Ghost1500's (aka-Mike) mild build

[Ghost1500]

Might be the purge solenoid,as it seems to give issues,but don't take my word on that,it's just a guess.

That's ok if it's a guess. I will see how much it is to replace. Thank you in advance.

-Mike

 

[Ghost1500]

Well, did the brake job today. Front and rear rotors and pads. Cross drilled/slotted for the rotors and ceramic pads. The kit I used was $236.00 and this WAS with zinc plated rotors. I'm cheap so I took a chance on some e-Bay specials and I have to say, I couldn't be happier! They fit like a glove, make no noise, and will stop great after about 500 miles.

Since the truck was sitting for about 4 years the old brake pads started to separate like layers of rust. If I kept going on them it could have been very dangerous. The original rotors had rust areas all in the rotor. I'm going to miss my rust drilled rotors..... I am extremely happy to get this out of the way. It was probably the worst brake job I have EVER done! The rotors were basically welded to the hub....lol... I had to use sooo much penetrant on them I ran out and ended up using WD-40. Oh, and banged the $hit out out of the rotors to get them to separate from the hub. Sucked donkey b-alls for sure!!! Definitely a different (suckier) experience doing truck brakes as opposed to car brakes. I snapped a caliper slide bolt on the first one I did. I was NOT going to give up! Advanced Auto had some Wagner brake slides and bolt kit for $25.00, so I got very lucky and was able to complete the job. The rotors look beautiful!

I absolutely love this truck! It is a pleasure to drive and I am glad my Dad is with me every step of the way. I KNOW he'd love all the things I am doing to it. I can see him smiling down on it. Anyway, thanks for looking and reading, I hope it was enjoyable.

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Ghost1500]

The truck is at the mechanic now for the truck not supplying power to one of the coils creating a misfire. Yey.... He thinks it may be a bad PCM. We shall see... Started throwing a gas cap light, then a P0457 code for evap leak detected. Then on Monday I went to work just fine. Truck ran great. When I left it started acting like crap with not supplying power to the coil. Threw a P0300 code and a P0205 code if I remember correctly. I am sure from sitting awhile, it wasn't the best for the electronics. I hope to get it back soon.

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Wirerat]

Tough break.

If the truck sat a long time out in the weather, it could be that battery is bad.

Just delt with this with on our avalon. Didn't start for 6 weeks in the summer heat. Car started fine but was throwing several codes. New battery cleared it all up. My fault for not putting the battery tender on it.

Hope it's something simple and cheap. Good luck.

 

[Ghost1500]

If the truck sat a long time out in the weather, it could be that battery is bad.

I put a brand new Interstate battery in it before we took it from my Dad's house. I gave it an oil change and changed the battery (old one was toast!) before we even tried starting it. Once the new battery was put in, it started right up. I put the new battery in June 2, 2022. Thank you for the input though. Who knows, maybe it is still a bad battery?....

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Burn2k12Ram]

I put a brand new Interstate battery in it before we took it from my Dad's house. I gave it an oil change and changed the battery (old one was toast!) before we even tried starting it. Once the new battery was put in, it started right up. I put the new battery in June 2, 2022. Thank you for the input though. Who knows, maybe it is still a bad battery?....

Best regards,

-Mike

No doubt take it in and get tested. Yesterday had to jump someone that bought a interstate battery not two weeks ago and battery was bad.

 

[Wirerat]

I put a brand new Interstate battery in it before we took it from my Dad's house. I gave it an oil change and changed the battery (old one was toast!) before we even tried starting it. Once the new battery was put in, it started right up. I put the new battery in June 2, 2022. Thank you for the input though. Who knows, maybe it is still a bad battery?....

Best regards,

-Mike

Just brain storming

If not the battery, it still could be corrosion/loose connection somewhere.

You probably cleaned up the terminals when you did the battery? I try to keep these lubed. A drop of oil works. Or actual electric grease.

