My 2006 Ram 1500 Big Horn is my first dodge and at the rate I am going with the maintenance it will be my last. Today I was sitting at a stop light and the truck cut off and would not start or show any signs of trying to start. I had full electrical power so it cant be the battery. My compressor takes 15-30 mins to turn on. I checked the freon level and it is fine with no leaks. I checked the electrical conectors with a multi-meter and there is power getting to them. Could it be the high pressure switch? I have to change to idler pulley on the tension arm but should I change the whole assembly? Last but not least I have rust already eating through the paint on my bed right above the rear fender wells on both sides. Is that common for dodges? I need all the advice I can get so help please!!

 

Do you have any CELs? If so, pull the codes and post them here. I am assuming you did get it started again and made it home with the truck?

Download the Service Manual from the link in my signature and see if it can help you out. Dont be scared to do some reading.

Changing the pulley is fine as long as the arm holds tension on the belt. If your belt is slipping off or squeaking then maybe its not holding tension.

Rust in the well wheels is somewhat common when guys do not clean under there. The only thing you can do at this point is chemically treat is with something like Ospho to stop the rust or let a P&B shop cut it out and replace/repaint. The other option is to replace the bed and add rear wheel well liners to try to prevent it again or clean the area on a normal basis.

 

My quarters are rusting as well,i used stop rust and sanded them and threw on some spray paint color match and hope it holds off for some time..