and 14v635000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, diesel). While driving 55 MPH, the control gauge indicated high and the truck overheated. The engine engulfed into flames. The contact veered to the side of the road and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle overheated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2015 · Lights, Transmission · 221,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the fog light and the tail lights failed to illuminate without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power distribution overheated and burned out. The dealer stated that the part was no longer available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 221,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 22,000 miles · OH

Dodge has issued a recall from october 7 2014 for recall p65 / agency14v-635 stating that the diesel fuel heater may overheat leak diesel and cause smoke under the hood or catch fire. After having service at the dealer they stated they have no fix yet or parts for this safety issue which may cause a fire, here are their words from their website under recall status for my VIN incomplete but repair parts are not available. This is the second safety issue where dodge ram has had a safety issue but no parts the first was the left tie rod where they had no parts available. Why are they allowed to issue safety recalls and have no parts to fix issues that could cause the vehicle to catch on fire or smoke this places people on the road at risk.

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Lights · 68,000 miles · WA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge ram 2500. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the low beam headlights suddenly shut off. The contact examined the vehicle and discovered that the headlight switch overheated and melted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed May 7, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 10,000 miles · MA

Car was brought in 5 times to have various front end recalls performed , two different dealers bedard brothers in cheshire mass. And beterra for steering recall (now n49/the federal safety agency 13v‑529) previously same recall had two or three different numbers. They have never had the parts and could never perform the recall. Because they say that the steering may fail at any moment I have used the vehicle only when I absolutely have no other transportation. Hence as of today the car has 17,200 miles only. The other problem is loss of coolant , the egr cooler has been leaking , I have had it at dealers three times and they have no clue how to repair . This is a common complaint. Because this internal leak goes into the turbocharger. The turbocharger failed and on 7/08/13 had to be replaced at 16,150 miles . That was the symptom of the egr cooler leak, but the cause (leaking egr cooler was not addressed then or on two following trips to the dealers. On to bedard and one to berterra. The chrysler case number may be 24954056 after dealers worked on car two trouble codes appeared p052 and p0700 I don't want to continue driving a car that the steering will fail at any moment or the engine may blow because of coolant loss.