1998 dodge ram 1500 started black smoke and won't go past 30 mph

Asked by Jenn.n.Floyd Mar 20, 2017 at 05:25 PM about the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 Laramie SLT Quad Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My son has a 1998 dodge ram 5.2 V8 and it started black smoking and won't
go over 30 mph.  He's only 18 so we will have to try to fix ourselves. Any ideas
what to check.  Thank you

4 Answers

220,905

It is running rich. If you can should have the vehicle scanned for any trouble codes. This aids in finding a problem. Warm up the vehicle, drive it for a bit, park in a dark area and look at the catalytic converter with the engine running to see if it is glowing orange. If it is then it is plugged up, holding the engine back from acceleration. Check for vacuum leaks, snug up the intake manifold bolts, and clean the MAF sensor with MAF spray cleaner, and clean the throttle body with carburetor cleaner.

2 people found this helpful.

so checked the codes and got P0545 exhaust gas temperature sensor and P0171 bank 1 too lean. I do hear air sucking near the manifold. It does not have a MAP.

220,905

Yea, with the lean condition it's dumping fuel in to compensate. Probably what is causing the black smoke.

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 1,537 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $1,100.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1998 Dodge RAM 1500

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    19,850
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,170
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,710
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
6,024 Great Deals out of 128,250 listings starting at $1,100
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,077 Great Deals out of 130,459 listings starting at $1,000
Used GMC Sierra 1500
1,881 Great Deals out of 64,533 listings starting at $3,000
Used Dodge RAM 2500
65 Great Deals out of 1,018 listings starting at $3,300
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,906 Great Deals out of 30,713 listings starting at $3,500
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,575 Great Deals out of 48,557 listings starting at $800
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
1,083 Great Deals out of 30,459 listings starting at $1,350
Used Dodge Durango
757 Great Deals out of 20,429 listings starting at $550
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
1,431 Great Deals out of 41,491 listings starting at $650
Used Ford Mustang
916 Great Deals out of 22,896 listings starting at $1,502

Used Cars for Sale

2010 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
18 Great Deals out of 243 listings starting at $3,995
2009 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
16 Great Deals out of 169 listings starting at $1,700
2008 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
10 Great Deals out of 197 listings starting at $1,995
2007 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
14 Great Deals out of 162 listings starting at $4,995
2006 Dodge RAM 1500 For Sale
18 Great Deals out of 176 listings starting at $1,100

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.