I just bought a used ram 1500, 2006, 43K miles. When I bought it, it idled so quiet that i wasnt even sure the truck was on :P but today when i got in my truck I noticed the check engine light was on. there was more noise during idle. my question is, can a regular mechanic fix the problem and turn off a check engine light? or is it better to go to a dodge dealership and pay the $85 to get it checked out? ive only had it two days and not a lot of extra cash after buying it if you know what i mean. the thing is, that the dodge dealer that is closest to my house is a disgrace to dodge, they are such snakes there. im weary to take it there. thanks.

 

Take it to a chain auto parts store, or call around to them first. Most will hook up a reader and pull the code for you for free, then at least you'll know what you are dealing with...

 

Hammer is correct. Then you can bring it just about anywhere you want. Just about any repair shop has a OBD-II reader. They wouldn't be able to fix most cars today without it. I have had a repair shop do a quick read and then say that they recommend taking it to a dealer because the problem might need specific tools or equipment that they don't have. They didn't charge me when they did that read.

 

i have an 03 and i know in mine i can turn the key on-off-on-off-on and get a read out, but i do know that they stopped that, but what years is that method for?

 

thanks everyone! I appreciate the advice, we will take it somewhere like that then. Are there things that mechanics can fix that will turn the light off, or is actually getting the light off a dealership thing?

 

Anyone with an OBD-II scanner can turn the light off for you...but that won't fix the problem and the light will turn back on if the problem duplicates itself.

If you want to know what you're dealing with before paying anything...this is what i'd do:
Go to any autozone and they'll let you use their scanner for free....use it to read the code but don't delete it. If they have a decent scanner it'll also give you the definition of the code....if it's a cheap one just write the code down and post it up here. DTC's are very basic and will just point you in a general direction...so if you could be a little more specific on the symptoms that would also help.

 

Post the codes on here and we will tell you what to check.

 

thanks so much! you are so helpful on this forum! Ok, Auto Zone said it was a code for EGR valve. I went there before seeing this post about the actual code so i dont know if there is more to it than that. but i know they did not delete it. they suggested a fuel system cleaner to try first. I got it (sea foam i believe) but didnt do anything yet. The light actually turned itself off before i even got to auto zone, but its back on again now. as far as symptoms, as specific as i can possibly get, i didnt notice anything until the check engine light was on. then i noticed at the stop light that the truck seemed to not idle like it did (before it felt like it wasnt even on, now it shakes very slightly, like a little bit rough.) They said that if that sea foam stuff didnt work then they have the part for $30 something and that paul should be able to put it on himself. What do you think of this sea foam stuff? He (auto zone guy) said that it has to go into the air system (vacuum system, i forget it says on the bottle) and to make sure the engine doesnt stop while you are putting it in. So you can see why i havent done anything yet. what do you think of this sea foam? thanks!

 

More than likely, either the EGR valve is plugged causing a low flow/ pressure problem, or, you're getting a voltage / low voltage error meaning the computer (ECM) for the powertrain doesn't know the position of the EGR valve during function.

The cheapest fix would be to remove the EGR and clean it with seafoam spray or similar cleaner, the posistion problem requires a replacement of the valve.

If you look on the 3rd gen main page, you'll see a sticky that says "DCX code list" that gives a number of the "DTC" codes that are displayed on the scanner---or your odometer if your truck can display these.

Once you have these codes, the folks here will have a much better way of directing you to the right avenue of repair.

 

ok, I will go back to auto zone and get the specific code. thanks!!