Got a problem with my 03 1500 Ram 4.7L - need some suggestions.

Heres the problem -

- I started to hear a tap (sounds almost like a valve/lifter tap) when I first start the truck in the morning / afternoon / evening - it then would go away. No check engine light. I also noticed while it was tapping it would miss when id come to a complete stop and keep my foot on the brakes. After I drove for about 5-6 minutes the truck is warm and it all goes away.

- About 2 weeks after the first problem my check engine light came on... and it seems the tap is lasting longer.

I have about 65k miles on it, and the "Maintence" Book says to change the plugs / wires.

Im going to scan it and check the code.... but I was just wandering if the tap, check engine light and the miss are related.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

I'm no expert but prolly, if not you might try to read about engine sludge or somethin, I've heard that can be a problem in the 4.7 but if it were that then you prolly would not get a check engine light

 

The tapping sounds a little like a lash adjuster. (there kinda like a lifter for overhead cam motors) My truck does it when its cold. I also get the miss when it's cold. When she runs for 2 mins it'll clear up. I haven't gotten a check engine light though. When you pull your code lets us know what you find out.

 

I couldn't get this to post a minute ago. It's a page from the overhaul maual for the 03's. It has some of the possible causes of noisy valves

 

Check to see what codes are showing, it's simple to do:

With the truck off and the key in the ignition

Turn the key to the on position
Turn the key to the off position
Turn the key to the on position
Turn the key to theoff position
Turn the key to the on position

At this time you will see any codes stored in the computer displayed on your odometer window, use the chart below to get a description of the code. If you need additonal help from there post it up in the Ram 3rd Gen section. If you just get the word DONE this means there are no stored codes in your computer.

You can find a list of the more common codes here:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/diy-do-it-yourself/91765-obtaining-engine-diagnostic-codes-ram-3rd-gen-by-94rt10ohio.html

For a complete list of industry standard codes, go here:
http://www.superchips.com/force_down...ion-pdf-69.pdf

 

I would check the codes too... and I am no expert, but does anyone think it could it be a bad plug wire arcing at the plug head until the plug warms up?

 

I am no expert but if it only wants to die with the brake on it might be vacuum problem.