Is anyone else having trouble w/ their engine light coming on in their dodge truck?

Question

Bought a brand new 2005 dodge ram 4x4 w/ a hemi in it. I love the truck it rides like a car . But I have been having problems w/ the engine light coming on ever since I bought it. It will come on stay on for a few days then dissapear. Its been in the shop over 3 times and its not been fixed. And its been coming on and off ever since. Does anyone else know of anyone who is having the same problem? I am a female so I dont know much about trucks how are you suppose to know if there is something majorly wrong? I have 2 younger children and I am worried that something might happen while I am driving when that light is on should I even be worried and i always make sure the gas cap is on tight I was told to try that but thats not the problem. Its under 20,000 miles so under lemon law its should of been taken care of by the dealer its driving me crazy!

I took my truck back to the dealer and they said its emissions. I was also told that they have to order a part for it to fix it. So I guess I shouldnt be worried right? I was told to just wait until the part comes in to have it fixed but this is getting ridiculous. Also at times I smell like a lit match like smell under the truck sometimes when I park it could that be anything?

Answer 1

I am an auto tech at a chry dodge dealer here is the problem I see your light comes on then in a few days it goes off this tells me you have an intermittent problem your vehicle runs diagnostics on it every time it is running if certain parameters are set if your computer does not see a problem in that same circiut or component it will count what is called a good trip but for a good trip to count the engine has to warm up then cool back down a good trip tells us the condition that set the code is no longer present and for a tech to diagnose it well they can only guess at what is wrong since the code is no longer active there are certain codes that I have seen that have had good trips and I have replaced a part based on past experience after your truck counts 3 good trips it will turn off the engine light the code will still be stored in the computer until somewhere between 40 -50 good trips. the only problems I have seen with your particular truck are EGR valves and vapor canisters with leaks in the system. The only suggestion I can give you is to take it to the dealer as soon as the light comes on as a parent myself I know this is not always possible at my dealer we will look into vehicles a little further if they have good trips there are tsb's to check and a few other things some dealers see a code has good trips and they stop right there knowing that chrysler will not pay them anymore for diagnosis If you can get me the codes it is setting I can help you further

Answer 2

The first thing I would suggest is take it to your local auto parts store, most of them have a device that allows them to read the trouble code(s) off the computer. Once you know what the code is, that should aid in finding out what the problem is.

As far as putting you or your children at risk by driving with the check engine light on, that is a very remote possibility, usually what triggers the check engine light is an emissions system failure, and other than adding to the air pollution, it's unlikely that it will leave you stranded somewhere.

BTW, Did the dealer try replacing the gas cap?

Answer 3

well i don't have a dodge but i have a car that the engine light came on and off and i got it checked it out with my brother i don't how many times since i have kids. well til this day the engine light stays on and been on for 4 years and there is nothing wrong with it. well theres these codes but it ain't worth fixing. i also have a van that it does that since my dad fixed the gas line and there is nothing wrong with it. if it dont run funny make a nosie then don't worry about it. it's just the computer thats messing up. and if they say there checking it then they should know what it is. there is a machine you can get that you hook up to the car van truck or what ever you might have and it pulls the codes and it comes with a book to you can read them and find out what the problem is. any auto part store should have. my car pulls 3 codes that could be the problem. hope this helps. sometimes you have to do it yourself they see you as a woman and don't know what your talking about. get the machine and read your on codes then if need to ask someone what it means then that knows about cars etc. becasue it will tell but it don't go into deals but it will help with your problems. even the auto store will help you with want it means and all.

Answer 4

Don't worry too much just yet. There are hundreds of reasons for this light to come on,... many/most are not critical. You can find out what the problem is by stopping in at certain auto parts stores and service centers. (Such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Aamco, etc.) They will run a quick diagnostic,.. while you wait. This usually done FREE OF CHARGE. They will usually give you a printout w/ the DIAGNOSTIC CODE and a BRIEF DESCRIPTION of the trouble and may even have some recommendations. You can then go to your mechanic or whoever armed with a little knowledge of your problem. ALSO try doing an Internet search of the DIAGNOSTIC CODE,.. by searching: THE CODE & the word "diagnostic". You'll likely find PLENTY of information.

Call ahead to find out if this service is offered,.. and if it's within your means,.. (& heart),.. Tip the guy who runs the diagnostic!!

Good Luck!
RH

Answer 5

I work at a dodge dealer. If the code is an evap monitor leak, which whoever checked it should know, I would put a new gas cap on. Even though it is tight, it can still leak. I have seen a lot of these. Also, it it is possible that one of the rubber hoses comming off of the vapor canister is cracked and not holding vacuum. That is under the truck. Neither of these items will cause you a problem though.

Answer 6

I have to wonder if it's simply a bad gas cap. Perhaps you could talk the dealer into swapping yours out. It may not be the problem, but keeping a customer confident in her purchase should warrant the minor expense of swapping it out to see if it solves the problem. As for being worried about driving with the light on, it's more annoyance then desperate situation. Good luck!!

Answer 7

I have an '04 Dakota Quad Cab and I've never had such a problem. It could be a real problem or it could be just one of those idiot light problems...like a sensor or something. At any rate it something you should have the dealer or a qualified mechanic check for you. Like you say.. you've obviously got more important things to worry about than that so have it checked.

Answer 8

all generals cars, doges ,grislier, and ford,-- have many troubles with engine light ,is becausee they have bed censers,after 1-2 years old they start show the light,--is impassible to inspect the car with the light on.you have to go to the dialer ,or to a garage to check the censers,always tel the mechanic to remove the light.and do not pay him.becaus they say they did, but the Truth is not-- they cheat the people, stay alert do not Trieste them.go to SAM one you know drive the car for at least tow days to see if the light Com's back.if you pay him- and the light com back then tel him, to fix it-- if hi ask for more money, do not give him nothing- if hi refuse,to fix the car then you ,take him to the court,and you will get you money, plus expense

Answer 9

check into lemon laws in your area,please dont mess around!