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Dodge Ram Check Engine Light Questions & Answers

Last updated: January 5, 2009

This page will list all the Check Engine Light questions and answers asked of us pertaining to Dodge Ram trucks. If you have a Dodge Ram repair question for us, ask right now, it's free!

Question: I changed the brake pads on my 2005 1500 ram 2 wd and the e brake and abs lights came on and wont go off - Josh, January 2009

Answer: Hi Josh. It sounds like the problem lies with the ABS ring / speed sensor. It's possible the wire/connector got bumped/broken during the brake job. Check carefully both visually and using a digital volt ohm meter (DOVM) the wiring and connections on both front wheels. Refer to a Ram-specific repair manual if you can't locate the sensors. My Ram is 4WD otherwise I'd just go take a photo of mine ;-) You were just under there changing the pads so I think you'll be able to locate the sensors & wiring. Good luck.

Question: I have an 03 ram 5.7 hemi running good but engine lite is on codes read two numbers p0116 and p2110 can you help and thanks - Les, December 2008

Answer: Hi Les. The P0116 code is Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance. Basically the ECT reading is not right. Likely that is due to a failed ECT sensor, or broken / shorted wiring. Check all the wiring & connections for faults. Also check the resistance of the ECT or just replace it, most likely that sensor has failed. The P2110 code is Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited RPM. You're going to want to get a quality repair manual for more diagnostic information on that one. Good luck!

Question: I have recently purchased a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Reg. cab truck. It has the 5.7 V8 Hemi. It has 60,225 mi. I was driving today and my check engine light came on. The truck runs great and all the gauges are reading fine. What are the chances that something major is wrong? - Jerry, December 2008

Answer: Hi Jerry. The check engine light is on because something is not right and needs attention. Since there are no apparent symptoms, I would guess that there is nothing major wrong. That's not to say it won't be an expensive fix, however. Some sensors and components can get pricey. Get those codes read and look them up here. The repair could be as simple as removing and replacing the gas cap or it could be much more involved. Thanks for contacting us and good luck!

Question: I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab the check engine light came on at 60.000 miles is there anyway to reset this light with out going to a dealer? - Lonnie, October 2008

Answer: Hi Lonnie. The check engine light is illuminated to indicate that there is something wrong. The vehicle will have one or more trouble codes stored in the truck's computer memory, and in order to find out what's wrong with the truck you'll need to have access to a code reader. Simply clearing the code will not necessarily fix the problem, nor will it ensure the light stays off. Now, you don't have to take it to the dealer to get the codes read. You could also find a trusted, *qualified* technician, or if you live near an auto parts store, many of them will read codes for free. Once you have the code, you can look it up on our Engine Light Codes page for more information. Thanks and good luck!

Question: 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quadcab. 5.9 liter V8.Automatic - 61,000 miles. Replaced left front wheelbearing assembly with ABS. Plug on end of [electric] wires on new assembly was different than the old one. Cut off new plug end and replaced with old plug end. Now brake and ABS light is on all the time on the dash but goes out when backing up. Any ideas? Thank You. - John, September 2008

Answer: Hi John. The first thing that comes to mind is do you have the right part. Did you get an OEM (Dodge/Mopar) replacement part or a generic auto parts store brand? You should get your hands on a genuine repair manual for your Ram and find out about the wire colors and how they're spliced now. If the part is right, perhaps the wires are reversed. If in doubt, let a qualified technician look at the issue. Safety first! ABS can be important in emergency situations so keep that in mind please. Good luck.

Question: I have a 97 dodge ram 1500 5.2L with 94,000 miles. my check engine light was on reading a code 43 and it wasnt running good. i just tried to start it and my check engine light went off but now it wont start unless i pump the gas, and when i let off the gas it stalls out. any idea? - Tony, September 2008

Answer: Hi. The Dodge code 43 is an older 2-digit code. Since all 1996-newer vehicles support OBD-II, you'd be better off getting those codes read (the 2 digit codes don't always translate into a single OBD-II code). Chilton's manual for 1996 says a code 43 is Ignition Coil Circuit Failure, however another source says it could be a P0306 (misfire on cylinder #6). It's hard to tell without the actual P0XXX generic OBD-II trouble code. Anyway, since I haven't dealt with this code before I searched the 'net for answers. It seems a likely repair is to replace the ingnition coil & spark plug wires. It could potentially be an intake manifold leak as well. Based on what you've said I'd say start by changing all the spark plugs and wires (i.e. tune-up), and the ignition coil as well. Also read the TSB here. Go from there.