Hello everyone.... this form has been a huge help before. I have a single owner 1995 Ram 1500, automatic transmission, 2-wheel drive, 5.9L which has been perfectly maintained. I have a possible misfire. Symptoms: I get an intermittent jerk (feels like someone kicking the truck) when cruising -- mainly between 55 and 66 MPH -- when truck is just cruising, not pulling a hill or working hard to maintain speed; also will intermittently occur in 2nd gear and/or when overdrive is engaged. I just had transmission scanned by a reputable transmission shop and all is perfect with the transmission. The rear end was recently rebuilt and have new u-joints. I have an inline Hypertech Power Tuning Module. Anyway, the transmission shop was able to reproduce the problem while road testing the transmission while scanning the transmission and the transmission is "perfect"; the transmission technician suggested the possible culprit as a misfire. The truck runs lean due to the Hypertech Power Tuning Module. I also get an engine ping, mainly when fast acceleration occurs. Other than this possible misfire and ping, the truck runs perfectly.... Any suggestions as to the how to troubleshot this problem and/or the "magic solution"? I thank you for your time to respond.

 

The Throttle position sensor could be causing the jerk. As far as the pinging goes, do an advanced search on DF in 2nd gen rams for Plenum.

 

The misfire was solved - replaced the distributor cap, rotor, plugs, wires (the wires were also routed per the TSB 18-48-98), cleaned the carburetor, and adjusted the advancement which was off a little. Now no misfire ... soon I have to change the fuel pump because I have to leave the key in the on position for a few seconds and/or turn the key on/off a few times to build pressure before starting, otherwise I have to grind the starter for many, many seconds before starting - not good. Love my single owner perfectly maintained Ram ... wish it got 30 MPG though (HA! dream on).

 

You should leave the Distributor alone. The timing is not adjustable, the PCM does it. All you did was change the fuel sync, which is done by using a capable scanner. And if you have pinging, the lower intake gasket is suspect.

 

I did not do it (adjust the advancement/fuel sync), it was done by a mechanic using a scanner which show it was off. Thanks though. The timing is adjustable - or able to be reset - which is accomplished by flashing the system but needs to be done at Dodge. Thanks again brother....

 

I know that, I meant by manually turning it.

 

Thanks again - this is great forum and a great source for information.

 

thats one rare ram to be a 1500 360 with 5 on the floor.lol.quack quack