Dodge Ram 5.9 Gas: No Power, Engine Bogs Down

In this video we have a quick look at a 1999 Dodge ram 5.9 that came in with a no power complaint. After starting the vehicle it was pretty obvious what the problem was. However we took it just a couple steps further just to be 100% and prove our hunch. Turns out our hunch was right. -Enjoy!
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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

[@SouthMainAuto]

*OTC 5613 Vacuum/Pressure Gauge Kit: amzn.to/2M7rvUY *Exhaust Back Pressure Tester/Gauge: amzn.to/2K7ZVpJ

[@L1Training]

Do you smell popcorn?

[@iratodd8867]

South Main Auto Repair i would have just straight piped the truck and said to hell with it if the epa complained about the way i would have fixed the issue in this video

[@Dirtyharry70585]

hacked the O2 sensor wiring, give that truck some HP ;)just kidding big brother.....

[@fahisaurus]

He has to do things the right way. That means not blatantly violating EPA standards. The owner though, that's another story.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Joe Johnson very true on easier way

[@artdonovandesign]

Thank you for getting right to the point!!! No long intros, animated logos nor small talk. Great channel!

[@jrfranco3090]

Couldn't have said it better myself! Just meat and potatoes lol

[@arturos.l.2248]

@@jrfranco3090 not sure what that means but I agree

[@a308hunter1]

Just seeing this video now. Guess why?? I have the exact same problem with my 99 Ram 1500. Gonna test it today. You do a service to us all with your videos. Your my "go to" for the no nonsense approach and the educational parts of the content as far as what we should see on a scanner and to help us diagnose the problem so we don't just start throwing parts at it. Bless you and your family.

[@abovetheclouds714]

did it fix ur truck?

[@a308hunter1]

@@abovetheclouds714 Yeah. It was the cat. performed a radical catpendectomy by cutting out a side section of the cat and removing the infected tissue. Sutured up with a Hobart 210 Handler and the trucked did it's first therapeutic burn out in over five years. Loaded it up with 93 octane to ward off side effects and a relapse. All seems well so far.

[@michaelf161]

I have the same truck 2000 with the 5.9 gas only 145,780 miles cranks up and runs good transmission good but when I hit the gas it doesn't wanna get up and go but It will pull my boat just fine at 70 mph once it gets to that speed

[@bradolson1102]

I have a 99' Ram in my harem of vehicles ... bought it new ... been through the intake system , new cat along with normal ware and tare items...good truck still running strong , took her out to the Oregon coast this summer....great video...love it !!

[@Volcker1929]

Thanks for the video Eric. Man do I hate summertime and paucity of SMA videos, but I hope it means you are enjoy this time with your family.

[@workingshlub8861]

i have the same truck i use for plowing....17 new England winters still going..the video on the 02 sensors going bad few years back saved me..middle of big storm and its acts up..remembered your video . keep the videos coming you are helping all of us.

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

Mine is also a Plow Rig in Toledo. They were made for it. It's where they shine

[@crystal1484]

Great tip, thank you for all the hard work you do putting into these videos.

[@Paul1958R]

Great video Eric! @6:36: By the looks of that ash tray its no surprise that his converters are clogged! (Im a former smoker - but not a butt in 30+ years!) Thank you and God bless Paul

[@michaelclemmer9163]

Nobody gives s#@t

[@Mac4Willy]

Thank you for putting this up. I know it takes some time to do , but it really is appreciated.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

That's a great test procedure! It's quick and decisive. Thanks.

[@tracydiller4492]

That is a cool trick with the old brake line.Once again GREAT video Dr.O and as always keep them videos coming.PEACE

[@supercoupe6288]

really like the brake line tip thanks Eric O, big thumbs up.

[@shaunsautorepairs5410]

Sma in the morning....inspires my day..

[@Micko350]

You shot this on my Birthday!:D I totally did not expect you to have so much trouble drilling that exhaust, expected it to be paper thin Eric!

