My 2000 Dodge Ram keeps dying, does someone know why?

J

Jordan Martens

New member
Okay, this is my truck:
2000 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4
5.2L Magnum V8
5-speed manual transmission

Now here are my symptoms:
Since I bought the truck a few months ago, it would lose power if the fuel gauge below one quarter tank, but I didn't worry because I just kept it above that. Sometimes the fuel gauge would go to empty but go go back to normal when I restarted the truck. And my Check engine light was on, but was told that it was only an oxygen sensor.

Yesterday as I was turning a corner, when the speedometer went to zero, my ABS light and Parking/Emergency Brake light went on, and the engine died as I turned the next corner. It starts up fine and stays running until trying to turn slowly or stop without keeping the RPMs around 500-1000. Also since yesterday, my fuel gauge seems untrustworthy, varying by up to a quarter tank (both up and down) from trip to trip, or even during a trip.

I only know that it as not the battery, but think it could be the alternator, the fuel pump, or something else the could cause the lights to go on. Or could it be a bunch of things that failed simultaneously?

Any suggestions? I'm trying to do as much of the work myself, and do not want to take it to a mechanic unless absolutely necessary.

Thank you for the help :)
 
Hi
Get a fuel pressure test and a return line to the tank can play havoc and the fuel cap. The tank may not be getting the pressure from the system.
 
Sounds like you have a short in the wiring somewhere, the lights all going on and it wanting to die says short to me. The fuel gauge jumping around sounds like a short also, this will cause the pump not getting any power when it needs to be sending fuel. The oxygen sensor should be replaced to assure the computer is providing the right mixture of fuel and air to the engine. As far as the negative comments about Dodge, who cares? all cars or trucks no matter what make have problems. (or maybe its the owners) Maybe the previous owner did some unseen damage.
 
Back
Top