1998 Dodge Ram electrical problems

Filed Apr 13, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 115,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed. The brake indicator light also illuminated. The brakes also failed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for a diagnostic test and the contact was informed that the braking system was functioning properly but the failures were causing by an electric component. The vehicle was at the dealership for repair at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 115,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 132,216 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram. The contact stated that the brake lights and interior lighting fail to dim when the vehicle is turned off. Prior to the failures, she noticed that the instrument panel lights would not dim. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 132,216. Updated 07/28/09. *lj updated 07/30/09.

Filed Aug 24, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · CA

I have an ongoing problem with preignition (spark knock) in my 1998 dodge ram 1500 with the 318 cid/5.2l motor. .at 24,896 miles, my dealer re-programmed the PCM and re-routed the spark wires. The spark knock continued. At 35,067 miles, the dealer adjusted the timing; I didn't think this could be done. The spark knock continued. At 43,281 miles, the dealer replaced the intake plenium gasket. The spark knock continued. At 45,093, the dealer replaced both engine heads. The spark knock continued. At 57,452 miles, I installed a colder thermostat and this helped somewhat, but the spark knock returned. And, today at 74,834 miles I installed a set of truck spark plugs to see if that will help. The bottom line is that this truck has an inherint defective design in the engine which is being prematurely worn out due to spark knock. I would like the federal safety agency to investigate, and help me in securing a replacement for my problem plagued lemon. Thank you!

Filed Apr 22, 2002 · Electrical, Lights · CA

Electrical system kept burning out, causing dashboard and tail lights to go out, without warning. *akheadlight switch was checked and dealer found melted plastic wire to the switch connector. Switch was replaced, then the tail lights went out. Still the same problem.

Filed Feb 6, 2002 · Electrical · TN

Horn buttone (the area you press in the center of the steering wheel) will no press in to honk, due to design problem, due to air bag. There is not way to honk the horn

Filed Jan 18, 2002 · Electrical · TN

Horn is almost impossible to honk, dealer says it is because of airbag housing and there is not room for horn contacts to work, so no matter where you push or how hard you hit the steering wheel, it will not allow the horn to honk!

Filed Oct 29, 2001 · Electrical · WI

All instrument guages and warning lights do not work consistantly. At times there is no way to know what speed I am going and how much full I have because the guages are not working. I believe this consitutes a safety problem. I have heard other owners of 1997 model year vehicles were having similar problems.

Filed Oct 23, 2001 · Electrical, Fuel system · FL

Spark knock noticed, vehicle taken to nearest dodge dealership(colonial dr., orlando,fl). Vehicle was evaluated by computer diagnostic system and road test: reported as normal. On further insistance and discussion, service tech found intake manifold gasket was defective and would need replacement. It was also mentioned by this dealership, as well as by several other mechanics, that this is a problem dodge is having on v-6 and v-8 style engines. This problem has become so widespread that dodge has published bulletins on repair of this defect. Dodge has also agreed to repair this defect in the v-6 engines. Since I am the owner of a v-8 engine that this defect also exists, I feel dodge is responsible for the failure of the part in my engine and I should be compensated for the diagnostic test and repair of engine manifold plenum pan gasket. Thank-you for your assisstance in this matter.

Filed Jun 22, 2001 · Electrical · OH

Instruments panel has failed to work due to circuit board. Dealer was notified, and unwilling to assist due to vehicle being out of warranty/ not covered under manufacturer's recall. Provide any further details on this matter.

Filed May 23, 2001 · Electrical, Fuel system · TX

Electrical system is not operable. Park lights wouldn't come on, and consumer smells like an electrical fire. There is a fuel leak leaking from back of engine.