Three problems related to automatic transmission gear indicator have been reported for the 1998 Dodge RAM. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer was unable to put vehicle into gear. The gear shift had broken. Contacted dealer. Replaced part.
The first incident of losing 5th gear was in elizabethtown ky. The vehicle was being driven @ 55mph and lost 5th gear. The truck was taken to swope auto center in elizabethtown and the description of repairs is that 5th gear was loose. Repairs were made as follows: instlled nut pkg. , installed sealer, installed lubricant, replaced the nut and washer and then reassembled. Break-down #2 occurred 4/19/99 the vehicle was being driven @ 55mph and suddenly lost all power. It was taken to taylor Chrysler Plymouth Dodge in kankakee IL. The mileage is at 70590, it has been found that fifth gear is lost, and the input shaft is bad. The original repair was $1100. 00 and now this repair is estimated at $3200. 00. After reading your service bulletin, I found there are two listed on the transmission alone, sb#980911211098, and sb#980925211098, they both have to do with the loss of 5th gear.
When this vehicle is placed in park the gear shift reads park, but its really in reverse. When in reverse its really is in park. Consumer has to place it in neutral to start it up. Dealer has not been contacted.