All,

I bought a 96 Ram 5.9L V8 (104k original miles) a few days ago and I love this truck. It is the second Ram I have owned(kinda went backwards, as my first was a 2001). The issue I have is the driver side door lock switch doesnt work. When it is pressed, sometimes you can hear the actuator sound, but nothing happens on either door. The passenger side works fine for the passenger side. My question is this: Do I need to replace the switch or the actuator(or both)? Also, when I bought the truck I didn't receive a keyless entry remote, so I am unsure if it even came with it. I have the original window sticker, but it doesn't mention it. Is there a way to tell if it did come with it without going to the Stealer and wasting money? My last question is fuel mileage. I plan on doing a tune up(plugs and wires),changing the oil to full synthetic, and getting a K&N stock filter replacement? I have read about the Kegger mods and such, but I think those are out of my apartment living and tool collection ability. Besides those things and a basic tune, what would you all recommend for a little better mileage? Keep in mind this truck is completely stock.

Also, what is the thing on top of the driver side valve cover? Looks like it may be some sort of filter. Should I replace it when I do the tune-up?


Thanks in advance!

Bryan

 

Check the plenum, https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...um-thread.html and order one of these from Dodge, http://www.dodge.com/wccsapp/univers...ull&category=U

 

Grab the 96 service manual from the faq section. It has wiring diagrams for the power locks and such.

The thing on the drivers side is just a breather, no need to replace it, unless it has rusted out.

Don't think keyless entry was available on the 96's. Mine doesn't have it. (and it's a laramie slt.....)

 

Keyless entry came in 98-01. My old 97 didn't have it either. I am not a fan of full synthetic anymore after a few conversations Fourm member cmckenna. A full tune up will help it run better, and yes improve MPG somewhat. The longer you don't address the plenum issue, the more your just peeing in the wind.

 

sounds like the switch is fine... I'd check if either something is disconncted in the door (linkage from actuator to lock ) or the actuator is worn... you may be able to just oil it. Yeah no fob on the 96 rams. And my advice before tearing into you intake is to see if you have a problem.... does it burn oil? are the plugs fouled...replace pvc valve and seafoam it the clean up the excessive oil in the intake...drive it a while and seafoam again and see if it smokes as bad again... who knows it may have been fixed already with 100,000 miles on it ..or possibly still holding up. If you got the time and dont mind it can be good piece of mind to address it.

 

Thanks for all the help. I messed with the switch yesterday and found that the switch works in the lock position, but not in the unlock. Also, if I hold it in the lock position the actuator on the driver side will actuate continuously but won't lock the door. It's as if there is a gear in there that just keeps turning. Not sure how they work so that is the best I can explain it. I will be replacing the catalytic converter tomorrow just because it's the original and 16 years old. I will do the plenum last if my mileage doesn't improve.

 

if the plenum is in fact bad it will just plug up your new cat in short order.... does the truck burn oil?

 

No gears involved. It is a solenoid. Either connection is not good or it is dirty. I would pull it out and clean it up and see if that corrects it.