1990 Dodge Ram 50

Introduction

The 1990 Dodge Ram 50 was a compact pickup truck that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine was a 2.4L inline-four, which produced 103 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. A 2.6L V6 was also available, which produced 110 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, with a three-speed automatic transmission available as an option.

Owners of the 1990 Dodge Ram 50 have reported a number of issues with the vehicle, including:

Engine

2.4L Inline-Four

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include low coolant levels, low oil levels, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300+
• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include low coolant levels, low oil levels, and white smoke from the exhaust. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+
• Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to lose power and stall. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power, a rattling noise from the engine, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing belt. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300+
• Water pump failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include high coolant temperatures, steam coming from the engine, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Oil pump failure: The oil pump can fail, causing the engine to lose oil pressure. Symptoms include low oil pressure, a knocking noise from the engine, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the oil pump. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300+

2.6L V6

• Cylinder head cracking: The cylinder head can crack, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include low coolant levels, low oil levels, and white smoke from the exhaust. The solution is to replace the cylinder head. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include low coolant levels, low oil levels, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300+
• Exhaust manifold gasket failure: The exhaust manifold gasket can fail, causing exhaust gases to leak. Symptoms include a loud exhaust noise and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the exhaust manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to lose power and stall. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power, a rattling noise from the engine, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing belt. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300+
• Water pump failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include high coolant temperatures, steam coming from the engine, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Oil pump failure: The oil pump can fail, causing the engine to lose oil pressure. Symptoms include low oil pressure, a knocking noise from the engine, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the oil pump. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300+

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing the transmission to slip or become difficult to shift. Symptoms include a slipping clutch, a grinding noise when shifting, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+
• Transmission mount failure: The transmission mount can fail, causing the transmission to shake or vibrate. Symptoms include a shaking or vibrating transmission, a clunking noise when shifting, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the transmission mount. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Synchronizer failure: The synchronizers can fail, causing the transmission to grind or become difficult to shift. Symptoms include a grinding noise when shifting, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the synchronizers. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+

Three-Speed Automatic

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or become difficult to shift. Symptoms include a slipping transmission, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+
• Transmission mount failure: The transmission mount can fail, causing the transmission to shake or vibrate. Symptoms include a shaking or vibrating transmission, a clunking noise when shifting, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the transmission mount. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Solenoid failure: The solenoids can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or become stuck in one gear. Symptoms include harsh shifting, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the solenoids. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Suspension

• Front suspension component failure: The front suspension components can fail, causing the vehicle to handle poorly and become unstable. Symptoms include a loose or rattling front end, a loss of control, and a wandering steering wheel. The solution is to replace the failed components. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+
• Rear suspension component failure: The rear suspension components can fail, causing the vehicle to handle poorly and become unstable. Symptoms include a loose or rattling rear end, a loss of control, and a wandering steering wheel. The solution is to replace the failed components. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+
• Shock absorber failure: The shock absorbers can fail, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a rough ride, a loss of control, and a wandering steering wheel. The solution is to replace the shock absorbers. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dim or flickering headlights, a dead battery, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the vehicle from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle, a dead battery, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dead battery, a dim or flickering headlights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Wiring harness failure: The wiring harness can fail, causing electrical problems throughout the vehicle. Symptoms include intermittent electrical problems, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the wiring harness. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Rust: The body can rust, causing cosmetic damage and structural problems. Symptoms include rust spots, holes in the body, and a weakened frame. The solution is to repair or replace the rusted components. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Paint fading: The paint can fade over time, causing the vehicle to look dull and faded. The solution is to repaint the vehicle. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,500+

Interior

• Seat fabric tearing: The seat fabric can tear, causing the seats to look worn and unsightly. The solution is to repair or replace the seat fabric. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+
• Door panel damage: The door panels can become damaged, causing the interior to look worn and unsightly. The solution is to repair or replace the door panels. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $300+
• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard can crack, causing the interior to look worn and unsightly. The solution is to repair or replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+

Summary

The 1990 Dodge Ram 50 is a reliable and affordable pickup truck that is known for its durability and off-road capabilities. However, like all vehicles, it has its share of issues. The most common problems reported by owners include engine problems, transmission