98 5.9 ram sport 2 wheel drive

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MMOEBD

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2016
Posts
1
Reaction score
0
Ram Year
1998
Engine
Magnum 5.9
OK so I'm new to the board and figured this would be the best place to ask I just picked up another 98 ram sport with the 5.9 it is an auto tranny I have been driving it for a week now when I first bought it prior owner said it tries stalling some times and said it needs a map sensor so I picked one up but have not installed it yet now the tyranny is acting up and was wandering if anyone has come across this issue what it started to do tonight was it felt like tyranny went out and wouldn't go into gear unless I turned it off and restarted it then it would go about a mile and stop working again also the headlights would turn off and I would hit the switch off and on and they would work again also my speedo does not work and dash lights go off when headlights are on but if I turn interior lights on the dash lights come on sorry for such a long post but need help if possible thanks
 

joepizuro

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2012
Posts
457
Reaction score
46
Ram Year
1998
Engine
Magnum v10
Sounds like multiple problems. Do you have a dimmer switch or not and hoe many miles are on it? Wondering about check valve on tranny lines
 

dudeman2009

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2016
Posts
1,562
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Location
Arizona
Ram Year
2001 1500 Sport with enough electrical modifications to make my brain hurt
Engine
Magnum 360
Try to not get overwhelmed, its easier said than done, but i'll try to help.

First, sectionalize, pick out the easiest/cheapest things first.
Headlights, they shut off randomly, however operating the switch fixes it. Could be two things, the headlamp relay, or the switch. Given that you also have interior light issues, my bet is on that switch. replace it with one out of a junkyard or buy a new one. Replacement is easy, just 3 bolts and the connectors on the back.

Hopefully that fixes your lighting issues, now, onto the spedo.

Do you have any codes for it?

First thing to check is the operation of the cluster itself, barring any pertinent codes. First, put the key in and in the off position. Then depress the odometer button, while holding the odometer button turn the key to run but do not start. After 2-3 seconds release the button and watch as the LCD segments go through their check as well as all the LEDs. During this time all the gauges will move together throughout their range. They will stop at about 1/4, 1/2 and full sweep, each time taking a second to pause.

If any error codes show on the LCD, make sure to note them. If any of the gauges or LCD segments fail the test, the IC must be replaced.

Should the IC test good, you then have to check for connection to the ABS module, since we cannot connect to the bus without expensive equipment, you are just going to have to goto the ABS module and inspect it. Unplugging it should throw an ABS light as well as a check engine light. There are other posts around here for more in depth diagnosis for this type of problem.

That leaves us with stalling and transmission issues. Stalling could be caused by a MAP sensor, if you have the new one, might as well put it in, to test. This problem could also be caused by an IAC that is going bad, or by the transmission itself. Checking for codes is really a must to fix these two problems. However a fluid and filter change on the transmission with a band adjustment wont hurt, and may fix the problem if its simple like a clogged filter.

As for the stalling, if there are no codes, check the spark plugs for excess fouling, that could indicate a few things. Checking the air filter as well is an easy thing to check off the list.

Good luck.
 
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