My Truck Got the Shakes like its Detoxing
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From: Idaho
My Truck Got the Shakes like its Detoxing
I could use some help figuring out what's wrong with
my 04 Hemi. I'm bout to give up and take it to an actual mechanic, but last time I did that (with my Avenger), I paid over $300 for someone to NOT fix the problem, which I eventually figured out was that it needed a simple adaptive reset after I replaced the CKP sensor...
The problem:
Significant misfire at idle which practically disappears at +1200 rpm; delayed response at acceleration; engine shakes like an excited chihuahua; at idle, rpms fluctuate between about 400-700, and is accompanied by dimming of my interior lights (which is likely a consequence of the loss of power at misfire)
History:
First, I was getting a code for misfire at cylinder 2. Plugs looked ugly, so replaced all with quality iridium plugs. Problem persisted.
Swapped a couple ignition coils, cleared codes and the cyl 2 misfire code disappeared, but misfire didnt move and problem persisted.
Pulled codes and now it showed b1s1 O2 sensor malfunction. Replaced all 4 O2 sensors (cant remember the brand, but it cost $180 for all four, so not the cheapos). Problem persisted.
No codes present, but when cleaned throttle body, and after putting it back on, had someone hit accelerator and noticed it wasn't reacting as you'd expect if the TPS were operating properly, so I replaced the whole unit. And the problem persisted.
Wasn't sure where to go from there, so for ****s and giggles, I replaced the air temp sensor, pcv valve, Map sensor, vapor purge Solenoid, camshaft and crankshaft sensors, and decarboned the engine. Also, poured a bottle of Rislone exhaust and emissions system cleaner in tank. Problem persists.
I'm planning to test for spark at each cylinder, compression test, and borescope the cylinders, but I feel like I'm chasing the wrong solution. I don't have any experience with a truck like this, and I'm kinda running out of ideas. If the spark and compression tests dont show me anything significant, I'm at a loss of where to go from there.
I could really use some advice, guys. Thanks for reading through this long and BORING post.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that short term term fuel trim is at more than -30% across the board (probably kind of important, right?)
my 04 Hemi. I'm bout to give up and take it to an actual mechanic, but last time I did that (with my Avenger), I paid over $300 for someone to NOT fix the problem, which I eventually figured out was that it needed a simple adaptive reset after I replaced the CKP sensor...
The problem:
Significant misfire at idle which practically disappears at +1200 rpm; delayed response at acceleration; engine shakes like an excited chihuahua; at idle, rpms fluctuate between about 400-700, and is accompanied by dimming of my interior lights (which is likely a consequence of the loss of power at misfire)
History:
First, I was getting a code for misfire at cylinder 2. Plugs looked ugly, so replaced all with quality iridium plugs. Problem persisted.
Swapped a couple ignition coils, cleared codes and the cyl 2 misfire code disappeared, but misfire didnt move and problem persisted.
Pulled codes and now it showed b1s1 O2 sensor malfunction. Replaced all 4 O2 sensors (cant remember the brand, but it cost $180 for all four, so not the cheapos). Problem persisted.
No codes present, but when cleaned throttle body, and after putting it back on, had someone hit accelerator and noticed it wasn't reacting as you'd expect if the TPS were operating properly, so I replaced the whole unit. And the problem persisted.
Wasn't sure where to go from there, so for ****s and giggles, I replaced the air temp sensor, pcv valve, Map sensor, vapor purge Solenoid, camshaft and crankshaft sensors, and decarboned the engine. Also, poured a bottle of Rislone exhaust and emissions system cleaner in tank. Problem persists.
I'm planning to test for spark at each cylinder, compression test, and borescope the cylinders, but I feel like I'm chasing the wrong solution. I don't have any experience with a truck like this, and I'm kinda running out of ideas. If the spark and compression tests dont show me anything significant, I'm at a loss of where to go from there.
I could really use some advice, guys. Thanks for reading through this long and BORING post.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that short term term fuel trim is at more than -30% across the board (probably kind of important, right?)
Last edited by Potato_Couch; Aug 24, 2025 at 01:52 AM. Reason: Additional Information
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From: Clayton MI
I don't think the early hemis really cared for rare-earth plugs..... Weren't coppers stock in those? I know the expensive plugs cause issue with older engines...... Some folks have no trouble at all, others.... they'll barely run....
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Good to know! When I looked it up, it said iridium was recommended oem replacement, but could have been wrong. I'll look into it. Thanks!
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Get a bottle of this stuff & drop in 16~24 oz, run it for 300ish miles if your driving it and see how it behaves after. I will bet your MDS or VVT (if it has it) is not working correctly which is causing your issues. If something is gunked up internally, this will clean it. It may take a bit to see improvements.
Stiction Eliminator for Gas & Diesel Engines | Hot Shot's
This cleared up a problem I had where my Rams engine (diesel) was using multiple quarts of oil over 6-7k miles where it used to be 1~1.5 qts over the 10k OCI. Use it in the Dakota's 4.7 engine, 1st use the next oil change looked really bad & I thought there was an internal issue with the motor. Continued use and motored on, following oil change oil came out as expected. There was a cold start tick prior to using it, it is now gone. Fast forward 20k (???) miles now and motor runs awesome for having 225k on it. Put it in the wifes Jeep... and the lawn mower.
Stiction Eliminator for Gas & Diesel Engines | Hot Shot's
This cleared up a problem I had where my Rams engine (diesel) was using multiple quarts of oil over 6-7k miles where it used to be 1~1.5 qts over the 10k OCI. Use it in the Dakota's 4.7 engine, 1st use the next oil change looked really bad & I thought there was an internal issue with the motor. Continued use and motored on, following oil change oil came out as expected. There was a cold start tick prior to using it, it is now gone. Fast forward 20k (???) miles now and motor runs awesome for having 225k on it. Put it in the wifes Jeep... and the lawn mower.
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Quick update... after all the fuss, I got tired of messing with it and took it to a friend who's been mechanicing for over 30 years. He and 2 of his guys came to same diagnosis. She's a goner. Engine would need to be replaced and I'm not willing to dive that deep into it.
I really do appreciate all the information and help from everyone, and at least I learned a few things along the way.
I really do appreciate all the information and help from everyone, and at least I learned a few things along the way.
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I had the guy do the compression test because it started raining and didn't quit until yesterday here. He told me what the results were, but I really don't remember. I kinda zoned out after "your engine is shot". I'll see if I can still get them from him and I'll post what it says.