Glutton for punishment as I own a 1998 5.2L and a 1999 5.9L Dodge Ram 1500.
To date these are the problems I have experienced with the 1998 Ram Sport, extended cab.
55,000 - AC evaporator replaced Self Repaired $300, Dealer wanted $890+
57,000 - Back-up switch defective $28+ Self Repaired.
69,000 - Output speed sensor replaced, Dealer Repaired $200+
69,900 - Surge Problem, Occurs at any speed 40, 50, 60. Cruise Control On or Off. Occurs when engine is cold or hot, idle is good. Tachometer varies or surges 250 to 300 RPM, no detectable acceleration. Diagnostics indicate no faults found. Problem still exists and not corrected.
70,000 - Steering Column clicking when turning. Dealer says no problem, leave as it.
75,000 - Engine would not start. The Dodge dealer could not isolate problem. However, they did find that; (1) the thermostat had a leak and (2) the "Intake manifold gasket leaks oil into valley into the engine." I was aware that Technical Service Bullitin 18-48-98, 09-05-00 had been issued. Dealer repaired $583+
94,000 - Differential replace. Dealer repaired $980+
Truck has a lot of response and better than my 5.9L Ram. If anyone has experienced the surge problem and solved the problem I would like to know.
I own a 5.9 L 98 Ram and also have a surge problem at higher speeds. It started for me only in cruise control, but now occurs in or out of cruise and at varying speeds... I find it incredible irksome and fear it may be a sign that the tranny is failing. I have read about ram's speed sensors failing and figure it may also be the throttle position sensor. That said, I am going to start by switching the fluid and see if that helps. I too wish someone knew what was causing this!
I also have a 98 Ram1500 5.2L and I have the same problem at all speeds it does not happen often mostly when the cruise is on, but for a second the RPM's will jump like the tranny slipped.
It is a computer problem that can be fixed for around $50.00. It requires the computer to be updated with new software from Dodge.
I have a 98 2500 that has the surging problem. I have had it to the tranny shop an they found nothing wrong. I have had the fluid an filter changed twice in a year an half trying to find the problem. I found another chat room where others have had the same problem an they have replaced the tps. I have ordered one an will install it tomarrow an see what happens. Hope that's it.
You can check your tps voltage and see if its operating correctly. I do not think this is the solution as I have a 95 5.9 and my surges are only on start up and holding throttle open. I think its just poor software programming and or poor computer setup. I agree more with the software update, which I think Dodge is responsible for it, and owners should be updated at minimum under warranty, if not just for buying the overpriced truck. but hey, who is responsible for what they do up anymore? Id say dodge makes more $ on repairs than sales.
I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 4x4. The surging problem is the torque converter lock up. It is being unlocked by the computer. Take it to the dealer and have them run a Flash Program on the computer. This took care of my problem.
I have a '98 1500 SLT. At 40,000 miles I had to replace a speed shift sensor which was $40.00. At 48,000 miles I had to pay to have a drive shaft sensor replaced, which cost me $240.00. I now have another problem at 48,800 miles which causes my speedometer to not work until about 45 miles per hour. The check engine light is on, along with the ABS and brake light. I payed the truck off, and two weeks later this started. HUMMMM??
Problem may be in the computer which governs the shift points under different load situations. (Going up hill requiring downshift, straight downshift for passing a vehicle, etc)
I have an 01 ram 1500 and mine did the same thing. For me it was a bunch of things added up to the problem.
1. Torque converter was starting to fail Replaced
2.Updated software at dealership
3. Faulty TPS sensor
4. misfire in cylinder #2 caused by the valve sticking ran a couple tanks of injector cleaner and now everything is fine, runs great. when the valve sticks it thinks the motor is stalling thus it increases rpm.
I have a 98 Dodge Ram 1500 Anyone have any ideas on this subject:
As I'm driving along the Over Drive goes on and off, on and off.. no matter at what speed.
Could it be the speed sensor?
Thanks in advance for any help.
John.
Ha every one sounds close to the same thing, I have the surge in cruise, but I have another problem #5 cylinder miss, I replaced the injector, wire, rotor, cap, great compression???, could it be the computer???
98 dodge ram 1500 5.9L
150,000 miles been a great truck lower gas mileage now. Ratt@utma.comm please help.
I have a 98 ram 1500 4x4 sport with 33's on the wheels. and the o/d off light will come on and then the trany temp light will come on, the dealer is reworking the trany first with a flush and fluid change. hopefully that will fix it I don't need to replace the trany. It only has 57,000 and I only had it for 4 days I love the truck, but I want to make sure it is a good one. has full leather interior and 4doors, if anyone has any info on this email me at georgia_saddleboy@yahoo.com.
I have a 98 Dodge Ram,5.9 liter 1500 and I experince some problems with my speed control and changed the catilac-converter.my shifting and speed problem went away.
1995 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 Z engine. 145000 miles. Surging of the RPM occurs at 2000rpm at any given speed after 48 mph. Speed does not drop. However, truck runs sluggish under held speed, while rpm is low. The whole truck appears to shake/vibrate. Trans checked by shop, all is fine. Alignment on tires was checked. Truck diagnosed by Dealer, could not isolate prob. Had driveshaft serviced for ujoints, balancing and shaft center supprt. Cost$210. Paid to have catalytic converter checked $20. Change oxygen sensor $48. Head valve job because cyl #5 only 30psi. Cost $800 (both heads). Changed egr valve w/purge solenoid. Cost $185. Changed fuel pump, $280. Change fuel reg prior to changing fuel pump, $85. Replace ignition wires 3 times. Changed Dist cap 2 times. Did spark plug changes 3 times. Spent $55, $45, $30, $40 respectively with different mechanic shops diagnosing the truck. Problem still not corrected. I feel so overwhelmed. I am very unhappy and truly pray to the lord that someone, somewhere, someday soon may help me fix my truck, that despite of it all, I still love my truck so much. JB at brisenoj@earthlink.net.
I was looking things because my boyfriends 98 dodge ram will not turn over and I came across this recall, maybe it will be some help to you. Other recalls can be found on www.nhtsa.dot.gov under recalls.
Recalls Summary.
Make: DODGE
Model: RAM
Type: ANY
Year: 1998
Recall Number: 98V209000
Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.9L - 24 VALVE DIESEL ENGINE. AN INTERMITTENT HIGH ENGINE IDLE CONDITION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A MALFUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR.
Consequence:
THIS CREATES A SIGNAL WHICH IS MISINTERPRETED BY THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE, CAUSING A HIGH IDLE SPEED CONDITION.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE TO CORRECT ERRONEOUS SPEED SENSOR SIGNALS.
Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).