I have an ongoing problem with preignition (spark knock) in my 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 318 cid/5.2L motor..at 24,896 miles, my dealer re-programmed the PCM and re-routed the spark wires. The spark knock continued. At 35,067 miles, the dealer adjusted the timing; I didn't think this could be done. The spark knock continued. At 43,281 miles, the dealer replaced the intake plenium gasket. The spark knock continued. At 45,093, the dealer replaced both engine heads. The spark knock continued. At 57,452 miles, I installed a colder thermostat and this helped somewhat, but the spark knock returned. And, today at 74,834 miles I installed a set of truck spark plugs to see if that will help. The bottom line is that this truck has an inherint defective design in the engine which is being prematurely worn out due to spark knock. I would like the NHTSA to investigate, and help me in securing a replacement for my problem plagued lemon. Thank you!

- Murrieta, CA, USA

Spark knock noticed, vehicle taken to nearest Dodge dealership(colonial dr., orlando, fl). Vehicle was evaluated by computer diagnostic system and road test: Reported as normal. On further insistance and discussion, service tech found intake manifold gasket was defective and would need replacement. It was also mentioned by this dealership, as well as by several other mechanics, that this is a problem Dodge is having on V-6 and V-8 style engines. This problem has become so widespread that Dodge has published bulletins on repair of this defect. Dodge has also agreed to repair this defect in the V-6 engines. Since I am the owner of a V-8 engine that this defect also exists, I feel Dodge is responsible for the failure of the part in my engine and I should be compensated for the diagnostic test and repair of engine manifold plenum pan gasket. Thank-you for your assisstance in this matter.

- Canal Point, FL, USA

When driving, the truck makes clicking sound coming from the engine, but before a loss of power is felt. When we first took in the truck, the mechanics at cal worthington said they could not hear anything or feel any loss of power. After they claimed they fixed the problem, the problem kept coming back. After several times they still claimed they did not know what the problem was, until we got furious and upset. They claimed that they knew what the problem was, and they also claimed that most of their trucks had the same problem. Even though we have taken in our truck several times, they have done nothing to stop the noises and loss of power. To this day the problem is still occuring specially when when going up a small ascent. The problem also occurs quite frequently at the 60-70 mph range. We have not figured out what the problem is, but they do. From what we have noticed over the past years that we have taken in the truck for repairs they have done absolutely nothing to stop it.

- Oceanside, CA, USA