2003 Ram 1500 lightning bolt

[WFTRAM]

I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 hemi . I am trying to find a solution . The truck drives great and recently a lightning bolt appeared on the dash and of course it started to go into limp mode. As soon as I pulled over and restarted it was fine for a while. Then it does it again . I love my truck and I want to fix it . I have had the throttle changed out and did not work . Then I was told it was a vacuum leak and it was fixed but not resolved . Then it was a wire issue but could not find where exactly . Now I was told it is the PCM/ECM. I have been to several mechanics and just want a resolution . Any ideas .

 

[jws123]

Its usually the throttle body but check the wiring going to it and down by the gas pedal have you scanned it for codes?

 

[WFTRAM]

According to the mechanic he did not find any codes

 

[jws123]

According to the mechanic he did not find any codes

id put money on the throttle body its the most common reason for the light to come on. I would find another mechanic its almost never the PCM or you need to ask why they think its the PCM what soid diag proof do they have.

 

[WFTRAM]

I changed it with an OEM part and still not working. I wish they still made an original part .

 

[Recoil]

Hopefully it isn't your APPS.

 

[Recoil]

@WFTRAM - see this:

Replace your 03/04 APPS sensor for less than $100 and 2 hours time.

***DISCLAIMER*** everything you do to your truck is your responsibility, I have no liability if you follow what I did to fix my truck. Take it to a professional if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself after reading through completely. ***DISCLAIMER*** Backstory time. So the infamous...

www.ramforum.com

 

[markabby]

The accelerator pedal sensor ?

 

[Recoil]

The accelerator pedal sensor ?

Yes, they are different on the '03 and early '04 with the Hemi.

 

[WFTRAM]

I am at a loss on next steps . I have been through 5 mechanics and no resolution. I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with 5.7 hemi . My truck was running fine and no issues . I had the lightning bolt appear and was told the throttle . Throttle has been changed , vacuum leak fixed , smoke test done -no leaks, pcm changed out , and app sensor changed . Now the truck is revving form 600 to 2000 rpm while parked . The code I am getting is p0171 . Checked map and intake sensor both good. Maybe a 02 sensor? It is did not start revving until after the pcm swap which I changed the original computer back thinking that was the problem. I am open to any suggestions . I can not believe a mechanic has not been able to track it down .

 

[jws123]

weirdly enough I am having a similar issue wit my 2004 now No lightning bolt but she wont run right lean codes ect ive swapped so many parts il let you know where i end up at lol.

 

[Recoil]

I am at a loss on next steps . I have been through 5 mechanics and no resolution. I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with 5.7 hemi . My truck was running fine and no issues . I had the lightning bolt appear and was told the throttle . Throttle has been changed , vacuum leak fixed , smoke test done -no leaks, pcm changed out , and app sensor changed . Now the truck is revving form 600 to 2000 rpm while parked . The code I am getting is p0171 . Checked map and intake sensor both good. Maybe a 02 sensor? It is did not start revving until after the pcm swap which I changed the original computer back thinking that was the problem. I am open to any suggestions . I can not believe a mechanic has not been able to track it down .

How did you replace the APPS? Did you convert it to the pedal style, buy a new one and change the pigtail, or find and buy a used one from a junkyard?

 

[WFTRAM]

we just changed it out with a new part. We did not change out the pigtail

 

[Recoil]

we just changed it out with a new part. We did not change out the pigtail

Where did you locate the APPS? The APPS for the 2003 with a HEMI is no longer made, so I'm confused as to how you changed it out with a new part without making other modifications?

 

[WFTRAM]

weirdly enough I am having a similar issue wit my 2004 now No lightning bolt but she wont run right lean codes ect ive swapped so many parts il let you know where i end up at lol.

I had a mechanic tell me it is the fuel pump and I need a new intake manifold. I am not sure that is the issue

 

[WFTRAM]

Where did you locate the APPS? The APPS for the 2003 with a HEMI is no longer made, so I'm confused as to how you changed it out with a new part without making other modifications?

My mechanic found one and changed it out and no difference . I had another opinion and now they are saying it is the fuel pump and intake manifold

 

[WFTRAM]

Okay update it is definitely the intake manifold . Finally ! I can’t believe it took 5 mechanics to diagnosis it and after changing several parts . Either a gasket or the manifold. Does anyone know if there is a way to test the intake manifold without removing it to see if it is cracked . I know that seems like a silly question.