[@garycsfunlife]

Did you notice that every Dodge 1500 has the same rip in the seat in the same place as you slide in lol

[@andyd2960]

I sewed mine back together

[@sixty-nine69]

The floor board rots in the same spot on the same side too lol

[@ffhjvbuydb78eb]

@@andyd2960 same here. It looks really good now

[@ChristoherWGray]

And the same dash in pieces And the same melted headlight switch And the same leaking heater core And the same leaking belly pan gasket And the same broken cup holder

[@ffhjvbuydb78eb]

@@ChristoherWGray I fixed my cupholder long ago. Lol

[@MotorCityMechanic]

sweet trick on that brake line "tool"!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

True very sweet trick

[@scuba422123]

hey dave I had welded a o2 bottom to a male air hose fitting did it that way for years

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

scuba422123 pretty good idea

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Another great idea!

[@Treeves30]

Another great Eric O. video! Thanks for sharing grandma's tricks! Need to write a book on those. However, was sad to see no use of brake cleaner and the inserted sound effect! I'm sure you could find a use for brake cleaner on a bad cat diagnosis! LOL

[@Gabriellariz]

Thank you for posting this video, I have the same truck with exactly the same issue. I’m getting rid of it as is.

[@kiddbrother3]

ur grandma a very smart lady! I see where you get it from! my grandma in WW2 & fix her ambulance when it broke down!!

[@donnierobertson3088]

Thanks for the great work you do my friend

[@klwthe3rd]

I remember the good ole days when you could just take the old converter off, hollow the inside out, and put it back and nobody was the wiser! Even got a better sounding exhaust and more power. But we do have to care about our air quality so I hope he decides to replace the converter so we can come along for the ride. Awesome Grandma trick!

[@29auto30]

A easier method is to just cut the cat open like a book,gut it,and then reweld.(that's what my Grandma used to do) LOL

[@scrapprepperboss8414]

Can i just got the cat off would that fix the problem or not?

[@Diagnosedan]

Sweet trick with the brake lines Eric!👍💪

[@throttlebottle5906]

coming soon, "self tapping thread test bungs" :)))) hey I missed a p in speelins sue me ;))

[@WBOS72]

Thanks for the vid Eric. Hope you got the job.

[@GNX157]

Although this one was a clogged converter, I worked on many of the 5.9 like this in the Ram vans and they also had a problem of fuel pumps going bad but not failing totally, just the output would go down gradually over time. It feels like a cat starting to clog. My seat of the pants told me the engine was starving for fuel though and proved it by mounting a fuel pressure gauge on a hose to a fuel connection under the hood and watch the gauge held under the wiper arm. I could see under heavy throttle in 2nd and 3rd that the fuel pres would drop lower and lower in relation with the engine bogging down. The engine just felt like it was 'laying down', short on power compared to what it had before, and what the other good vans in the fleet had. Thankfully the vans were still driveable and I had the users run the tanks down because on these extended vans the tanks were like 30 gals. Not fun draining to reach the fuel pump.

[@williamcarson423]

Wow that dash looks mint for an old dodge

[@stevemazzarella7212]

That’s cool, I work in a lot of diesels they have a differential pressure sensor for the dpf filter.. same concept...👍🏻

[@JOHNPHUFNAGEL]

That is the best tip on back pressure testing I ever seen. I always burn my fingers holding the hose on the pipe..Lol Don't waste your money on the O2 adapter from snap on. Get a old O2 and cut the top off, drill a hole through it and JB Weld a 1/4 inch barb fitting on it and Bobs your uncle! Works great I wish I known bout the California and federal O2 Pids a few weeks ago I wasted time looking all over the place for the other oxygen sensor. I finally gave up and ignored the 5.0v pid reading for the other upstream O2 sensor. My verus never asked if it was fed or cali. I need to invest in more scan tools Thanks Man

[@billsanders7059]

Eric. I really like your channel. I like the way you always figure out what caused the problem. Could you suggest a scanner for a poor man

[@tinkerwest]

For testing suspected clogged exhaust. I drill 1/8" holes before and/or after cats because they're convenient to seal back with 1/8" alum rivets. Stick a piece of 1/8" O.D. pipe into hole and slip hose with gauge over pipe. Its amazing at how much better the engine runs (almost normal) with just a 1/8" hole in exhaust before even gauging pressures. As Eric O says, removing old sensors like those is always a disaster/massacre, otherwise the adapter shown looks sweet. Thanks for showing

[@throttlebottle5906]

it's an older dodge 5.9....... sensor/wire issues guarantee 100% plugged cat :)) sawzall and test with exhaust cut off, hardly running fix solved, now fix the multiple sensor/wire failures ;)

[@roadkill5333]

O.M.G. THAT IS THE BEST TIP AND TRICK THAT GRANDMA HAS EVER SHARED WITH US!!

