Hello guys, as you can tell by my handle I am new to my Ram.. trucks in general actually. I have a 2002 1500 with a 4.7l magnum in it. Just got it about a month ago and have been loving it except for when I am on the highway. Every now and again it will feel like it is stuttering when I accelerate. There doesnt seem to be anything that I can do that will reliably generate the issue, it's very random although it is worse when I hit the kickdown. When it happens it seems if I let off the gas and go to accelerate again it's better, or at least seems like it is, that could be just a coincidence. First thing I did was to change the tires (I was planning on doing that anyway being in Wisconsin in the winter). The first time I noticed it was when it was raining and going up an incline, it felt like my tires were loosing grip. Even though the tires have improved my ride, it did not fix the issue. I am about to change my spark plugs today in hopes that maybe one of them are just dirty or old and will update after that is done. Any ideas on what else might be causing the issue? Thanks guys.

 

Sounds like either your Torque Converter or your bands within the transmission are slipping. Eitherway, the trans would have to some out. I would say someone stuck some trans additive in it so they can sell it...crooks.
I dont think it could be a sensor or else you would have thrown a code. Have you checked for DTC's even though your engine light may not be illuminated? if not DTC's, then you have the problem as stated above unfortunately.

 

Well that's about the worst thing I could expect to hear as I just bought this from a dealership that supposedly did a full inspection on the vehicle. I don't have the equipment to check the DTC's but it sounds like I better get this checked out asap. If that is really what the issue is, perhaps I have some recourse with the dealer as I sure as hell wouldn't have bought a vehicle of any type with a slipping trans.

 

So the dtc's come up negative, just had 'em checked out and no errors at all. I did alot of driving around on it last night trying to get some kind of pattern and I have noticed that I never have any issues, it's only in town. It only does it when it's on the highway.. usually around 60-70 mph, only on the kickdown and seems to go away if the engine is warmed up? Regardless, it's very random and very few and far between. Does this still sound like a tranny issue and if so, do the transmission fluid additives that are supposed to fix slips work? I really unfortunately don't have the cash to sink into a new tranny right now. Thanks for any info you guys can toss me!

 

Do not use any trans additives on any Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep! They will ruin your trans.

It wouldn't hurt to do a trans, transfer case, and differential fluid changes, make sure you use Mopar or certified equivalents, these drive train components do not like other fluids.

Can you explain what exactly happens when this happens? Does it feel like the engine is cutting fuel/timing and the engine itself is breaking up?

When was the last time you changed plugs, and wires?

Also how many miles and have you made ANY modifications to the truck? Cold Air Intake? Power Programmer? if so what have you done.

 

Hello, I think I know what your describing. When you lay into the throttle is seems to slip in an out like tran slipping ? Mine did that even after the tune up. Ended up being my cks. Not having that problem anymore. I'm new on here but so far, Izero is very knowledgeable on these things he's very sharp.

 

Ok, thanks for the replies guys. Been gone a bit so sorry for not answering the last post Izero. Anyways...

IZERO....

So it only happens when I hit the kickdown and want to accelerate. It feels like something is slipping or the engine isn't getting the correct amount of fuel. It's kind of difficult for me to describe accurately because I have nothing to compare it to. Instead of the truck taking off it just stutters along. It seems that if I let off the pedal and try again then it is ok. I thought at first it only happened when it was wet, but it's happened when it was dry as well. I just got the truck a month and half ago. Since I have had it I have not done a tuneup on it yet. I have the plugs but have not had time to replace them yet. This truck doesn't have wires, it has those boots that go over them, coils I think they are called. The truck has 180k miles on it and no modifications that I am aware of.

CHALLENGER34

Pardon my lack of knowledge but what are cks?

Thanks for the help guys, this has really been bothering me. It is still very random and doesn't seem to be getting any worse thank god. I am planning on taking it on a longer trip in a month so I would really like to have this figured out before then.

 

Do you have a check engine light? Or does one appear and then go away when this happens?

If you have a CEL then you need to get the codes from it... you can use the Key method described in the DIY/How-To Section somewhere...

I am assuming that what you are experiencing is a misfire caused by fouled or worn out spark plugs... replace all of those bad boys with COPPER CORE SPARK PLUGS (DO NOT USE PLATINUM OR IRIDIUM OR ANYTHING BUY COPPER!)

Once you have changed the plugs let us know if it's still happening, and also post those DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes).

 

No prob. cks is crank sensor. But from what your describing, I agree with Izero. Start with plugs. If that's not it, you mite check your catalytic converter to see it it is clogged. Good luck.

 

It takes A LOT to clog catalytic converters any year beyond around 2000, I'm talking like a launch control system or consistent back-fires or a rich-running condition where your average A/F ratio is in the 11-12.5 range for upwards of 70% of the run-time.

You will foul Oxygen sensors completely as well as plugs before you even come close to clogging a cat, but we won't rule it out just yet, as we do not know the maintenance record on the truck or if it experienced any O2 sensor problems in the past.

Start with Plugs, if the problem persists then I'd really like to get a video with good Audio quality to hear if its the engine breaking up or if it is something else.

What I want you (the OP) to look at is if the RPMs are increasing at an unusually fast rate compared to the increase in speed.

If you are familiar with a manual transmission, we are looking for characteristics similar to what you would experience if the clutch was worn out or if you are riding the clutch causing it to slip.

If that is what you are experiencing then I am going to be inclined to say that your truck might be exhibiting some signs of transmission fatigue. Specifically I'd be looking at the center differential ONLY IF IT'S A 4X4, as well as the rear differential. If you have a 4x2 truck then I would be looking at the rear differential or the torque converter.

(is it 4x4 or 4x2?)

To eliminate the rear differential from our equation here is what you can do, again do this at your own risk and use some common sense so you don't flip the truck over.

4x2:

1) Go to LARGE, EMPTY, and Level parking lot.

2) With enough room in a 360 degree circle driving path (yes we are about to drive in a circle)

3) Put the truck in 1st gear (with brake pedal engaged) & Turn off the radio and any other device that is generating noise.

4) Turn the wheel FULL LOCK RIGHT, then back off just a hair so the steering pump stops making the "I'm going to explode @$$hole!" noise (Squealing)

5) SLOWLY Let off the brake and get the truck rolling, SLOWLY (Slowly = well under 5mph)

6) Do a few circles in that direction, you are listening and "feeling" for any kind of binding or locking up of one of the rear wheels.

7) Even if you get binding in that direction, you will have to SLOWLY turn the steering wheel FULL LOCK LEFT so you are doing an opposite circle as before.

8) Listen and "feel" for the same thing.

If you don't get any locking or binding at the rear end, then your rear differential is likely in good shape, but if you do, then that is where you're problem lies.

4x4:

Follow Same Steps as Above regardless if you get binding we're going to repeat this WITH 4WD engaged.

Note: THIS IS WHERE IT GETS DANGEROUS IF YOU'RE NOT RESPONSIBLE!

1) From a stop with the truck in 4WD Low (NOT LOCK, I REPEAT NOT LOCK!)

2) Get in 1st gear again

3) Do your circle w/ steering in full right lock

4) You will get binding, but if you're transmission starts slipping then your center differential (aka transfer case) might be the culprit as it should slip just a little bit in a "studdering" fashion, if it just completely disengages then it's time to remove the case and really get a good look at everything in there.

Again I assume no responsibility if you flip your truck over or damage something while following these steps, this is a do at your own risk assessment.

I hope that you don't find anything while doing that test, as it will save you oodles of cash down the road!