Did you find any corrision at the terminals? If it was dirty that could mean simular corrision is somewhere else electrically.

Your guy may be right. New pcm needed. /shrug.

Looking forward to his results.

 

[Ghost1500]

You probably cleaned up the terminals when you did the battery? I try to keep these lubed. A drop of oil works. Or actual electric grease.

The connections were clean. The terminal was hard to put on though. There was no corrosion on either terminal. Yes, I will get the battery tested. Thank you.

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Wild one]

The connections were clean. The terminal was hard to put on though. There was no corrosion on either terminal. Yes, I will get the battery tested. Thank you.

Best regards,

-Mike

Mike buy yourself one of these cheap old style toaster battery load testers.They're still one of the better battery testers a home mechanic can have.

100A 6/12V Battery Load Tester

Amazing deals on this 100 Amp 6/12V Battery Load Tester at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Ghost1500]

Mike buy yourself one of these cheap old style toaster battery load testers.They're still one of the better battery testers a home mechanic can have.

Thank you Brother!

Best regards,
-Mike

 

[Ghost1500]

Mike buy yourself one of these cheap old style toaster battery load testers.They're still one of the better battery testers a home mechanic can have.

Well, I just went to HF and purchased that exact same one. If you are a member it is $15.99. Thanks for the link.

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Wild one]

Well, I just went to HF and purchased that exact same one. If you are a member it is $15.99. Thanks for the link.

Best regards,

-Mike

They're affectionally known as the "toaster" style testers,as they basically use a heating element similiar to your house bread toasters,just on a bigger scale.They get hot,and do smell the first couple of times you use it,but they're still one of the best battery load testers a home mechanic can have.They're simplicity onto themselves to use,hook it up to the battery,hold the switch down for the required amount of time,and read what the gauge says.

 

[Ghost1500]

The Ram dealer seems to think it's a PCM going bad too. Not surprised.... Glad I got a 2nd opinion. Once the new one is in I will keep everyone posted on how it goes. Fingers crossed....

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Ghost1500]

Well the mechanic put the new PCM in and now it runs like a charm. Still throws the gas cap light but he is going to take care of that tomorrow (Friday). So, I should have the truck back either tomorrow or Monday! I am super stoked to get it back! This mechanic IS very smart so he has my business with things I can't do. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for looking.

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[HavenRam]

Wow, great updates. Got me to read all the way through. Wonderful journey!

 

[Ghost1500]

Wow, great updates. Got me to read all the way through. Wonderful journey!

Thank you. I love this truck as it belonged to my Dad. He rides along with me every step of the way. I still have a few things to do to it but I will be in Ohio next week visiting my wife's family. Can't wait for a damn Roman Burger and some cheesy waffle fries. lol.... Thanks for looking.

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Ghost1500]

Ok, a couple more updates.... So the truck needed a new PCM which was bad. It also needed a new front driver side caliper because the old one was sticking. We had to drop the gas tank because the gas cap light and check engine light would not go off even with a re-set. Well low and behold a family of rodents made a nice little home over the gas tank. Found this out after replacing the purge solenoid, gas cap, and diagnostic valve. Well, at least the truck is going to be great after this. I will have it back by next Friday at the latest. It has been gone for almost one month. I miss my truck!!! lol.....

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Ghost1500]

Ok, finally got the truck back today. It got 8 new coils, 16 new spark plugs, new PCM, new diagnostic box, new purge solenoid, new charcoal canister, new purge valve, new driver side caliper, new gas cap. For a grand total of.... Drum roll please........ $3600.00 bucks..... Yey.... Yes, I am being sarcastic a bit. lol.... Don't know if this is good or bad?

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Ghost1500]

Here is a recent pic of the truck and the new tires.

Best regards,

-Mike

 

[Ghost1500]

Just a quick update.... The truck is running great! Any small mods I should consider? I was thinking of a tune next or maybe a set of headers. something that will not destroy anything... lol....

Best regards,

-Mike