[@dand1654]

Super helpful. Thanks Eric!

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Good one, a quickie, thanks Eric O!

[@jdgimpa]

Those trucks had converter issues from almost new. If they didn't plug up they rattled. I worked at a Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealer during that time frame and replaced many converters. Even the converter on my personal truck was rattling and was replaced on Chrysler's dime as well the intake gasket also leaked. As soon as you started it and revved it up I had a flashback to my tech days.

[@Dragunov1Bros]

grant wright My 97 Dakota has a rattling converter on it when I got it back in 2016, can’t complain, it gave me a reason to put a Magnaflow in its place!

[@trevoratkins5029]

My 99 1500 5.9 gasser has terrible acceleration and at around 40 she likes to shake but it’s the engine

[@justisyoung2799]

98 for me, and might as well cut the exhaust now, cuz this is next 😅 believe me, all that oil you are burning is clogging that cat lol. Wish I had seen this video a while ago. Would’ve saved me throwing money at parts trying to diagnose it all lol

[@jazbuh1794]

Great Vid! I have a Dodge 5.9 Magnum and I put the Hughes Engines Plenum Pan Kit on mine just so this does not happen. Plus I cleaned out the casting mark and polished the throttle body while it was apart. Run like ah Champ! If you have a Dodge/Jeep Magnum, check out Hughes Engines... I am not affiliated just a long time happy custom.

[@blackheartt420]

@South Main Auto Repair LLC so glad i watched this video i was gonna change my transmission i heard a pop and my truck runs and sounds like shit well sounds like this dodge really and yes i have the same truck same engine and all i think burning oil like it does at about 3 quarts for a 100 mile trip did the cat in thanks man i think this video just saved me thousands

[@gregsidel3557]

I was a real need trick checking the back pressure. Thank you

[@hvacr24]

E.O my Ram had the exact same thing with my 99!! Two new 02 sensors and she has power sgain!! Plenty of power

[@DClairRobinson]

Awesome! My van has the same problem, I'm just gonna straight pipe it now

[@raybrensike42]

I gave mine the water test, taking off an air pump hose and connecting a garden hose. Helped to flush out all that black soot too.

[@clivegarnham2237]

Hi Eric. I am not an auto engineer but your fault finding processes are brilliant. You have some advanced test kit and what makes you different you seem to know how to use it. You always finish with “if I can do it so can you!” Not true. Thanks for great videos

[@paulbakovic7475]

Awesome as usual!!

[@DJHalo2]

Happened to me. Changed catalytic converter and worked like a charm.

[@ralphmadera4366]

You should call you channel South Main Automotive University, I have been learning a lot after I subscribed to your channel.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

grandma always has the greatest tricks. that was one full ashtray! bet that truck smelled GREAT!

[@hellofromrob]

Great video! Tried looking everywhere online for that Snap-on S6149 O2 sensor adapter (or even a similar product with a hose connection) and was completely unable to find one that was available or not included within some kit. Any ideas?

[@waggitnshaggit6592]

Props to You Grandma and uncle Bob! subbed

[@DieselRamcharger]

Nice looking little building ya got there. Seems like a cool place to live.

[@ford_performance_guy320]

Ha man great video,big hello to you, Vanessa and the chillens from Bundaberg,Queensland,AUSTRALIA .The home of the famous Bundaberg Rum and sugar cane country.My wife Allison loves all you video's on all your channels as much as I do keep them coming.Kind Regards Warren.S.

[@ikemen1]

Love your Grandma's little tricks....

[@turboflush]

I got burned on a ford escort in my early early years. Coughing out the carb. Ran through timing so many times. Just to find out.. plugged cat. Nice trick with brake hose.

[@normangallant9879]

Good find.Soon you first started and engine sound and me saying plugged exhaust

[@63256325N]

Hope you get the job, that is if you really want it. Thanks for the video.

[@papahoe6718]

Wow now that is real Thank you (S M A)😎👍👍

[@commonsense2469]

Great work!

