I apologize in advance for the long thread. I have a strange issue and I can't seem to figure it out. After about 30 minutes of driving perfect, sometimes, the truck will slow dramatically and briefly as if I stepped on the brake quickly and then it will go back to normal operation. It happens at a variety of speeds and co ditions. Happens on flat ground, going up hill, and coasting down hill. There is no for sure way to duplicate it. If I'm driving 50-60, the effect isn't terrible but it enough to startle you. If I'm driving 70+, it has made the wheels squeal like I'm trying to avoid an accident and then the truck goes back to normal. It may happen only once or it may happen 3 or four times. No error lights come on and the power ti all the gauges and electronics stays working during these episodes. When I first got the truck it had a camshaft position sensor error. I replaced it with one from auto zone and that didn't fix it. Replaced the crankshaft position sensor too just in case. Again, no change. I then replaced the harness to the camshaft position sensor since whoever first replaced it broke the tab off by prying the tab off the lock with a screwdriver. No change. I then replaced both sensors again with genuine Mopar parts. Again no change. I have no error codes or pending codes to read. I'm not sure what else I can check since it's hard to describe the issue in Google.

 

Since you are saying that it's making the wheels squeal i'm thinking it would be more something relating to driveline binding.

Do you have any modifications to the truck? as in a lift?

does the squeal seem to happen from the front or rear? that might help you find something that might be binding.

 

No modifications. It seemed like it came from the rear tires the time that did happen. That was more of a one-off but I was going faster at that time. Usually, it's just a really hard braking feeling. I will add, when I bought the truck, the 4x4 driveshaft was removed but he said it was because it was bad which it clearly was. The old one was in the bed of the truck and the bearings were definitely worn. I can't say %100 percent if I can remember the issue happening before I put the new driveshaft in but I'm almost positive it was happening before the new shaft too.

 

I have pulled the 4x4 driveshaft out and the problem still persists.

 

Hi there, I'm having a similar problem with my 05 Dodge Dakota SLT 4x4 quad 4.7 mag Auto trans. 172k I just bought the truck a few months ago. The problem with it is it sit for a really long time. When mine slows its almost immediate after releasing the accelerator. So far other then fluid changes and the norm that you'd do after something sits that long I have replaced front brakes rotors hub assemblies and end links which has helped alot with the auto slowing but it is still vaguely hanging on to the truck (still happening) I want to tear in to the rear drums but cant seem to get the bugggers off I'm thinking something under those are holding it back If I figure it out ill reach out maybe it will help you too. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Mine doesn't gradually slow or drag or anything else. It runs great but then it quickly, for lack of a better description "brakes" like I am trying to avoid hitting a car or animal, then it goes back to running perfectly unless it does it again randomly.