Intermittent RPM Surge (~100 RPM jump every 2-3 seconds. Video included)

[bdizzle]

I've seen other posts on this, but only one that I found had a possible answer, but not one that seemed to work for most.

2014 Ram 1500 Express 5.7L Hemi - 109k miles

Here are some videos of what's happening.

This usually happens when the truck first runs for the day. If I don't notice it right away, I'll leave the house, drive for a few miles and then pull over to turn the truck on/off again. This generally fixes it right away.

In the videos, you'll also notice an instance where the jump was about 200-300 RPMs, and the Battery Voltage was also jumping. When this happened, I turned it off/on, and it went away. This was the most severe instance I've had, normally, it's only ~100 RPM jump.

The video with lower RPM is when it's at idle and not moving. The higher RPM videos are shot around 40-55mph with the truck on cruise control. Road is relatively flat, days are not windy.

I've changed the spark plugs (needed it anyhow due to mileage) and also cleaned the throttle body. Still, have this issue.

The other thread mentioned changing out the transmission fluid 3x. I have not done this yet. Curious if anyone else has thoughts or has found a fix, as the oil fluid didn't seem to work for everyone, and/or the issue came back. Here is a link to that answer.

 

[caulk04]

RFE or 8hp?

Looks like a converter lock up issue, but I don't really have any way to help in diagnosing it, especially online.

 

[bdizzle]

RFE or 8hp?

Looks like a converter lock up issue, but I don't really have any way to help in diagnosing it, especially online.

I don't understand what you mean by RFE? It's a 5.7 Hemi with an automatic transmission.

Definitely not something that could likely be diagnosed online, more looking for support on stuff to look at.

I've seen this issue across multiple forums and no one has a great answer.

 

[crackerjack1957]

Most know it they have the RFE 6-speed transmission or the 8-speed.
Try re-torquing intake manifold bolts

 

[caulk04]

I'm asking if you have the 8hp70 or 65RFE transmission.

 

[TheEnder]

You’ll quickly find out what transmission you have via how you shift.

Rotary dial? 8 speed.

Column or floor shifter? 6 speed.

 

[TheEnder]

Converter issues have odd ways of showing up. If it’s a 6 speed I would personally recommend a bottle of shudder fix to see if that helps, maybe look at TCC lock/unlock/partial lock tests in the TCM to see what it’s reporting. It’ll either PASS or FAIL. You can do this with an android/apple device and OBD Jscan off of either the play store of App Store.

I don’t work on the 8 speed, and I really don’t want to either given how hard it is to do basically anything on it. This is STRICTLY for the 6 speed, OP.

 

[bdizzle]

Sorry for the late reply.

Based on this...
Rotary dial? 8 speed.

Column or floor shifter? 6 speed.

I have the rotary dial - so an 8 speed.

 

[Ram0186]

Ever figure it out?

 

[dmullenex]

Ever figure it out?

I have this issue as well

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

Given the voltage is jumping around I'm suggesting it's a power issue. Perhaps check your ground strap over behind the right front wheel where the block connects to the body.

 

[bdizzle]

Sorry for the never reply. Finally figured this out.... or at least solved my problem.

I replaced my transmission with a used one. On a lengthy cross country drive, I started to notice a shudder when going from 2-3 or 3-4 (not 100% which, maybe both).

Had an inspection done on my truck, found codes in the transmission and was told it needed to be replaced. Fortunately, I found a used one with 60k miles on it. Total cost, including labor, was $3200 with a 1k/1yr warranty on the transmission.

I did also get a message on the forum about the issue and the person said > I think it’s the converter unlocking and locking. Think it needs a torque converter.

Something i wish I would have seen prior to replacing the transmission. I was told the codes were coming from the transmission (2 separate shops), unsure if it's possible to get codes from the torque converter. I'm not 100% positive if it was replaced along with the transmission.


During this time I also had some realllllly weird electrical issue. The culmination being hitting a bump and every error message possible going off in the truck, on top of the windshield wipers turning on randomly and the lights flashing on the truck.

That issue was caused by a viper smartstart that I had installed in the truck. I wanted an option to turn my truck on via my phone. This part was starting to get loose and a bump caused havoc.