Driving down road heard ticking sound, lost engine power, lost oil pressure. had to be towed to Garage where I was told there was oil sludge built up causing oil pick up problem. Was told by Garage common problem on my Model dodge Truck this was the year they changed the Filter size (to smaller) so it gets clogged more easily.

I had had oil changes done so I don't know how all the sludge got built up ?!

Was told the only fix was to have a new Engine put in...didn't have the money for that. So I took it to a another garage for a second opinion...they told me the same thing, but said they could pull the oil pan, clean the filter and eveything ($300+ later :(

Then told me this would at least fix it for me to drive it along till I could afford a new engine. That I would more than likely have this problem recur and I have. Moving forward 6 years now I am still limping this truck along just have not had the money to put a new engine in. Have had to have the oil pan, filter etc pulled and thoroughly cleaned at least 6-8 times over the last 6 years (which I guess isn't too bad, other than it being $300.00 a pop). but hey Iv limped the truck along this long. Due to the other problems Iv had with the truck (cracked Dashboard, and several different interior items breaking and failing, other engine issues and the paint oxidizing ) to me its not worth putting a new engine in this truck now. Just going to patch it and limp it along till it finally dies. Its sad that a vehicle that's only 9 years old is in as bad shape (not from me not taking care of it I did my best) as it is. I should have learned my lesson with a past dodge I owned that I had problems with! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE.

My next Truck will be a FORD possibly a Chevy.

Driving down the highway I noticed a beeping sound looked down and the check gauges light had come on. I obviously then checked the gauges and there was no oil pressure. I pulled over turned off the truck got out checked the oil it was ok then thought maybe a fluke. I started the truck back up oil pressure gauge indicated good oil pressure with that I started back on my way watching closely as I drove. I soon noticed that the oil pressure was dropping off. I pulled over immediately and called a tow truck. Had the truck pulled to Smyth Stokes Dodge in Reidsville NC. The truck is a Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 with the 4.7 gas engine. I received a call from George at the dealership saying he did not see a problem with the truck but would have the Tech check into it. I received another call on the following Tuesday saying it was low of oil and the filter was clogged with sludge. He stated I needed receipts proving 20 oil changes. I needed to come to the dealership. I went to the Dealership and George told me the motor had to be replaced and it would not be covered under the warranty at a cost of 7000.00 plus labor to me. he showed me the price list for the parts. I was rather frustrated to say the least but continued calmly. I got the hand book out for the truck and showed George that the handbook shows only needing oil changes every 6000 mile and there for at most should have 10-11.

I had the dealership complete 2 oil changes and then a local garage do another the rest I did myself. They decided to call the corporate inspector to come in. to do that I had to agree to pay a 580.00 fee to have the oil pan removed. I did agree to this under the condition that if the problem was covered under the warranty I would not have to pay that fee. Because I know I have completed my requirements I ok'd the work. The inspector came and said there was a sludge build up and that has caused my problem. No coverage. I do not disagree there is a sludge that is the problem. Why the sludge is there is the answer for Dodge to get. I was told the answer was final and needed to contact the corporate office for further assistance. Looking into the owners manual there is a established procedure the owner is asked to follow. The first step is talk to the General Manager of the dealership. I have called Pete Stokes (GM) three times and have not yet to receive a return call. I also went by the dealership to try to speak with him one on one and he conveniently was not available. To date 7 weeks later I have not heard from the General Manager! I then contacted the corporate office and was rudely referred to contact the Attorney General's office of my state and file a lemon law suit. I have contacted them and they are assisting me to try to resolve this problem.