1998 Dodge Ram 1500 electrical system problems
32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Truck setting still in yard, horns starting blowing without anyone around, pulled fuse to stop. Two shops have been unable to diagnose problem. Horns do not work at all now. Replaced with new horns and still don't work.”
filed Nov 30, 2017
“Drove my 1998 dodge ram 1500 to empty my trash, started back home and had driven less than 1/4 mile when the truck hesitated like it was going to stall out and there was some smoke beginning to come up through dash area on drivers side. Thinking I might have a busted radiator hose I immediately…”
filed Aug 8, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020This SKU is a Clock Spring. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the internal spring. If the internal spring is not seated, the electrical circuit for the horn is disconnected and…
DOR-X6W2U-06 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 23, 2020
Electrical System problems in other Ram 1500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ram 1500 | 174 | 25% |
| 2011 Ram 1500 | 214 | 31% |
| 2010 Ram 1500 | 71 | 15% |
| 2009 Ram 1500 | 97 | 14% |
| 2008 Ram 1500 | 52 | 9% |
| 2007 Ram 1500 | 62 | 12% |
| 2006 Ram 1500 | 125 | 16% |
| 2005 Ram 1500 | 63 | 5% |
| 2004 Ram 1500 | 99 | 9% |
| 2003 Ram 1500 | 61 | 5% |
| 2002 Ram 1500 | 93 | 11% |
| 2001 Ram 1500 | 81 | 7% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.