1997 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award three times, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
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Common 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 problems
The Dodge Ram 2500 1997 is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues range from transmission shifting problems to rust build-up on the rocker panels.
These common problems with the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 can be frustrating for owners, but many of them can be fixed with replacement parts or repairs. It's important to address these issues as soon as they arise to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
What years should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?
The worst years to buy a used Ram 2500 are 2013, 2012, and 2015 due to various engine, electrical, and steering problems. With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 2500 can easily reach 350,000 trouble-free miles, but it requires following manufacturer-recommended routines.
What years did Dodge Ram have transmission problems?
What Went Wrong with the Transmissions in the Dodge Ram Trucks? The transmissions that are related to common complaints and recalls for Dodge Ram trucks are five and six-speed automatic transmissions. These were found in the 2009 Dodge Ram and 2010 through 2017 Ram models 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500.
What is the life expectancy of the transmission in a Ram 2500?
This can lead to transmission problems affecting the life span. On average, the transmission in trucks such as the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 last for about 100,000 miles. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life span of your transmission.
Which Ram 2500 engine is the best?
The Ram 2500 is available with two engine options - one gas and one turbo diesel. Overall, the gas HEMI engine provides the best gas horsepower among 250/2500 pickups - and more payload capacity than the Cummins - but the turbo diesel outperforms it with mountains of torque and more maximum towing capacity.
What years should I not buy a Dodge Ram 2500?
The worst years to buy a used Ram 2500 are 2013, 2012, and 2015 due to various engine, electrical, and steering problems. With proper maintenance and care, the Ram 2500 can easily reach 350,000 trouble-free miles, but it requires following manufacturer-recommended routines.
Which Ram 2500 engine is the best?
The Ram 2500 is available with two engine options - one gas and one turbo diesel. Overall, the gas HEMI engine provides the best gas horsepower among 250/2500 pickups - and more payload capacity than the Cummins - but the turbo diesel outperforms it with mountains of torque and more maximum towing capacity.
What was the worst year for the Dodge Ram?
The worst years
A few model years, in particular, have proven more problematic than others. Model years 2011 and 2012 stand out when it comes to bad years for the 5.7L HEMI, with 2012 being an especially lousy period for Ram pickups. The biggest issue with the 2012 Ram 1500 is the infamous "HEMI tick."
What is the biggest problem with Dodge Ram?
Engine Problems
Many of the Ram truck problems we've seen involve exhaust manifold failures, compression issues, leaks, stalls, cylinder head malfunctions, and more. These Ram customer service complaints have been relatively common in recent years. If something seems off with your engine, get it inspected ASAP.
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Dodge Ram 2500.
- Manufacturer: K&N ENGINEERING, INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
- Consequence: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
- Remedy: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 problems:
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
Top 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Problems · Replace Pressure Solenoid in Transmission Valve Body to Fix Transmission Bucking · Numerous Conditions May Cause Engine to ...
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Feb 7, 2022 ... cracked dashboard · bad heater core · transmission gave out · severe coolant leak · leaking transfer case and axle seals.
Q&A: 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 - Common Issues & PCM ...
Aug 4, 2011 ... The only other possibility is a problem in the harness which some of those trucks did have issues with. But the symptoms are more like a pcm.
new to me 97 V10, what are common issues? | DODGE RAM FORUM
Apr 20, 2012 ... I have been browsing the forum looking for common issues on the V10. I just bought a 97 2500 V10 2WD and I intend to use it for towing quite ...
New 1997 Dodge Ram! some driving issues! | Cummins Diesel Forum
May 30, 2012 ... If the engine isn't under load the boost won't go very high. The fact that you hit 24-25 on hills tells me nothing is wrong in the boost dept.
Other years of Dodge Ram 2500
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