96 Ram V10 running poorly
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Joined: Jul 2009
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96 Ram V10 running poorly
I'm new to the forum, and new to Dodge trucks. Just bought a 96 2500, V10 a few months ago. The only unfortunate thing about this purchase is the automatic transmission. I was looking for manual, but this was a good deal.
Everything was going fine for a while, now I've developed a whole peck of problems, which I think all have the same cause.
I'm looking for help, 'cause I don't really know where to start in trying to track this down.
Symptoms:
Idle speed is typically around 1300 RPM. Sometimes, it will fast idle at cold start, then drop to about 800, like it should. Other times it just stays at fast idle. Periodically, the idle speed will oscillate from 1300-900-1300, etc.
When driving: From about 1500-2200 RPM engine surges/stumbles constantly. Happens in all gears, regardless of shifter position.
Early on the transmission shifted in what I believe to be a fairly normal manner. Now, however, under moderate acceleration, it won't shift from 2-3 until around 2800-3200 RPM. Once it shifts to 3, it won't shift to OD until 2600 or so. With harder acceleration, like on a highway accelerating to 65 or so, it shifts normal. Under light acceleration, it shifts from 2-3 at about 2200, but typically shifts kinda hard.
I've thought about a few things to check, but this is my first truck newer than 1973, so all this computer and sensor stuff is new to me. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'd rather not spend my next 3 or 4 weekends trying to diagnose this thing.
Everything was going fine for a while, now I've developed a whole peck of problems, which I think all have the same cause.
I'm looking for help, 'cause I don't really know where to start in trying to track this down.
Symptoms:
Idle speed is typically around 1300 RPM. Sometimes, it will fast idle at cold start, then drop to about 800, like it should. Other times it just stays at fast idle. Periodically, the idle speed will oscillate from 1300-900-1300, etc.
When driving: From about 1500-2200 RPM engine surges/stumbles constantly. Happens in all gears, regardless of shifter position.
Early on the transmission shifted in what I believe to be a fairly normal manner. Now, however, under moderate acceleration, it won't shift from 2-3 until around 2800-3200 RPM. Once it shifts to 3, it won't shift to OD until 2600 or so. With harder acceleration, like on a highway accelerating to 65 or so, it shifts normal. Under light acceleration, it shifts from 2-3 at about 2200, but typically shifts kinda hard.
I've thought about a few things to check, but this is my first truck newer than 1973, so all this computer and sensor stuff is new to me. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'd rather not spend my next 3 or 4 weekends trying to diagnose this thing.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles, CA
RAM is on the right track. If it isn't running right it can feel like it isn't shifting right. Rule out any engine issues first. There was a problem with older V10s and misfiring because of crossfiring wires. A TSB was issued and it was finally fixed in 1999-up models.
Here's a resource for TSBs pertaining to these vehicles.
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/index.html
Unfortunately, there's no way to know if a TSB was performed on your vehicle as only safety-related recalls are required to be documented.
Here's a resource for TSBs pertaining to these vehicles.
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/index.html
Unfortunately, there's no way to know if a TSB was performed on your vehicle as only safety-related recalls are required to be documented.
Last edited by Miami_Son; Jul 31, 2009 at 01:25 AM.
