Dodge RAM experts,

I have an '03 RAM 1500 4X4 with 5.7L Hemi. I got an engine light, checked the code, and it was P0138 - O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank I Sensor 2). So, I assumed that "sensor 2" was the downstream one, and I replaced it. The check engine light went out for about 5 minutes, then came back on. Checked the codes again, and this time it was P0138 (same as above) and P0038 - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2). Assuming I had "sensor 1" and "sensor 2" backwards, I decided to replace the other one. So now I have two new O2 sensors, and the check engine light has come back, and now there are 3 codes ! Same 2 as above for "sensor 2", and P0132 - 02 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank I Sensor 1). I have better odds of winning he lottery than BOTH O2 sensors going bad (especially because they are new) at the same time. Clearly, I have something else wrong. AND, when at idle, it "lopes" badly, and even cuts out once in a while. Then, it will stop cutting out, and take off like a rocket ! Any ideas ? Please help, and THANK YOU in advance !

Craig

 

Check for exhaust leaks before the O2s. Broken bolts, cracks, Ect. Any introduction of fresh air into the exhaust before the O2s will give codes

 

What brand did you use as Bosch and dodge don't seem to play nice with each other

 

Thank you for your responses. I checked for leaks upstream of the sensors, and everything looks good.

Yes, I used new Bosch sensors at both positions. What do you mean they "don't play nice together" ? I thought Bosch products were good...is that not the case ? It is over $110 for new ones. Do you recommend I get another non-Bosch set ? thanks again

Craig

 

I have $25 Bosch sensors in mine and havent had any issues. Bought them from Autozone maybe 2-3 year ago

 

Swap the sensors form the other bank. Most likely if the O2 heater circuit is not fixed by replacement it is a wiring problem which could also explain your engine performance problems or worse case its the PCM itself. I think there is even fuel pressure checks you are to perform before thinking its the PCM itself.

 

Also most of us use NGK sensors. Try Rockauto web site if you cant get them locally.

 

Weed i think your one of the very few that have used them and not had a problem with them

 

I followed the advice from above. The check engine light went out, and it ran like a Swiss watch...for a while. But at idle (only sometimes) it really runs rough (surges). The rest of the time is purrs like a cat. Now that I don't have any codes, WTF do I do to troubleshoot ? Plugs are fine, wires are good, fuel filter is clean. I'm guessing it is a computer issue as it only happens intermittently.

 

Try some cheap things clean the tb and pcv, ground the tb and put some blue crack in the gas (startron)