I came across this site because of a problem with my newly acquired 2001 Ram 1500 (SB, QC, 4wd, 5.9L). It seems that I am having a problem with my lights, as are some of you. I know what I need to do for that problem, so its just a matter of time.

In reading some of your posts, I'm seeing something about the plenum and associated flashing CEL. My truck has 107k on it, and I have no idea what the PO did or did not do to it. There isn't a sticker under the hood indicating a software change, but I'm not having any driveability issues with it, either. What do I need to look for with this truck? Thanks in advance.


Dirt

 

take your aircleaner off and with the truck off, open the butterflies on the throttle body and look int the intake with a flashlight. if it is just dirty and dry its ok, but if its wet and oily you have a blown plenum gasket. do a search at the top of the page in the search bar and you can find out many things without having to make new threads. but welcome to dodge forum

 

and do a search

 

A flashing CEL means that there is a problem that needs immediate attention. Get your codes read or do the key dance and look up the codes in a haynes manual.

 

sorry for the confusion, but I wasn't soliciting advice specifically on the plenum issue. I'm new to the Dodge Ram scene and would like to know if there are any problems that are known to this model, besides the two I've already mentioned. Basically, is there anything else I need to be on the watch for? Thanks in advance.

Dirt

 

The front axle u joints tend to wear out around 100k.
Wheel bearings and ball joints go sometime between 100k and 200k.
The stock transmission has a lifespan of 120-140k from what i've read, mine went at 123k.
The governor pressure solenoid and sensor tend to go out between 100k and 150k from what i've read.
The TPS and IAC sensors tend to crap out at any given time.
If your dashboard isn't cracked then it won't be long. The 2000-2001 models are the worst for the dash cracking. If you see even a little crack then you need to tend to it before your entire dash collapses.

 

Welcome to the forum and the world of Ram's this is the begining of the end of your bank account lol

 

Welcome to DF. You should put your truck's info in your signature, so that no matter when you ask for help, we instantly know about your exact vehicle and can help you better.

Issues that I've found to be the most common (see the link in my sig for more details):
-Plenum Gasket (you are already aware of this one I see)
-Cracked Dashes (more common on 1998-2002 model years)
-"Death Flash" (this is related to the plenum)

There are many others that some will pipe up on that are common, but those above seem to be some of the most common.

 

Crappy track bars

 

Sig and Avatar added, good advice.