Hello all:
I've been having a problem with my 2000 Ram 1500 Quad cab. Every now and then, the truck literally "bucks" or hesistates. The truck does it when its not quite warmed up or if it goes up a hill and engine is running lower than 2000 RPMs. I do hear a knocking and pinging before it "bucks" or hesistates. I had the truck tuned up about 15000 miles ago so I am not sure that it could that be, but then again it could be. I am not sure...

While the truck is idling, there is no problem or evening running on the interstate at 55 - 70 mph. I am getting pretty decent gas mileage as well 16-17mpg. The truck has a 5spd manual which makes alot more noticable.... Any ideas?

thanks in advance
John

 

i had an odd problem with hesitation wiht my 01.....check the plug wires, particularly the lead off the coil....not sure how it happened but mine rusted out from inside the wire out....cause similar problem.....and only really gave problems every once in a while til i was fumblin around under the hood and knocked the wire and it fell appart....

 

Also, related to Blasticblazin's problem, make sure the Coil wire to the distributor hasn't been shorting out on the engine itself. When I did my tune-up and replaced all those wires, I failed to make sure the wire was totally secured and away from the engine. After a while, due to constant movement and rubbing against the engine, it wore through the outer shell of the wire and caused an intermittent short. Drove the mechanic nuts until he just happened to look at it at the right time.

 

Mines doing the same thing, right around 1800-1900 rpm, on an uphil grade. I'm gonna check the wires now. Also heard a dirty air filter could contribute to this.

 

Cool, thanks guys.
I'll have a look at the spark plug wires this weekend.
John

 

let us know how it goes(or how it went =) )

 

Anyone think about the clutch?? if its a stick and its at low rpms the truck will buck if its slipping, especially when its on a hill, more pressure.

 

it could be a cloged converter, I had the same thing happening and thats what it was !

 

Ok, here's what it was. It needed the spark plug wires and a new distributor cap as well as a tune-up. Plus I cleaned fuel injectors. The truck is run 10x better. The clutch was fine. Although with 80k on the original clutch, I am sure that this will need to be replaced soon.

Thanks alot guys for all of your help... I certainly appreciated it.

John