Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
090090403/16/200410006453Vacuum pump service. *tt05/03/2004
1803003A08/20/2004180330410004538Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure. *tt this bulletin replaced 18-030-03. *tt this bulletin replaced 18-030-03a dated 10/17/03. to also include 2005 ram truck. *tt12/18/2003
180300308/29/20031801902A10003544Generic cummins engine control module (pcm) procedure. *tt10/23/2003
090080210/21/200210000308Engine knock or rattle sound when climbing a long grade and towing a heavy trailer. *tt02/21/2003
090060108/24/2001623130Vehicles may experience oil pan gasket leaks.*slc10/26/2001
09030002/18/2000610003A condition may exist where oil seepage may be noticed in the area of the oil fill cap. *tt04/13/2000
18010002/04/2000609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456. *tt04/12/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
180210207/22/20021802301635715Some engines may exhibit a hesitation upon acceleration after a cold start up. *tt10/30/2002
1800902A05/06/20021800902634123Subject regarding flash: hot sag/spark knock/transmission shift issues. *slc09/27/2002
1800602B05/06/20021800602633981Subject regarding flash: surge, lack of power in 3rd gear, and no 3/4 upshift after 4/3 downshift. *slc09/26/2002
1800602B05/06/20021800602633968Subject regarding flash: surge, lack of power in 3rd gear, and no 3/4 upshift after 4/3 downshift. *slc09/26/2002
090020203/11/2002633990Subject regarding crankcase breather overflow. *slc09/26/2002
1800602C06/03/20021800602633970Subject regarding flash: surge (beaming), lack of power in 3rd gear, and no 3/4 upshift after 4/3 downshift. *slc09/26/2002
180110202/25/2002630967Subject regarding flash: cold engine hesitation. *jg04/30/2002
090040105/18/2001628237Customer may complain of high oil consumption, grey oil smoke coming out of the exhaust or breather tube, or mechanical knocking. *tt03/06/2002
180190109/03/2001623143Some vehicles may experience cold idle engine warming *slc10/26/2001
180140107/09/2001621892Subject regarding performance enhancements, hard starting and / or idle speed fluctuations for severe cold weather environments. *tt10/03/2001
090020103/02/2001619120Vehicles that are used for extended heavy trailer hauling purposes may experience a loss of exhaust manifold bolt torque. *tt05/15/2001
180020101/26/2001180900D618402Vehicles may experience engne spark noise. *jb04/12/2001
1801500A12/21/20001801500618411Customer may complain of poor driveability when winter fuel is used to power the engine. or, the customer may complain of a hard or no-start condition, while the engine is at normal operating temperatures, when using any type of good qual04/12/2001
180900D12/01/2000180900C616724Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light to moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load). *tt03/08/2001
180900B09/01/2000180900A6092277Subject regarding vehicle engines exhibiting a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load). *tt12/01/2000
180900C09/15/2000180900B6092275Some vehicle engines may exhibit a light-to-moderate spark knock condition during acceleration (under load). *tt12/01/2000
18150009/08/20006092273Customers may complain of poor driveability when winter fuel is used to power the engine and / or a no start hot engine restart condition when using any type of good quality diesel fuel. *tt12/01/2000
21120009/15/2000614661Experiening a tapping / knocking sound during idle. *tt11/30/2000
08240009/08/2000614651On some vehicles the engine cranks but does not start or starts and stalls. *tt11/29/2000
000101/07/2000610028Some vehicles may fail to start (engine will not crank) due to a blown starter relay fuse. *tt04/14/2000
09020002/18/2000610002A customer may complain of a heavy oil or fuel-like odor coming from the engine compartment. *tt04/13/2000
18249911/15/19996089782Customer may experience a quick, intermittent engine stumble. *tt02/25/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
250040105/11/2001620071Subject regarding additional diagnostic for diagnostic trouble codes caused by an evaporative system leak. *tt07/11/2001
25029911/29/19996089747This bulletin mentions that the catalyst monitor does not illuminate an mil or set a fault code. *tt02/24/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
110050512/21/200510018976Rattling sound from the underside of the vehicle. catalytic converter extended warranty to replace the catalytic converter. *tt01/26/2006

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
09/15/200320000
 Engine spark knock as a result of a bad plenum gasket. dodge apparently will not fix, unless i come up with $450-$500. i bought the truck used and apparently there was a service bulletin for that particular problem, but i had no idea that it neede to be done. by the way, i bought the truck in jan of 2003 and the bulletin was released in feb of 2003. i would have thought that i would have received a notice in the mail, but did not and now i'm on the hook for the repair.
