Engine Loping??

[RaminitinFL]

Hello, everyone, this is my first post, so be gentle ....

Not sure the thread title makes sense, but I am hoping it will get someone's attention so that I can figure out what to do.

I have an issue with lurching and shuddering when coming to a stop. My guess is it is an engine control thing, but manifests itself in a number of ways. When I back it out of the garage first thing in the morning, it kind of pulsates, like maybe what you would experience with a warped rotor. Since the engine is at a modified idle and is not yet warmed up, this seems to be the best way to reproduce the problem reliably. If this was the only issue and it went away when warm, I could probably be talked into accepting it. However, sometimes it gets really bad, like when stopping for a traffic light, it will slow, downshift nice, then take a big jump. It happens seldom, so I understand how difficult it is to diagnose. It can be pretty unnerving when it happens and under the right conditions could cause an accident. I notice the same thing when up or downshifting (not the gear limiter). It manifests itself as a rough shift, but I am pretty sure it has a common cause. OK, so there you have it. Now I wait ....

 

[Ricks Ram]

Some of us can't see your info because we are on Tapatalk. Can you post the year of your truck, engine and transmission,1500,2500,3500, how many miles ect? It will help members try to help you because certain years and different engine and transmission combinations have different known problems plus operate differently. Some members have more knowledge on certain trucks than others.

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[RaminitinFL]

Thanks for the info. It's a 2020 RAM 1500 Quad cab, 5.7L Hemi V8, 8 speed auto.

 

[Ricks Ram]

Thanks for the info. It's a 2020 RAM 1500 Quad cab, 5.7L Hemi V8, 8 speed auto.

Since your truck is basically new this is a problem that should be addressed by the dealer under warranty. It may be as simple as a software update. I recommend using your phone or other device to record the problem when it occurs so the dealer can't pull the old "cannot duplicate problem" card. I would even recommend having a technician rude with you to see the issue if needed. This is definitely something that should be corrected and is not normal operation.

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[RaminitinFL]

Thanks, I have been planning a ride along as my next step. It has been in 3 times now, but other services were done at the same time, so it wasn't just this. I am pretty sure it's an engine control problem. It developed over time and has gotten worse, but seems pretty stable now. Twice, at two different dealerships, they have cleared the history to allow the engine and transmission controls to readjust, but that has not had any noticeable affect. Since it is the worst when it is first started in the AM, the service department suggested it may make sense to do an overnight. They have been working with me, I was just hoping this could be something other folks have identified and I would be able to point to a known problem to help out the tech. I'll post an update here once I have taken it back in. I think it will be very helpful to have a tech ride with me so that they can confirm they have witnessed the issue first hand. "Cannot duplicate problem" has been the response so far, or "normal". It's not normal, since it did not behave this way when I first got it. It has certainly affected drivability.

 

[Ricks Ram]

It is definitely not "normal". I have basically the same setup as you and my truck doesn't have any of the symptoms you described. There have been a few guys post that have had issues with hard downshifts and other minor issues with the 8 speed but I haven't seen anyone post that's having the same issues that you're describing. As mentioned since it's so easy to use your phone to record these things try to get as much evidence of the problem as you can. In situations like this when it's something that's hard to figure out the dealer in many cases will try to either blow you off by saying they " cannot duplicate" the problem or it's "normal operation" which it obviously isn't. Have they checked the truck for DTC codes and if so did it have any? Does your truck have the eTorque? I have seen people post that they were having strange issues with it on occasion too. If you aren't getting anywhere with the dealer you can contact @RamCares on the forum and they may be able to assist you.

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[RamCares]

Thanks, I have been planning a ride along as my next step. It has been in 3 times now, but other services were done at the same time, so it wasn't just this. I am pretty sure it's an engine control problem. It developed over time and has gotten worse, but seems pretty stable now. Twice, at two different dealerships, they have cleared the history to allow the engine and transmission controls to readjust, but that has not had any noticeable affect. Since it is the worst when it is first started in the AM, the service department suggested it may make sense to do an overnight. They have been working with me, I was just hoping this could be something other folks have identified and I would be able to point to a known problem to help out the tech. I'll post an update here once I have taken it back in. I think it will be very helpful to have a tech ride with me so that they can confirm they have witnessed the issue first hand. "Cannot duplicate problem" has been the response so far, or "normal". It's not normal, since it did not behave this way when I first got it. It has certainly affected drivability.

Hi @RaminitinFL, we certainly understand how this would be concerning. Please be sure to keep us posted on your dealer visit. We would be more than willing to escalate a case on your behalf to a specialist for further support through that process. Do not hesitate to follow up via private message with any questions!

Kathryn
Ram Cares

 

[RaminitinFL]

Thanks for that. I have an appointment on Friday and I have planned for a ride along with the tech. These are symptoms which have developed since I have owned the truck, so I do know it is not normal. It started shortly after we bought it, probably within the first few weeks, but was barely noticeable and not really worth reporting. It has progressed since then and my biggest concern is that it happens so seldom it will be very difficult to diagnose. I'm really thinking it is some sort of engine control issue, which would affect the way the tranny behaves. If it's in the process of a downshift and this happens, it is not pretty. As far as using my phone, there is really nothing to record. No indication of anomalies on gauges, etc., so I am not sure how I could get anything useful with a phone. They checked for codes both times it's been in and found none. In both cases they reset the engine and tranny controls to let the vehicle relearn and it had no beneficial affect. Hopefully the drive along Friday should help. It's worse first thing in the morning when I back out of the garage. On my last visit they suggested leaving it for an overnight, but when I made the appointment they said I would have to pay for a loaner. Kathryn, if they are unable to identify the cause this time, perhaps you could help get me a loaner without a charge? I just want it fixed, I love the truck. RAM is the best. I test drove nearly every brand out there and for the powerplant, it has as good if not better MPG than the rest and is far more comfortable. Awesome ride, power to spare. What's not to like? Let's hope we get through this without more trouble.