hello everyone,
i have a problem with my ram pinging when i hammer down to pass a car, when i pull my boat and going uphill etc... besides using a higher grade of gas, how can i fix this? i've heard the pcm needs flashed, leaking intake gasket, and bad spark knock sensor (i don't think we have a knock sensor). any ideas? anyone have this problem? if the pcm needs flashed, does it cost much? any response will help, thanks.

2000 dodge ram 1500 sport
4X4 5.9

 

i have a 99 dodge ram 1500 4x4 but with a 5.2L mine too does this. could someone help both of us. Russell from TN

 

Well make that three... 2000, 1500 2wd, 360. I agree this pings a bit easy, I run 92, but if I drop down she pings. I didn't drive the truck that much during the first 3 years, but I have been lately, and with the gas prices I have started to notice.
I have a MSD 6al box that will be going in before the end of the year, I'm sure this will take care of most of it. Also dropping a degree or two in the thermostat may help, and I was thinking about a little colder plug Champion Truck Plug P/N 4071.
So I was thinking, (hopefully someone knows) that mid to late 90's Fords had a little chip (actually I think is was a resistor) that you pulled to retard the timing 2 degrees. Considering we are all OBTY2 do we have this also? Anyone know? I'll boil this down, but it will be closer to the end of the year before I have time to work on the truck. Easy fix would be nice for now.

 

My 2000 5.9 has the same problem. I've found that it is very particular on the brand of gas I use. Hess seems to work the best, while I think the Wal-mart gas is half water. I started running 89 octane and I haven't had any further problem.

 

What about changing your cap and rotors in your dist? not that expensive and could solve the problem. also check your timing and see if it is off.

 

It is probably the plenum gasket, (intake manifold), sucking air. Dodges, 5.2 and 5.9 are notorious for this problem. You can take the throttle body off and look inside if there is oil in it that is most likely the problem. There is also a download the dealer can do and put into the computer that will (did on mine) eliminate it after the plenum was fixed.

 

well i'm not the only one with this problem i see. does anyone know how much it will cost to get the pcm flashed/reprogramed???
thanks

 

My dealer didn't charge, said it was an update.

 

thanks everyone, when i get problem fixed i'll let you know.

 

this is otherwise known as the "death flash" don't do it, you will not be happy. find the problem and fix it. as mentioned earlier it's probably the intake plenum gasket leaking. When you fix it, get the aluminum plate and replace the steel one that's on there and you'll never have a problem w/it again.

http://www.apsprecision.com/