2004 Ram 1500 - Motor died while driving... had recent tranny issues

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Big Chief

Junior Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2013
Posts
16
Reaction score
0
Ram Year
2004
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Looking for help to either rule this out... or point me in the right direction.

2004 Ram 1500, 90K miles, original owner. Truck has never seen a dealer or shop.

Was driving today the motor died while doing 30 mph. My "actual driving" was normal. So I came to a stop, turned the key off (said a cuss word) then tried to restart. It turned over, but wouldn't start. Tried to start about 5 times and nothing. About 5-10 mins pass waiting on a buddy, then I try to start again and this time, it sputters (like a fuel issue), so I give it gas and start again and I'm good. Hi-tail back home with my fingers crossed. No CEL came on today.

Recently (4 weeks ago) I was dealing with some intermittent tranny concerns (had a CEL P0700 and P2706). On occasion (4-5 times) I felt the tranny sputter from 1st to 2nd. It was minor, but I felt it... and then watched the CEL come on. So, I decided to do some basic maintenance (4 weeks ago): replaced crankshaft sensor, replaced camshaft sensor, replaced plugs, cleaned throttle body and an oil change.

What I didnt do then, but planned if needed; was to replace the solenoid pack in the tranny, along with filters and fluid.

As it turns out, about 1 week later, my CEL went out by itself (key strokes) and I haven't felt any tranny problems, so I thought I was in the clear until today.

Is it possible, the solenoid pack is related to the truck shutting down? I heard that some solenoids (not sure if its dodge trucks) can kill the motor? Is this possible, or am I looking at a fuel problem? Or something else.

Thanks,
 

FCA Master

Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2018
Posts
89
Reaction score
47
Location
West Texas
Ram Year
2014
Engine
5.7
There is a TSB for the P2706 code for PCM replacement (PCM can shut the vehicle down), if you can get me the PCM serial number I can let you know if it is covered by the TSB.
 
OP
OP
B

Big Chief

Junior Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2013
Posts
16
Reaction score
0
Ram Year
2004
Engine
Hemi 5.7
There were a few numbers on the box, attached is a pic. Took an extra pic where the box was located (on firewall, with plugs showing colored dots).

Thanks for your help.

IMG_2922.JPG IMG_2924.JPG
 

FCA Master

Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2018
Posts
89
Reaction score
47
Location
West Texas
Ram Year
2014
Engine
5.7
There were a few numbers on the box, attached is a pic. Took an extra pic where the box was located (on firewall, with plugs showing colored dots).

Thanks for your help.

View attachment 126190 View attachment 126191

The TSB does not apply to your vehicle, but the solenoid packs are known problems. Make sure you check the harness for shorts though.
 
OP
OP
B

Big Chief

Junior Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2013
Posts
16
Reaction score
0
Ram Year
2004
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Update: So the truck sat a few days, then I go to try and start and it starts fine. I have actually been using the truck for the last 4 days with no issues (fingers crossed).

CEL never came on... could this just be a random event? So it seems unrelated to my prior tranny problems... I'm guessing because it died instantly (while driving) it was something electrical?

Some other guys mentioned possible fuel pump issues? But now that its running, not so sure?

Thanks again for any insights, for now, I plan to keep winging it (at least, understanding it can die at any moment).
 
Top