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

223,885

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.

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