Dodge-1500 Pickup - Design Flaw on 2002 RAM 4.7 engine
Mel L (72.39.209.81) - Sat Mar 14 20:41:35 2009
This has caused a complete rebuild of my engine and it only has 90, 000kms/55, 000 miles on it. I've found out the hard way that Crysler has known about this issue and apparently hopes most warranties will expire before it is discovered.My mechanic, not a "service technician" is a certified engine builder and when he received the factory cams and rockers to fix my motor he also received a notice "Service Repair Tips" that states "Poor oiling through lash adjuster(s) can allow galling or scoring on cam lobes or rocker arms. If galling or scoring is noticed and the cam or rocker is being replaced, also replace the corresponding lash adjuster." Now comparing the new lash adjusters against those that came out of my truck we found there was new holes drilled to increase lubrication of the cam shaft and lifters. Not only were these holes new but they were also in different locations. I came to discover this major problem when my Check Engine light kept coming on for misfire in #5 cyclinder and the EVAP. I'd like to know if any other 2002 RAM owner with a 4.7 engine has experienced similar issues whether covered under warranty or not.
Reply #1 Ducci (68.41.56.33) - Fri Mar 20 00:21:34 2009
I have an '03' Ram 1500 w/4.7 I have 128, 000 miles and have not had any fault codes as of yet. What I have noticed is that it sounds as if I am getting a bit of 'chatter' form the top end. Does this sound at all familiar to you?
Reply #2 Gilbert (67.67.41.66) - Wed Apr 22 17:02:06 2009
I have a 2002 dodge ram 1500 with 97, 000 or so miles. Would give me misfire codes. Replaced spark plugs and would go away for awhile but would come back. My oil pump was giving the mysterious drop in pressure yet adding to the known lubrication problem described above. Gave me the clatter also mentioned above. Have not operated it since to avoid worse damage, have been told I might need new engine, but all these warnings on the net about these known problems not been taken care of by Dodge have caused me to hesitate in buying any replacement parts for it. I am hesitant to take it to any dealarship because they always give the runaround on all other services.Had been reading about possible class action lawsuits building up against Dodge but havent found out additional info. But youd bet I would definitely take part in it I dont think these are fair practices from the carmaker.Any additional info would be helpful in this matter.
Reply #3 yvehc76 (205.143.151.2) - Fri Apr 24 10:27:08 2009
I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 5.9L V8 and have been plagued by the misfire codes since I bought the thing in 2004. Had 32, 000 miles and factory warranty still when I bought it. Took it to dealer when still covered by warranty, they replaced a head. Engine light would turn off for about 3-6 months, but would always come back. Have replaced the plugs and wires at least 3 times each. Recently had a full tune up done to it including ignition coil replaced. That worked for a couple of months but like clockwork the problem has returned. Its especially bad if the truck has sat in the driveway for 48hrs. All anybody seems to be able to tell me to do is get a tune up.
Reply #4 Greg (67.84.170.102) - Sun May 17 20:13:21 2009
Had Lifter. rocvker arms, Cam and heads replaced Gvae miss fire codes all the time. Dealer gave run around for a little while . They said It was the computer at first cost almost 3 grand. then they said it was the head gasket had a leak.also made me change coils wires and plugs. Finally the repalced half the motor., At no charge. Will never by dodge again and what ever I do buy I will never bring it to the dealer again I have A 1500 2002 4.7 quad cab
Reply #5 brian k (72.84.197.37) - Thu Jun 25 00:57:42 2009
My stepdad bought a 2002 dodge ram quad cab new. He purchased all extra warr. because first new vehical. 1 year ago cyl. went bad @ 100, 800 miles. he babied this truck. the dealership said sorry over warr. He told me to get this piece of sh#$t out of his yard. I would like to know is it worth my $ to fix it and carry on. I am dissapointed in the fact that my stepdad never do anyone wrong and this situation made him never want 2 buy a new truck & pay 4 extra warr. IS THIS TRUCK WORTH FIXIN? bad cyl head have pics from dealer.
Reply #6 brian k (72.84.197.37) - Thu Jun 25 01:18:52 2009
need used eng. for 2002 dodge ram 4.7L? or maybe sell truck w/every power option that works. just has scorched cyl. that fowls out spark plug quickly. very disapointed, in dodge, this truck was spoiled and babied. I also own 2001 chevy tahoe & dog the out of it and have 173, 000 miles on it and only replaced fuel pump for $700.00 and thats it except normal maint. My tahoe has 35" wheels & the stock dodge has stock wheels that cost more!("20'low profile tires"why?) 35's look better & cheaper!