[@mrb1864]

Good tip for pressure tapping the exhaust ... Grandma is the best ...

[@SierraOne]

Hope you get the job Would love to see the 'guts' of the cat Thanks for a great vid

[@robertoruiz7069]

Thanks eric,i just did the hole drilling on my exhaust,it runs so much better now and my milage is WAY UP>next paycheck i'll maybe look into getting a cat.ha ha

[@kellyokamoto1604]

MORE "old school" tips and tricks, please!!!

[@stigonutube]

Good Hunch, looks like it "the cat" was toast quite a few years ago

[@kennethbrown7033]

I'm not a professional and wouldn't have a welder available to seal the hole, but, perhaps do you think using a large enough self tapping stainless screw might serve as a suitable substitute to plug the holes as long as the pipes aren't rusted?

[@greygoosemafia]

Great idea with the brake line

[@dalevandermeer719]

That's a handy trick to know

[@ramdodgetruck]

I have the same truck and ashtray. On my second motor and transmission but still use it for my work truck. replaced lots of parts over the years but it doesn't owe me a thing. Has original cat. Bought a new F-250 and it came with a bad front end, had to be replaced. Speaker in Pass door unplugged, pin holes in trailer hitch didn't line up.

[@nhra7110]

Great tip!

[@strattuner]

loose timing chains,plugged converters,too hot plugs can also increase the temps the exhaust valves run at,which invariably will crack heads,manifolds,valves with disastrous results,at highway speed,there wont be enough left of the engine for parts,good job eric o,superwrench

[@johnralston5818]

.... unfortunately, CYA is the only option these days Eric... trick diagnostics though. Hope ya get the nod for the job... & Thanks for the video ;)

[@richardcranium5839]

the brake line trick --- "now there's using your head for something more than a hat rack" lol

[@kmac5793]

Got a 2001 Dodge 1500 the big Ram 5.9 190000 miles on it I live in Wisconsin I feel your pain gets to a point where I wonder when do I stop putting money into this Beast

[@justisyoung2799]

I’m there now lol. Hopefully this is it tho! Lol wish me luck

[@scuba422123]

good morning eric have you used walker carb cats before? are they any good? thanks

[@cobrahatch]

I have a 99 ram 2500 with 5.9 360, runs good. Cooler mornings runs great and most days. But sometimes it just has less power. With no engine code. Is there any command problems with these to start with I did plugs wire and cap.also starts great everytime

[@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything]

Yes! Pls do a new exhaust system update!

[@TheAutoTech]

Thermal camera works great for this 👍🏻

[@littlemacs]

I herd you can also measure temp. before and after converter to determine if clogged.

[@camaronash]

Ah, the old key trick to find out DTCs. I like it.

[@robiscrupe7694]

hi there eric I have that same truck with the same motor all stock with 212k miles on it and I still have the original cat still on it got it inspected last year and the numbers on the test came back all zeros does that mean my engine is burning super clean or I just take that good care of it what do you think

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

They need to tape these classic sounds and play them for Josh's class. Bwaaaaaaa with recovery is fuel on carbureted engines & Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa with noise staying stagnant or worse is plugged exhaust, play lifter tap, rocker arm click, piston slap, rod knock, wheel bearing rumble, etc...no scan tools required. Someone was welding on the muffler.

[@kellyokamoto1604]

So I learned something interesting from this vid-at least in your state. I've got a '00 Ford Expedition 4.6L/2V originally licensed in California. My cats will need replacement soon, however, I NOW live in So. Utah and I've been wondering if I HAD to replace these CARB factory cats with CARB-approved cats or if I can skate by using Federal cats because they're much cheaper. I'm not sure what the law is in Utah as I just recently moved here but I do know the emissions laws are much less stringent, way more relaxed. My concern is are the PCM's calibrated for the CARB cats and will the engine run well with Federal cats???

[@randyhughes5160]

When the 02 failed did it go to a rich setting and that make the cat stop up from getting to hot

[@robertw1871]

You can measure temperature in front and back of the cat, if the difference is high that’s an easy way to 100% verify plugged in a couple seconds… wherever the restriction is where you see a big temperature spike… I want to say a 100 degree temperature delta says plugged but check me on that number, anyway a temp gun is pretty dang accurate…

[@simonrawle7885]

loving the brass hammer

[@InfiniteSith136]

Hey South Main, quick question. My truck is having a rather strange problem. It stalls and dies completely while I'm driving, and the fuel system relay gets so hot to the point where it deforms the relay and also melts the location around the pins. I was thinking crank position sensor or fuel pump, but I could be wrong. It seems to be a short in the system somewhere, it's my only vehicle and I desperately need your help! Thank you, The Joker.

