1997 Dodge Ram Help

My partner at work has a 1997 Dodge Ram extended cab 4x4 with auto transmission and 4x4

He has been having a couple problems so I will list them both and you guys might be able to tell us more.

He has problems with it at idle, it runs fine when he is driving but dies and is hard to start at idle. We thought maybe fuel filter but he thinks his fuel filter is in the tank, is there an easier way to get that out?

And secondly

His 4x4 will not work, it feels like it is going into 4 wheel drive but nothing happens, there is a positive click in the transfer case when shifted but it just has 2wd. He was told there is some vacuum pump or something on the transfer case that is pretty common to fail but not sure if that is it, any ideas there?

i dont know much about newer dodges but for the 4x4 i would lock it in and check the front drive shaft to see if it is the transfer case or is it the front hubs not locking in. i had a gmc that the case worked fine but the axle would not engage. i think dodge has a vacume operated hubs

there is a diaphram on the axle housing, it is vacum activated that locks in the frt axles, check that, as for the idle problem, the dodges have a big problem with the plunum on the bottom of the intake leaking vacum and causing idel problems

I'm asking here so someone else chime in here, but do the 1/2 tons have the lock up torque converter like the dakata's do, if so that sounds like the issue with it shutting off, its not unlocking and putting to much drag on the motor..

the dakota doesnt have the same converter

Does sound like a vaccum problem, it would cause both problems, check all you vaccum hose connections to make sure maybe one of them didn't get knocked off, or rotted out ,

mhtrk wrote:the dakota doesnt have the same converter

Geoff you need to have them look at the identifiaction numbers on the tranny, seems i was right and so was mhtrk, truck was availbe in both electric and hydraulic lockup, below is the break down to see what tranny is what..Hope this helps..


Automatic, 4-Speed Overdrive Gear Ratios
Transmission 42RH 46RH (A518) 47RH (A618)
1st Gear 2.74 2.45 2.45
2nd Gear 1.54 1.45 1.45
3rd Gear 1.00 1.00 1.00
4th Gear 0.69 0.69 0.69
R Gear 2.21 2.21 2.21
Torque Converter
Diameter 273 mm
(10.75 in.) 273 mm
(10.75 in.) 310 mm
(12.2 in.)
Input Torque
Rating (ft-lb) NA NA 450
GCVW (lb) 7,800 14,000 19,000
Application V6 2WD

V6 4WD, V8
V10, Diesel

Automatic Transmission Identification

Transmission identification numbers are stamped on the driver side of the case flange just above the oil pan gasket (just below the TV lever). There will be a 9 digit part number, a space, a 4 digit build date, a spave, and a 4 digit serial number.

Subject: Re: [RAM] (RAM) Transmission ID
To: ramtruck

> It's time to change the filter and adjust the bands on my truck. Is there an
> easy way to identify my transmission? (47RH or 46RH)?

Auto Trans code breaks down like this:

4 = 4 forward speeds
6 = strength of trans. (1-9, higher number, stronger trans.)
R = Rear wheel drive
H=Hydraulic controlled, E = Electronic controlled shift

thanks Scott, I will have him check.

The running problem is most likely iac valve idle air control valve located on the back of the throttle body the 4 wheel drive sounds like the front actuator is not engaging the front axle

I have not worked with him since I posted this, hopefully I will see him this week and I will let him know what you said Jim, thanks

Scott you listed the 46rh h being hydralic mine is a 46re e being electronic

Gsgrisso wrote:

mhtrk wrote:the dakota doesnt have the same converter

Geoff you need to have them look at the identifiaction numbers on the tranny, seems i was right and so was mhtrk, truck was availbe in both electric and hydraulic lockup, below is the break down to see what tranny is what..Hope this helps..


Automatic, 4-Speed Overdrive Gear Ratios
Transmission 42RH 46RH (A518) 47RH (A618)
1st Gear 2.74 2.45 2.45
2nd Gear 1.54 1.45 1.45
3rd Gear 1.00 1.00 1.00
4th Gear 0.69 0.69 0.69
R Gear 2.21 2.21 2.21
Torque Converter
Diameter 273 mm
(10.75 in.) 273 mm
(10.75 in.) 310 mm
(12.2 in.)
Input Torque
Rating (ft-lb) NA NA 450
GCVW (lb) 7,800 14,000 19,000
Application V6 2WD

V6 4WD, V8
V10, Diesel

Automatic Transmission Identification

Transmission identification numbers are stamped on the driver side of the case flange just above the oil pan gasket (just below the TV lever). There will be a 9 digit part number, a space, a 4 digit build date, a spave, and a 4 digit serial number.

Subject: Re: [RAM] (RAM) Transmission ID
To: ramtruck

> It's time to change the filter and adjust the bands on my truck. Is there an
> easy way to identify my transmission? (47RH or 46RH)?

Auto Trans code breaks down like this:

4 = 4 forward speeds
6 = strength of trans. (1-9, higher number, stronger trans.)
R = Rear wheel drive
H=Hydraulic controlled, E = Electronic controlled shift

Jim,
Isn't that the difference between the "H" and the "E" as referenced at the end of his post?

H=Hydraulic controlled, E = Electronic controlled shift