Posted 2011-01-24 5:02 PM (#5165) Subject: 2004 Dodge 3500-Throttle Position Sensor and Pinion Bearing problems
Posts: 1
We have a 2004 Dodge 3500 Cummins that just turned over 100,000 miles. While driving it sometimes will just loose power and you have to just let it coast for a little bit and then it will go back to working fine. It just started this a few weeks ago and has done it probably 4 times. We were told it sounds like the TPS needs to be replaced which will cost $600 just for the part. Is there a way to find out if this is for sure what is the problem and is there a way we can change this ourselves? Is there a cheaper way to fix this than what the dealership quoted (they usually like to take every $$$ they can). I also found this online (you will have to copy paste the website because for some reason link won't work)
Has anyone used this? Does this sound like it would solve the problem and keep the truck running strong?
Now the truck has also started to make this howling sound which we were told is probably a bad Pinion Bearing which will cost $1500 to replace. Is there a more affordable way to fix this? Is a bad pinion bearing an emergency fix or can it be driven without doing much damage?
Posted 2011-01-25 5:01 PM (#5166 - in reply to #5165) Subject: RE: 2004 Dodge 3500-Throttle Position Sensor and Pinion Bearing problems
Posts: 176
First off, are you 100% sure it is the TPS and not fuel related? If it is a TPS there will be codes stored in the trucks computer system and or the CEL will come on. I would get someone to hook it up to a scanner and see if there are any codes and go from there.
Second off, the pinion bearing....... Some reason Dodge trucks are major bad about rear end noise on trucks with higher miles. This will is not a real big issue other than the noise and here local the problem can be fixed for around $300 to $500 (+/-) or a complete rear axle replaced for $1000 or so.