2017 Ram 1500 - hestitation when excellerating.

Any thoughts as to what might be causing this? The truck only has 49,000 miles.

You’ve given us very little information to go on but try the easy stuff first. Check the engine air filter, a dirty air filter will cause this. Could possibly have a bad batch of fuel especially if you don’t drive the vehicle very often. Any check engine light or codes? How old are the spark plugs? When was the last time the throttle body was cleaned? Ever use fuel injection cleaner? Could be many different reasons but we would need more information.

Appreciate the quick response....wasn't sure how to best explain so going forward I will add more information. I have noticed this using premium and regular fuel. I will check the engine and air filter this week to see how they look. There have been no codes or check engine lights either. Plugs are the original, honestly not sure what the life span those would have. I have not cleaned the throttle body. Seems like something I could do. I have been using fuel injection but that does not see to make a difference. I will try the easy checks first to see if it makes a difference.

How long have you had the truck and how long has it been doing this? Is it possible your hesitation is from mds? Example, cruising in 4 cylinder mode then you go to go and there's a slight delay while the other cylinders kick in.

So: 1) I'm not aware that you can turn fuel injection off. 2) the way the RAM acceleration works (as with almost all Electronic Throttle controlled cars) is that there is a delay programmed into the system, so you a) don't spin your tires out, and b) don't over accelerate all of a sudden. As long as you're not getting knocking/pinging/back fire - you're probably just experiencing a "feature"... . Note: You can put your truck into tow/haul mode and see if that helps, and you can also turn off the ECO mode using the +/- shift buttons on the steering wheel if equipped. The way you do that is push the - button, then push the + button until you see your top gear. If you push the + one more time from that, you go back into ECO mode

There are two things you can do:

1) Get a Pedal Commander or other system (though I don't think others are up to par personnaly) to plug in between your electronic gas pedal and the circuit (easy to do!) - but beware: These aftermarket systems do have their issues - ALSO, do not, IMHO, bother with a "Pedal Monster"... the guy that owns the company and makes them, over-hypes his product, and bashes Pedal Commander - good companies don't have to bash the competition to sell (IMHO either), and don't have to rely on snake-oil tactics to sell their product. Looking at the PM - I'm pretty sure it doesn't let you reprogram without using the app on your phone, and you have to buy extra stuff to reprogram using a hardwired interface. THE ONLY GOOD thing I can say about PM, is it pulls its power off the 12v bus,from the OBD port, but then you can't use your OBD port for other things (like a Heads Up Display or a OBDLink) and not from the 5v Eletronic Pedal cconnector - which MIGHT help with under voltage codes that the Pedal Commander sometimes throws (P2122 and P2123 I believe) - but in the five years I've had a PC, it has only recently started throwing the codes - it's on the way back to Pedal Commander for diagnotics/repair/refit at no charge. PC does have a 2-year warranty, and they're good about trying to help even out of warranty. I don't know about PM's customer service.

2) Use AlphaOBD and an OBDLink MX+ to reprogram your throttle response. It's easy, and does help with the hesitation issue.

Also check your PCV valve and replace as needed, as stated above, clean your throttle body and check the engine air filter & replace as needed.

Spark plugs, as mentioned, are a great idea. Look at the NGK Ruthenium HX plugs, and purchase from a trusted supplier like Rock Auto.

Run two bottles of Red Line SI-1 fuel system cleaner with a single fill of premium fuel through the tank until empty. Refill with premium afterwards, too.

Change your oil and filter after using the product as the cleaning power of this product gets into the oil. Use a quality synthetic oil and filter, if you don't already.

For the OP can I ask what specifically do you mean by hesitation? As evidenced by the replies you may be speaking of a maintenance degradation or common trait inherent with the vehicle. It’s best if we knew specifically what you are referring to.

While I don't really know if this matters, but both the 5.7L and the 6.4L engines are Hemi, you don't say which one you have. I believe there are a few differences and it might make a difference as to the advice you are given.

Also, have you owned this truck since new? Inquiring minds would like to know!