Can't retrieve code on my '97 Ram
 

Hi Guys,

About a week ago I started a post about getting an Engine Check on my '97 Ram. The scanner indicated a P0441 code. This is about the 5th time I've gotten this code on my old Ram. This time I replaced the gas cap, hoping that would fix the problem. I know there are many other things that can cause the P0441. I would like to see if replacing the cap fixed the problem so I didn't have the scanner reset the light, nor did I disconnect the neg battery cable. Sorry for rambling... and I will get down to my question/concern....

According to a Chilton book for my Ram I should be able to retrieve the code from the MIL by turning the key ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON.....

I did this several times today but I didn't get any flashing codes at all. (BTW, the code for P0441 (incorrect purge flow) should be a "31".):icon_shrug:

This is my question..... Did the gas cap fix the problem and there is not a problem to report? And also if there is no longer a problem why doesn't the PCM turn the Engine Check light off?:icon_shrug:

Also the Chilton book says the PCM would turn the engine check light off after 40 or so "warm cycles". I'm not sure I know what is meant by a warm cycle.

Hope this makes sense....Thanks guys in advance for your help...........

Just reset the PCM and see if that does anything, usually it will reset it self if the problem stops throwing codes but for whatever reason it could just be stuck.

Thanks yakkier....... This will sound dumb ....... but how do you reset the PCM?

Disconnect the battery and hold the key in the start position for 20 seconds.

Disconnect the negitive cable, turn the key on like your trying to start it, hold it for about 30-40 seconds then reconnect the negitive cable an turn the truck on it should be gone.


EDIT :I was a lil slow on the typing there he beat me to it..

take the cable of like purpl was saying and turn the key to the on position...don't crank it.

Have you ever been able to get your codes this way(by cycling the key 3 times)? It won't work on my 98 or my dad's 99, but it works on my buddy's 01. They must have changed it in 2000 or 01. If your light is on you still have codes

And I get a check engine light every so often because of my gutted cat, it'll stay on for a week or 2 then go out again. So probably after the set amount of cycles it will turn it off.

^ No, all 2nd gen rams can retrieve codes with the key turn procedure. The only thing is, on the 1997s and below, the light just flashes and you have to count. The code is displayed on the 98's and above.

It doesn't do anything on my 98 or his 99, no light flashes or anything. My odometer is the older digital style, backlit with black digits, and both dad's and buddys are newer style with bright blue/green digits, if that means anything. I thought this was why it worked on the 01 and not mine, because it was a different cluster, but dad's won't do anything either.

:icon_shrug:

Maxx, I've never tried tired it before on my '97.... but when I tried it today I didn't get any code back.......