[@kwilliamwhiteford8739]

That was a great tip. Thank your grandma for me

[@manuelmachado4428]

Thanks man 👍🏻

[@jerzcnate]

That Grandma trick is sweet I hope you get the job. Most likely he isn't going to fix that old dog just going to put her down.

[@Rickm2003]

was the Mrs O's drill you used for the first hole? Looked very clean for being in a shop.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

hhahahahah Now he's using Mrs.O stuff - last week it was the kids playdough

[@enriquemartinez7990]

Gracias amigo

[@PuchMaxi]

Sounds like your grandma is a very smart lady!

[@sebry25ify]

nice tip

[@zx8401ztv]

If it can't breathe, it won't acheave lol. Exhausting work :)

[@runwillrobinson]

Please try to muffle your comments sir.

[@rayg125shayd613]

I have an 07 dodge charger rt radiator cracked ... replaced the radiator went to turn it over and it putted like it was gonna die .. it idles rough and eventually dies I haven't driven it cuz it's still up on Jack stands so I replaced crank sensor and had a code for knock so replaced that.. as well I had a p0300 code for random misfire so I replaced all 16 spark plugs check engine went away for a few minutes.. car is still doing the same thing except now I have a blinking check engine light and it smells like it's burning rich I'm told... cannot pull codes with blinking check engine light.. no smoke from anywhere fluids look good not mixed... it's got 113500 miles any ideas

[@nathanlykouretzos4308]

Hey I'm thinking about taking a look at my 1500 because I reckon there's a throttle response issue, I can cruise at 55-70 mph and the truck will lose power when I haven't let off the gas, even going up hills, it loses power, and I have to lay into it more, so you have any idea(s) of what it might be?

[@Madhuntr]

Could a plugged cat also cause the engine to shake in low rpm while driving? I have that problem on my 98 ram 1500 84k miles 5.2l. I'm breaking my had over what it could be since it really is only in low rpms eg 30mph in 5th gear (manual trans) which was working fine before I had to replace the cooler.

[@punker6506]

Wait did you just cycle the key 3 times to read codes in IPC? How did i not know that

[@8power0]

GOOD ONE !

[@JPilot2]

G'day, Mr. O! Thumps up! I agree, pretty sweet trick with the brake lines!! But, I still can't figure out, how you know... "Bob's my uncle!?!" 😉 Great video! Cheers! 😊✌🏼🛠❤️ P.S. "Bob's your uncle" is a great way of saying "you're all set" or "you've got it made." It's a catch phrase dating back to 1887, when British Prime Minister Robert Cecil. (a.k.a. Lord Salisbury) Decided to appoint a certain Arthur Balfour to the prestigious, and sensitive post of Chief Secretary for Ireland. Not lost on the British public was the fact that 'Lord Salisbury' just happened to be better known to Arthur Balfour as "Uncle Bob." ✌🏼

[@rwrobs777]

Yeah, the first time I heard it...plugged exhaust/cat...finish watching !!

[@62ejo]

Hope you get the ok,would too see this fix, thxs..

[@jws3925]

It seems like you are using the Encore a lot lately as opposed to some of the other computerized scan tools (Verus, Alltel) you used to use. Any particular reason? In fact, I don't recall the Encore. Is it new to you?

[@jeffgrizzel9499]

Eric. I wanted to make me a 780 mA test light too. I ordered a OTC 3639. I had assumed you used a 12100 bulb. But I have found I’ll have to enlarge the cavity quite a bit before the bulb will go in. Is this what you did, or did you use a different bulb number? Thanks for your help and for all you do for us.

[@mahlerob]

I believe you need the 11005 bulb

[@irishboi7383]

I have a '99 and a few months ago my catalytic Exploded, with the large can it has 2 separate sections from what ive seen online, mine was missing over a 3/4th of the front half of the can i don't know where it went, it juat disappeared and clogged my exhaust