2 part question 1) Check gauges 2) coolant

5

Asked by vallone Feb 27, 2016 at 10:23 AM about the 2002 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab LB RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hi everyone. I bought this truck new. I have had it serviced by the dealership
when needed. About 4 years while driving on the highway i narrowly avoided
some debris falling off a a vehicle in front of me. I hear something bang
under my truck as I drove and then later when I exited the highway and
slowed to a stop i momentarily lost power and the check gauge light came
on. I got "her" to the service department. They couldn't find anything wrong
and she ran fine for a few months then the same issue. It keeps rearing its
head every 6 months or so. Any idea of what could have been affected?

In the last 2month I had my water pump replaced becuase I was losing
coolant.  Yesterday I was driving and the check gauge light binged - i
noticed that the temperature gauge was low - only about 1/4 of the way up.
It usually stays at a little shy of half. So I popped the hood and saw that the
coolant was just below minimum. I added coolant and drove it home and let
it sit overnight. ( the temp gauge stayed low and did not get up over 1/4 of
the way) I checked it today and it was a bit above min. Any ideas of what
might be going on?

1 Answer

223,975

Well I can help with the coolant issue. The level in the overflow tank fluctuates depending on if the engine is cold or up to operating temperature. Best to be checking the coolant level when it is cold. Now it sounds like the thermostat needs to be replaced, as this brings the engine up to the proper operating temperature. Just had a thought on the other issue. Possibly the debris hit the Body Control Module, that on a lot of vehicles are mounted under neath the truck. This could have an affect as it is almost like a memory box, just an extra 2¢ added...something to check on.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    20,290
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,290
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,760
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
322 Great Deals out of 15,212 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
225 Great Deals out of 5,832 listings starting at $2,975
Used GMC Sierra 1500
138 Great Deals out of 7,122 listings starting at $1,888
Used Dodge RAM 2500
24 listings starting at $7,995
Used Toyota Tundra
38 Great Deals out of 1,239 listings starting at $943
Used Toyota Tacoma
49 Great Deals out of 1,073 listings starting at $8,708
Used Dodge Durango
55 Great Deals out of 2,242 listings starting at $5,500
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
107 Great Deals out of 3,207 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
27 Great Deals out of 1,306 listings starting at $9,990
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
17 Great Deals out of 952 listings starting at $11,900
Used Chevrolet Corvette
24 Great Deals out of 1,068 listings starting at $14,900
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
27 Great Deals out of 1,192 listings starting at $7,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.