05/15/20030
 1.body jumps at different speeds unable to steere.2.odometer reading didn't move for approx- 1st 200 miles.3.engine knocks. 4. shifting linkage and gears grind. 5. transmission slips and front axle grinds. 6.salesman said i was approved and did qualify for any vehicle in the lot with $10,000.00 down.called finance company after purchase and was approved for the vehicle i originally wanted.7.brakes need to be replaced all the way around. thank you, tom & deb aleto
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
10/28/200380477109/23/2003
 While driving 75 mph the consumer lost all steering and brake power preceded by a loud noise coming from the engine. the technician serviced the vehicle and replaced the broken engine crankshaft. *nm the engine failed because lubrication failed to reach the front two piston rods. the other six piston rods and bearings showed no lubrication problems. *nm
03/01/20021
 Consumer stated while driving, and without prior warning the oil pump went out causing the engine to freeze which in resulted in loss of power. consumer has contacted the dealer, please provide any further details. *jb
06/22/2001201/01/2000
 This truck has had a noise in the engine shortly after i purchased the truck. it has been downhill since then, i casn get all the service reports on file at bill abbott. the truck is now at cummings midwest power co. in bloomington il for anouther problem they have the head off and checking it for a problem also the crankshaft seal leaks oil this isthe second engine in this truck. i would really like to see if i could exchange this truck for a like one as i can't trust this truck . thank you. glenn thomas. *ak
06/15/2000
 Oil breather cap is located in front of engine fan, forcing oil fumes into vehicle. vehicle was sent to dealer shop on three occasions, and problem still reoccurring. provide any further information.*ak
12/07/2000303/01/2000
 June 1,2000 (2958ml) engine starts pinging, driver side window thumps when rolling up & down. july 21,2000 (6840ml) engine still pings, knocking sound under vehicle, thumping in window still present , oil pressure falls while driving. july 31,2000 (7509ml) engine still pings, knocking under vehicle still present.left cylinder head cracked, #2 cylinder replaced. sept. 12,2000 (9420ml) engine still pings, knocking under vehicle still present , oil pressure still falls while driving , thumping in window still present, final repair attempt. dec. 7,2000(14128ml) had to have crankshaft,rod bearings, main bearings, #4 cylinder rod and piston, oil pump repalced.returned on 12/14/00. dec. 15,2000 (14169ml) no oil pressure. had to have oil sending unit, oil pump, & screen replaced.. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
09/13/2000110/01/2099
 The power control module and body control modules blew out twice within the first 4000 miles of the trucks life the leaky intake manifold was detected after several complaints of a tapping noise in engine that was worse when accelerating. still not fixed vehicle still has real bad tapping in engine. truck died while driving down the road , left me stranded. diagnosis was that the fuel pump module went out. electrical problems with the vehicle also shorted out the cassette player. i have also heard strange buzzing noises in the cab while driving. took back to dealer and they said they could not find anything wrong. vehicle is still not running properly.
07/01/20001
 Fire appeared to have started from the alternator, fire caused battery to explode/melt and got acid all over, consumer stated in march the engine had to be rebuilt, the oil had been changed 1-2 weeks prior to fire, claim 16-n124-673. *slc
07/30/20011
 Vehicle caught fire in engine compartment while consumer was driving, wiring harness b/h firewall burnt, claim 18-n185-992. *slc
07/01/20001
 Fire appeared to have started from the alternator, fire caused battery to explode/melt and got acid all over, consumer stated in march the engine had to be rebuilt, the oil had been changed 1-2 weeks prior to fire, claim 16-n124-673. *slc
01/11/2002
 While trying to enter freeway heard 3 bell chimes. then, horn started to sound, and engine had shut down. please provide any further information.*ak
07/20/20001
 Had a short block placed on engine due to making a pecking noise. also, transmission would make a whinning sound when shifting into gear. this happens anytime when either stopping or starting off.*ak air conditioner and heater are inoperable. vibration is felt at 48-60 mph. dealer replaced engine, however problem is still present, dealer told consumer to use 30 weight oil, consumer wants dealer to buy back vehicle, he feels he has a lemon. *slc
09/13/2000110/01/1999
 The power control module and body control modules blew out twice within the first 4000 miles of the trucks life the leaky intake manifold was detected after several complaints of a tapping noise in engine that was worse when accelerating. still not fixed vehicle still has real bad tapping in engine. truck died while driving down the road , left me stranded. diagnosis was that the fuel pump module went out. electrical problems with the vehicle also shorted out the cassette player. i have also heard strange buzzing noises in the cab while driving. took back to dealer and they said they could not find anything wrong. vehicle is still not running properly.
111/01/1999
 Engine surges at intersections and stop signs, rough idling and no power. *slc
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
07/15/20030
 The main problem with this 2000 ram 2500 4 whdr cummins diesel, quad cab, truck is the chrysler design defective front end. in my case, the trac-bar. this, in my area is a $439.00 plus tax item, the dealer steals another $75.00 plus taxes for installation. two bolts hold this device in place and is only a 15 min repair. the trouble is in 30,000 km the new trac-bar has failed making it a chore to keep the truck between the lines. you dart all over in your lane depending on the pavement ruts and general pavement condition. i can see this design defect causing added stress and problems to the ball joints. this defect is a chrysler problem and all costs to cover repairs should be covered by the manufacture and not the customer. this, and the other many, dodge front end problems i feel is just cause for a recall order.
09/15/200320000
 Engine spark knock as a result of a bad plenum gasket. dodge apparently will not fix, unless i come up with $450-$500. i bought the truck used and apparently there was a service bulletin for that particular problem, but i had no idea that it neede to be done. by the way, i bought the truck in jan of 2003 and the bulletin was released in feb of 2003. i would have thought that i would have received a notice in the mail, but did not and now i'm on the hook for the repair.
03/01/2000
 I had a recall for trailer hitch, (fixed) had a recall for emissions, ( computer adjustment)after that fuel mileage droped from 13.5 to 8.8.took it to dealer in florida and they said they could not do anything about it.i would like to get it set back to 13 miles per gal.what can be done about this?*ak