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Hi Everybody.
I bought a 2005 Ram 1500 2WD quad cab 4.7. I picked it up with 25,000 miles in February. Shortly after, we noticed some problems. When driving between 35 and 40 the drive line lugs badly. At 37 mph the converter locks up, dropping the RPM to 1,000. If you try to power up at all, like trying to get to 40, the drive line lugs and rattles loudly. Took it to the dealer, under warranty, asking if there were any software updates to change shift points, or lock up speeds. Was told that I have the latest and greatest software available for my vehicle. Upon inspection, they determined the U-Joints were faulty. So they put in a new drive shaft. NOISE REMAINED. This time, they used Chassis ears and condemned the muffler. As it was warranty, go ahead. NOISE REMAINED. The dealer then contacted Chrysler Star Tech Support, their suggestion was to place dampers along the exhaust. Dampers being muffler clamps with heavy weights. NOISE REMAINED. They used the ears again, still claiming the noise was coming from the exhaust. "Its must be the cats.", They said. I said to go ahead. NOISE REMAINED. Star Tech Support told the dealers service dpt. "Tell your customer the noise is inherent to the design of the vehicle, and that he should get used to it." WTF!? If it was inherent, why did they allow 2-3,000 dollars to be spent fixing nothing. In addition to all this, the steering shudders horribly on low speed turns (parking lot maneuvers). First time in, they said nothing was wrong. They couldn't duplicate it. I showed them, the follow up visit resulted in a steering pump replacement. SHUDDER REMAINED. The following visit, they replaced the rack. SHUDDER REMAINED. Chrysler's answer the same as their previous answer, "Tell him to get used to it." This sucks. We're a Dodge family. We've had a 2k Durango, a 2k 2500 Ram, an '01 Stratus, an '05 Daytona Ram [HEMI!], AND NOW THIS P.O.S.! It's hard to believe that Dodge can't seem to remember how to build a truck "Ram Tough" anymore. If I had purchased this new, these J.O.-S.O.B's would have to buy it back under the lemon law. The sales dpt. is just giving me the run-around and pissing me off. Not contemplating going postal or anything, but I'll tell ya FCK'N FORDS are lookin' really good to me now, considering we have stated openly, "We'd never drive one." Sorry to drag this on so long and bitch so much, but I'm wondering if I'm the only dummy with this problem. They say that not enough people have complained about the same issues. Just curious what everybody thinks, and does anyone have the same problem?

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I'm looking forward to your input.

 

All I had was the brake problem with my 03, once I fixed that, smooth sailing!

 

i've had no problems with my hemi so far. Is there any way you can go higher up inside the dealership with your complaints?

 

My past two rams have been my best trucks ever. I was a ford man up to 1988. You just got a lemon. How come none of this was noticed when you were looking to buy this truck? I hope you test drove it? I would look to see if there is someone higher up in the dodge service that can help out. Maybe a higher trade in value to dump this truck and buy something better. Red

 

Dude, I counted over 3 times to fix one problem. In FL, 3 times yous out. Its a lemon and they have to buy it back. Check with a lawyer, they offer free quickies.

 

You could always try a different dealer. I have 3 dodge dealers near me and none of them are the same. Go to another one, tell them how all you buy is dodge, how your so disapointed that your dealer couldnt fix the problem, and that your having horrible luck. If the new dealer is worth there weight they will try to win you over, so you buy from them from now on. Sounds funny but I got a dodge dealer over here that gave me the same kind of problem when it came to fixing a clutch safety switch. Finally I explained to a new dealer and they fixed it first try. Not all mechanic teams are the same.

 

thanks everyone, like I said if I had bought it new they'd be obligated to take it back. But since it was used too bad so sad. Oh well the dealer is trying (allegedly) t put me in something else . we'll see I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes. The shame is the rascall gets almost 20 on the highway.

 

Have you run a CARFAX on it? Is there a possibility it has been wrecked before? Even with a used vehicle, if you are getting warranty work done on it, why can't they take it back if you bought it from them? I'm not understanding that part. That is absolute BS..."Get used to it". **** that.

Sounds like you just got a bum vehicle. You are a Dodge family. You know that they don't all suck. Don't jump ship just because of that one bad apple. I would definitely find a different dealer, though.

 

first off the motor is kinda small for the fullsize.i have the 4.7 in my dak and cant seem to keep the tires from spinning. as for the lock up at 40 it is true. mine use to do that until i put a cam kit in it. you will be getting on the highway and truck shifts into overdrive and rpms drop then its a lug. try using the tow/haul switch to your advantage while driving it will keep the truck in longer shifts to help it get out of its own way.another thing is when was the last time the pcm was reset. remove the neg battery cable and then turn ignition key all the way and hold it for 15/20 seconds then reconnect neg battery cable and take it for a drive. it just may need to be reset.

 

they changed the parameters in the pcm fromAE toAF (allegedly) they show it on the statement. I didn't notice any difference. Still tryin to get through this. The sucky part is I know it can all be remedied by getting a Ken Bell PCM but it's the principal. The owner's manual don't say squat about locking out the converter for normal driving. I experimented with that early on. and by disallowing the computer from locking the converter in she never lugs and drives like a dream, downside is I forget I got the switch in til I'm on the highway and the R's are screamin. but it still can't explain the front end shutter at low speeds. I've been in med/ heavy truck service my whole adult life, I can't find a reason. BTW I'm an ASE certified master med hvy trk tech. For me now it's just principal, you know. I could fix all this but WTF I"m not supposed to have to, that's why I got one with warranty. Oh Well. Thanks again guys and ladies for weighing in on this. And no iain't gettin no ford geez I'm mad not stooooopid![sm=icon_beat.gif]