2003 Ram 2500 QC Short Bed 5.7L NVG4500 MT 4X4 87,700 miles

Truck's throttle went dead while driving to work this morning. P1618 and P2106 codes were set and ETC light was on. Pulled over, idled poorly, stopped engine, restarted engine and all seemed normal. It idled normally and the ETC light was off. Revved engine without problem. Tried to leave and pedal went dead again, no power. Repeated sequence a couple more times before giving up.

During one sequence the truck went entirely dead, the engine didn't just die or stall, the entire dashboard cluster shut down also. After this occurred, all the computer codes were wiped from the memory. I tried once more to start and leave, but no pedal, no power again. Engine did not die this time.

Pulled a P1618 code and P2106 code and also pulled a C-code (Chassis Code?) AA 02. I found info on the P2106 - "Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited Power". This makes since since the pedal went dead. However, I can't find any helpful info about the P1618 code or C-Code AA 02.

Finally, called a tow truck and hauled it home.

Any ideas or info about these codes? I do not trust the truck to operate properly.

 

Is it the original battery?

 

No, battery was replaced Jan 2008. Alternator was rebuilt last summer.

Cleaned the battery terminals, cable connectors, etc. last night. Also cleaned the throttle body with a clean cotton cloth, no solvents. Drove it around the house for a while until it was thoroughly warmed up and it did not have a problem. Went through the gears, gave it some gas, lugged her down, but no recurrence of the original failure.

Seems problem solved, but is it? I don't trust that this is the end of the story.

Still baffled by C-Codes. Had another C-Code "AA 08". Of course, now that I have disconnected and cleaned the battery accessories, all the codes and logged data is gone....

I really hate computer controlled vehicles (we just think we control them) even if they do start more easily in the cold winters than the old carbureted engines.

 

I feel Ya on the computer controlled thing!

Being it is a newer Battery I would be cautious to say that was your issue. If it returns I would take it in. Im not sure about the "C" Codes.

 

Took the truck to the dealer. They updated the software and thought that it may solve the problem. If not, they were going to replace the Crank Position Sensor. Well, the software update was useless as the truck acted up the next day. Rather than towing it back another hour to the dealer, I bought an OEM crankshaft position sensor and installed it myself last night. Did not solve problem either.

I am stumped and I am not sure the dealer has any better ideas than just to keep replacing parts until something works.

Very frustrating. I can't be the only Dodge truck owner with this problem.

 

Could be the Camshaft position sensor and not the crank sensor. However since the entire dash went blank it may be ground related. Check all the grounds for tightness, both in the eng compartment, and under the dash.


Some info about camshaft sensor.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Camshaft Sensor?

1. As automobiles become more complex, they depend on their operational sensors, such as the camshaft sensor, to monitor rotational speeds and assist the on-board computer. When the camshaft sensor malfunctions, it can affect the vehicle's performance, from engine speed to fuel economy. The camshaft sensor is an integral part of the engine's operating system, and losing its functionality can be the tip of the iceberg for greater engine failure. Knowing the symptoms of a bad camshaft sensor can help a mechanic navigate the often complex systems of ignition and engine performance.Engine Sputtering
2. The camshaft sensor communicates the positional rotation of the camshaft to the on-board computer. When the censor malfunctions, the readouts may throw off spark timing which will impact fuel economy and cause the engine to misfire in some, if not all, cases.Poor Acceleration
3. Since the camshaft is not rotating properly because the sensor is not regulating its speed, the pistons that the sensor monitors will also be out of sync. Fuel will be delivered to the engine intermittently, resulting in poor piston function, and the car will struggle to accelerate and maintain speed. Over time this condition will worsen as more of the car's engine components are affected.Stalling/Inability to Start
4. At low speeds a bad camshaft sensor will cause the car's engine to stall. The engine may also experience an inability to turn over, resulting in the car not starting. This may not happen all the time since the car's on-board computer will use the last readouts from the camshaft sensor to operate the pistons and manage fuel flow, which will allow the car to start; however, the driver will continue to experience the other symptoms mentioned above.

 

That's what I am trying next, the cam sensor. I talked with a guy that had the P1618 on an SRT8 Jeep (5.7L) and he ended up replacing the PCM (after lots of other parts) and that fixed his problem.

Wish this was a bit more logical. You think it would since it is computer related...

I want a dumb truck with no brain, that has a throttle cable, carb, and distributor. I will take HEI type ignition, though, instead of points and condenser.

 

Camshaft sensor was a flop. I guess I have to admit defeat and submit myself to a Dodge dealer for mercy... Well, at least I knocked off the cheap stuff.

No more MOPAR for me. I'm done.

 

Going through throttle body, pedal sensor etc.
I do have an original battery - think that could be culprit????

2005 dodge magnum.

 

I can tell you what I THINK fixed my problem. I will send you a message with my number if you want to call.