2006 Dodge Ram 4000

Introduction:

The 2006 Dodge Ram 4000 is a heavy-duty pickup truck offered with several engine and transmission options. It features a 5.7L V8 engine with 345 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Customers appreciate the Ram 4000’s powerful engine, spacious cabin, and rugged exterior. However, it has also been subject to various issues.

Engine

5.7L V8 Engine

• Intake manifold failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or warping of the intake manifold, leading to coolant and/or oil leaks, rough idling, and decreased engine power.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cam phaser failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or damaged cam phasers cause issues with variable valve timing, resulting in rough idling, decreased engine power, and increased fuel consumption.
  • Solution: Replace the cam phasers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding gears:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, accompanied by grinding noises.
  • Solution: Replace damaged gears and/or synchronizers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping:
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission fails to engage properly, causing the vehicle to lose power while driving.
  • Solution: Overhaul or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front suspension failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or damaged ball joints and control arms cause excessive play and handling issues.
  • Solution: Replace the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery drains prematurely, even when not in use.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the electrical system (e.g., replace alternator, starter, or faulty wiring).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Bulbs or ballasts in the headlights malfunction, causing dim or non-functioning lights.
  • Solution: Replace the bulbs or ballasts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC control panel failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions in the HVAC control panel, such as buttons not working or incorrect temperature control.
  • Solution: Replace the HVAC control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2006 Dodge Ram 4000 is a capable pickup truck but is not without its issues. Engine problems, such as intake manifold and cam phaser failures, can be expensive to repair. Transmission issues, including slipping gears and transmission failure, are also common. While suspension, electrical, and exterior problems are less severe, they can still impact the vehicle’s performance and reliability. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues before purchasing a 2006 Ram 4000.