Reply #7 Ted (173.72.72.102) - Sat Jul 4 09:01:53 2009
Are the valve lifters located in the cylinder head or in the block of a 4.7 ltr. engine?
Reply #8 rus (68.215.179.60) - Sat Jul 11 11:44:27 2009
i have 2002 1500 guad cab 4x4 i have 108 miles on it and it started with 2 fuel pumps no i have a value ticking gives code #4 miss fire and i have been told i need a new engine at $4500.00 this thimg as been nothing but trouble sence i bought it if they knew about this problem they should have let us know need less to say i wont buy another one.
Reply #9 Jose G (204.182.238.83) - Fri Jul 17 16:16:14 2009
I had problems with my Dodge 4.7 2004 truck, overheated, changed heads and the ticking noise did not go away, where are the valve lifters? are they on the block or heads???? my truck only has 50, 000 miles and the engine is junk!
Reply #10 Steve O. (71.195.138.235) - Sun Jul 19 17:14:24 2009
I have owned a 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x4 since new and have kept it serviced by the book. About a month ago with only 83000 miles on it, I had a missfire code on #1 cylinder. I also had to add about a gallon of coolant over the last few months. My independent repair shop has correctly diagnosed a leaking head gasket to be the problem. That is why I am losing anti-freeze (coolant) out of the overflow tube. We treated with a stop leak formula and it has slowed down the leakage, but the head gaskets will need to be replaced. Problem is: expensive and where I live only the dealer has the special tools needed. I discovered this after inquiring with several recommended repair shops. No one wants to touch the problem so I will have to take it to the dealer and pay big bucks or trade it off, since my 7 yr/70000 mile warranty is out.
Reply #11 jerry white (24.34.19.5) - Thu Jul 23 15:20:27 2009
i have a 2002 dodge ram with a 4.7 V8. After reading through this forum I am now starting to get this sick feeling in my gut. My truck is now in the shop it had been (all of a sudden) running poorley and misfiring. They replaced the plugs and it continued to do it but worse. They are now tearing down the heads. To make things worse this is my business truck and I am renting a van to keep my business going $$$$$. I will never buy DODGE again!Does this sound like what has been going on with your trucks. Giving misfire codes.
Reply #12 kirt vautrin (24.184.100.138) - Sun Aug 23 08:45:46 2009
my 02 ram 1500 4.7 was running real good until 1 day the radiator cracked , so i replaced it and was still overheating, so i took the truck to the dealer ant they told me that the head gasket was bad the quote was $1200-3000 thats alot, the next day they told me that 1 head was cracked and 1 was warpedcylnder 1 and 8 was dammaged , it needs to be resleeved and new rings $6100 and the warrentee was over a month and a half ago this is so unfair dodge sucks, buy a jap truck
Reply #13 joe beasley (68.155.73.88) - Wed Aug 26 15:25:51 2009
2002 1500 quad cab 4.7 L v8. One day would not turn over, then it would start and try to run hot. checked oil no water in it. this kept up for about a week. changed battery and starter, finally would not turn over at all. oil finally had water in it appears to have a blown head gasket. does this seem familiar to anyone
Reply #14 gabriel torres (75.53.143.60) - Thu Sep 3 01:15:12 2009
I'm having similar problems. I have about 135K miles on my 2002 Dodge 1500. I keep getting codes about cyl 5 misfire. Had the spark plugs changed about 20K miles ago and problem came back. Tried changing spark plug but the plug was stuck. Broke the plug and left the threaded part inside. Mechanic was able to get it out and put a new spark plug. This was about 2 months ago. I'm again getting cyl 5 misfire messages. Replaced the coil but no look. Truck is now idling a little rough on stops. I'm also losing coolant as well. Fill it up and goes back down within a week or two. Thought about trying to take it to mechanic but after hearing all of these stores, I might just trade it and get a toyota or chevy truck. I really enjoyed this truck up until these problems came up.
Reply #15 Leslie (199.67.7.151) - Tue Sep 15 09:40:15 2009
I have a 2002 quad cab ram and it ran perfect until last winter only got heat out of passenger side, then spring wouldn't start 1 day. Changed battery since it was orig at 90.000 mi. truck worked for a day then started over heating. Changed the thermostat, still not working right. Took to mechanic said the ignition switch was fried. Dodge had recall for the steering colume and they wired it to the ignition which fried it!!! Still overheated, took it back to the mechanic said the hoses from radiator were clogged (known issue with Dodge) could not unclogged so replaced the radiator. Said this should solve the issue with the heater and defrost. Did not. I sent a letter to Chrysler and explained the issues and they were interested in knowing more, asked me to take it to a Dodge dealer and have them check out. They have closed them all where I live so, I am still communicating with them to find out what they will do for me. But, this is my last Dodge, and I loved this truck.
