Hi all - My 2003 Ram 1500 w/260k miles keeps loosing power at random times with the TPS light flashing. Its been doing this for about a year now, but recently its becoming much more common. The truck will loose power and be unresponsive to the throttle (sometimes even shut off). A simple process of turning the key off then restarting the truck always takes care of the situation and I'm able to drive away. It's only been happening once per 'trip' no matter the length. It'll happen once on my way to work (ten miles away) or once on my to an event 2hrs away. Once I restart and drive away it usually doesn't happen again until the next 'trip'.

I've cleaned the throttle body several times but it doesn't seem to have any affect.

What else can I do to stop this from happening?

Thanks so much!

 

Getting any codes? My understanding of it is, the lightning bolt means there is a problem with the throttle body.......

 

Might not be your situation but check your brake pedal switch and make sure it isnt bent or moved down making the electronics think your braking while on the gas. I dont think thats your situation but worth checking

 

Thanks for the input so far.

Forgot to mention, I get zero engine codes when this happens (no engine light). Just the flashing lighting bolt in the lower right hand side of the dash. That said, I've never checked it for codes when this happens...I just assumed their weren't any since the engine light wasn't on.

 

There may be pending codes, which won't turn on the lite.

That said, I am not entirely sure how the system works...... One would think that if the PCM thought there was a problem, it would at least have the courtesy to give you a hint.......

 

It happened this morning on the way to work...so I checked for codes. Although no engine light came on...there were two codes:
P2173
P2106

I'll check for vacuum leaks today when I get home.

Any other thoughts?

 

Would relearning it help any? I'm not sure if you're able to with your year or not but there's a procedure to basically reprogram your TPS. Not sure if that applies to you or would even help but figured I'd throw it out there lol

 

I am having the same symptoms with my 2003 2500 5.7. Only difference is I am getting different codes P2106,p2138,p0443. Did you find any vacuum leaks?

 

Quick update...tried starting with the easy stuff. Changed the PCV valve, MAF/temp sensor, and MAP sensor. Was going to change the EGR valve, but the 2003 hemi doesn’t have one. Also changed the very deteriorated crankcase vent tube. None of those worked. Same issues (although seemingly less often).

I tried checking for leaks while everything was apart, couldn’t find any. Used the ‘brakes part cleaner’ method while the truck was running. I also checked the brake pedal switch...it’s all good.

Just put out a new throttle body on today and tried the ‘relearn/calabration’ technique. Keeping my fingers crossed. Update to come soon.