Dodge P0153 Code I Cannot Correct

[PrepVet]

I've spent over $3500 at this point with my own work and three different shops and I simply cannot get this code to go away.

2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon 5.7 hemi (auto) with 117k on the clock.

The code came on last December, I cleared it a few times just by unhooking the batteries but it always came back. Once it warmed up a bit in March I climbed under and started this **** trip:

-March: replaced both forward O2 sensors
--code came back--
-March: later I replaced same O2 sensors under warranty
--code came back--
-April: replaced all 4 O2 sensors
--code came back--
-April: put on some MIL eliminators to see if I could fool the computer to not read the code
--code came back--
--removed those eliminators--
--brought the truck to Shop #1--
-May: shop replaced the O2 sensors with OEM sensors and sealed a "small" leak
--code came back--
-May: shop said they think the mid-pipe needed to be replaced because there was a rattle in the cats - replaced
--code came back--
--brought to the local dealer--
-June: dealer service said they don't weld and the only thing they could do is replace the entire exhaust system from manifolds to tail pipe and quoted me $6500 (i declined)
--brought the truck to Shop #3--
-July: they wanted a baseline, replaced the forward O2 sensors again with OEM's
--code came back within 144 miles of driving--
-July: they reflashed the computer with a stock program (i had a stock program on it already)
--code came back within 56 miles--
-July: They replaced the manifold and gaskets on the effected side; they had to pull the head because several of the bolts were bad and send to a machine shop
(manifold was cracked and 3 of the 4 ports were very burnt)
--code came back within 23 miles--
-August: just reset the computer with the old unhooking the batteries trick again
-code came back within 41 miles--

I am bringing it back to shop #3 again, but I am getting disheartened and pissed at myself for wasting all this money so far. What am I missing here?

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[BroncoDude]

You’re missing the correct forum?

 

[Bronco4lyfe85]

I know this is under “other vehicle talk,” but you might want to post this on a Dodge Ram forum.

 

[wbrainbow]

I had a problem with the same code. I replaced the O2 sensor with an aftermarket replacement. I had to use a spark plug antifouling extension to get it out of the exhaust stream a little. That cured it. It was the downstream sensor.

 

[Phil]

i found this online with a search not sure if you saw this one already

https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/p0153-dodge-ram/

 

[rdass623]

try adding a quart of marvel mystery oil to the gas and running the tank. sometimes a good injector cleaning and decarbonizing of the combustion chambers will help you out.. it is a $5.00 option, not a guarantee. it stretched out the life of a clapped out police car i was assigned many years ago... marvel mystery oil has always helped out for me and crazy as it may sound, and what do you have to loose?

 

[PrepVet]

I know this is under “other vehicle talk,” but you might want to post this on a Dodge Ram forum.

I have. Looking for the possible knowledge base here as well.

 

[JDHNRV]

Get a new gas cap

 

[Erock]

I’ve had a very similar code a couple of times... once was a cracked manifold, the second was a crumbled catalytic converter core. Best of luck finding your problem.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Are you clearing the code with a scan tool? If it's a hard code, disconnecting the battery will not clear it.

 

[Sooner]

Air leak, intermittent miss, or Bad cat would be my guess
if an injector is not firing it could also put O2 into the system

 

[LSTLAF]

Didn't see this in your list, has anyone check for frayed / shorted wires / contaminated connectors yet?

 

[broadicustomworks]

Hmm.
You are all over the problem, all around it, and throwing cash at it to no avail.
Been there, done that before.
Living it now with my 4.0 Jeep.
Installing the anti-foulers will help with the downstream codes (if they are position 2 on your bank 1 and bank 2) IF the codes are arising from an extra bit of O2 in the exhaust.
Sooner had some good advice up there.

But you aren't getting any lean bank or misfire codes?
No EVAP codes?
Any exhaust leakage you can hear?

One thing I have found that works well if the cats aren't completely dead is to get some Seafoam, unplug the vacuum hose for the brake booster.
Let it run and suck up some, then let it suck up enough to kill it.
Let it sit for an hour.
reconnect the hose and fire it up, but make sure everyone in a 2 mile radius is inside because it is going to smoke, shimmy, shake, pop, and blow chunks of carbonized crap out.
It will give you some codes.
Clear them out (with an OBD scan tool) once the engine is done acting like a dog trying to pass a baseball.
It may take a few cycles of driving it/clearing codes before it finally is happy.

Check your injectors as well. A small leak in an O ring creates problems you wouldn't think it would.
A dirty injector or useless clogged one is a dead cylinder throwing unburnt fuel to the cats and into the air.

 

[adamruiz2001]

Check vacuum lines for small cracks, even though the O2 sensor is showing to have a bad voltage reading, I am assuming unmetered air is getting into the system with out the MAS sensor knowing and causing a bad A/F mixture, too bad your not getting other codes to help point you in the right direction. With so many miles, I would start with checking all vacuum lines, use throttle body/carb cleaner spray and spray all vacuum lines, see if idle surge change happens at all, if it does, replace line. Also check your PCV valve, those are know to fail and allow unmetered air into the system.

Good Luck!

 

[PrepVet]

Well. I had the ECM replaced….

Code came back.

Yes the plug was cleaned and as far as the wires could be seen were free of issues.

I’m not replacing the entire wire harness of the truck.

If I can find a diagram of where the wires connect to the ECM I may just run new bodge wires from the sensor plug to the harness and bypass the stock wiring.

I am f*ing sick of the issue and pissing money away on it.

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