Reply #16 Dan Johnson (97.83.188.163) - Thu Oct 1 16:31:56 2009
I too have a 02 Dodge Ram 1500, just got back from having it checked out because I have been filling it up with Anti-Freeze for the last two weeks. No visible sign of a drop of fluid leaking externally. I was told it was probably a head gasket or something along those lines. They also told me without tearing the engine apart they could not isolate it. My truck has 69000 miles on it and I am not happy. I will be calling Dodge. 800-992-1997.
Reply #17 Dan Johnson (97.83.188.163) - Thu Oct 1 17:13:50 2009
I too have a 02 Dodge Ram 1500, just got back from having it checked out because I have been filling it up with Anti-Freeze for the last two weeks. No visible sign of a drop of fluid leaking externally. I was told it was probably a head gasket or something along those lines. They also told me without tearing the engine apart they could not isolate it. My truck has 69000 miles on it and I am not happy. I will be calling Dodge. 800-992-1997.
Reply #18 Bill Murphy (68.82.21.61) - Sun Oct 11 22:40:24 2009
I also have a Dodge Ram 1500 4.7 eng. *Cracked cyc head, covered by warranty. * 1yr later 2 blowned spark plugs, coil springs, I was lossing anti freeze, also bad clutch fan. * NOW is notice that I am near empty in my anti freeze so something else is going on. DODGE SUCKS Never had a vehicle that sucked so bad that when I am driving I want to drive the F-er into the wall, or DODGE DEALING ENTRANCE. I wish I could everyone and tell them not to by Chrysler.
Reply #19 donald eastridge (67.142.166.30) - Mon Oct 12 15:46:23 2009
I have a Dodge Ram 1500 with a 4.7 engine. It has been in the shop more than on the road and cost lots of money. My pickup is in the shop now. I am looking for a new engine but am undecided about replacing it.I am thinking about taking my loss and buy a Ford or Chevy. I have owned pickups for 40 years and this is the worst peice of junk I have ever owned.Donald Eastridge
Reply #20 shannon matney (66.63.200.28) - Wed Nov 11 21:22:35 2009
I have a 2004 dodge ram 4.7 liter v8. my check engine light came on went to dealership and they told me i was putting gas in truck while it was running.which was a lye. they turned of light and the next day it came back on . engine started heating up and i pulled off road let it set a while checked water level and it was fine.put in new thermostat and was fine .drove to myrtle beach and on the way back check engine came back on. stoped at gas station on interstate checked everything and was fine. when i got home light went out.drove about week and now has ticking noise and is putting antifreeze out exhaust and has a slight miss in engine. i found this sight and i am hearing alot of the same problems. dont know what to do.any suggestions.if their is class action law suit count me in. this truck has 90, 000 miles and has been babied oil changed every 3, 000 miles. never runned hard and only been driven by me.
Reply #21 Lyle (75.89.99.125) - Mon Nov 16 06:06:45 2009
I have a 2001 dodge dakota with the 4.7l in it has 234000 miles no major problems just the ticking that has been doing for the last 190000 miles I change oil in it ever other week.
Reply #22 Carolyn Walker (75.64.102.72) - Sat Nov 21 14:13:26 2009
Hi my name is Carolyn, I kive in Memphis Tennessee.Ihaver had so many problems out of my dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4.7 engine. While it was under warrenty check engine came on 3times. I took it to the shop each time and it stayed off for a while. Truck ran hot 2years ago, they said that it was my raidator, so they replaced it. 6 minths later the check engine light came on again, The dealer fix it one more time. Four months after my warrenity was up the check engine light came on again, the check gage light came on, find out that I needed antifreeze. One morning I was on my way to work and I heard something pop, and the truck started loosing presure and the check engine light came on again. I took it to the dealer and they informed me that my truck had cracked heads on it , and that it would cause me 5, 300 dollars to get it fit. I think that we all should be compisated for our trucks by Chrysler. I forgot to mention that I only have a little over 82, 000 miles on the truck. I alway belived in the chryler automobile, but not any more. It is a shame and a sin before God for any one to rip off the consumers like this. If their is a class action law suite you can count me in.Thanks
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