Subject: 2022 Ram 1500 (Non-eTorque) – Persistent Lurching / Jerking From Stop & When Slowing Down

[Ramanski]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some help with an issue that’s been bothering me since purchasing my truck.

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie, V8 without eTorque, 6’4” long box, 20-inch rims, and 30,000 km (Canadian). I recently bought the truck and absolutely love the interior, the ride, and the leather — but I’m dealing with one major problem:

The Issue

I’m experiencing a lurch / jerk / hard-shift feeling, mainly in two situations:


1. From a complete stop:
When I lightly press the gas pedal, the truck hesitates and then gives a noticeable jerk, as if it’s shifting into gear right before it moves.

1. While slowing to a stop (less often):
   Occasionally — especially when the truck is cold — it will lurch or bump right before coming to a full stop.

It’s not consistent, but it happens enough that it’s really bothering me.

Comparisons


I test-drove a 2024 Longhorn V8 with eTorque, and that transmission was completely smooth with none of these symptoms. That’s why I’m thinking it might not be the transmission itself, but maybe something external or related to calibration.

What the Dealership Has Done So Far

I’ve been to my local Dodge dealer in White Rock, BC three times:

Visit #1:

• Checked transmission fluid levels (they were good)
• Updated PCM and DTCM
• Performed a Quick Learn

Visit #2 (about two months later):

• Replaced rear upper and lower control arms on both sides
• Inspected and updated the TCM again
• Rechecked all transmission fluid levels
• Found no codes or faults

Visit #3:

• Similar inspection and verification
• No stored codes
• Truck was returned with “no issues detected”

What Still Happens

The exact same problem:

When I let off the gas and the truck slows or rolls, it feels like something shifts or bumps. Then when I press the gas again, there’s a noticeable jerk. From a dead stop, it feels even more pronounced.


Looking for Advice


Has anyone else experienced this with the non-eTorque V8 models?


Is this normal behavior for the ZF 8-speed on certain trucks, or should I be looking at things like mounts, driveshaft, software updates, or possibly a mechanical issue not throwing codes?


Any help, tips, or similar experiences would really be appreciated. Other than this issue, I truly love the truck.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Wild one]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some help with an issue that’s been bothering me since purchasing my truck.

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie, V8 without eTorque, 6’4” long box, 20-inch rims, and 30,000 km (Canadian). I recently bought the truck and absolutely love the interior, the ride, and the leather — but I’m dealing with one major problem:

The Issue

I’m experiencing a lurch / jerk / hard-shift feeling, mainly in two situations:


1. From a complete stop:
When I lightly press the gas pedal, the truck hesitates and then gives a noticeable jerk, as if it’s shifting into gear right before it moves.

1. While slowing to a stop (less often):
   Occasionally — especially when the truck is cold — it will lurch or bump right before coming to a full stop.

It’s not consistent, but it happens enough that it’s really bothering me.

Comparisons


I test-drove a 2024 Longhorn V8 with eTorque, and that transmission was completely smooth with none of these symptoms. That’s why I’m thinking it might not be the transmission itself, but maybe something external or related to calibration.

What the Dealership Has Done So Far

I’ve been to my local Dodge dealer in White Rock, BC three times:

Visit #1:

• Checked transmission fluid levels (they were good)
• Updated PCM and DTCM
• Performed a Quick Learn

Visit #2 (about two months later):

• Replaced rear upper and lower control arms on both sides
• Inspected and updated the TCM again
• Rechecked all transmission fluid levels
• Found no codes or faults

Visit #3:

• Similar inspection and verification
• No stored codes
• Truck was returned with “no issues detected”

What Still Happens

The exact same problem:

When I let off the gas and the truck slows or rolls, it feels like something shifts or bumps. Then when I press the gas again, there’s a noticeable jerk. From a dead stop, it feels even more pronounced.


Looking for Advice


Has anyone else experienced this with the non-eTorque V8 models?


Is this normal behavior for the ZF 8-speed on certain trucks, or should I be looking at things like mounts, driveshaft, software updates, or possibly a mechanical issue not throwing codes?


Any help, tips, or similar experiences would really be appreciated. Other than this issue, I truly love the truck.


Thanks in advance.

Does the truck have a 2 piece driveshaft,if it does you could try splitting it off the center bearing and lubing the splines on the center bearing using something like a good quality anti-seaze. Might not be your issue,but there have been reports of the 2 piece driveshafts being sticky at the center bearing,causing very similiar issues to what you're dealing with

 

[seems fishy]

I have a 23 Ram ds 5.7( non etorque),I purchased new. When I read your post I have have to say mine is simular but I do not think anything is wrong.It is normal characteristics

 

[Ramfanski]

I believe it is the mds turning on all 8 cylinders when it had shut 4 off due to coasting. The extra torque hitting the transmission. Mine does the same thing. I don’t think it keeps cylinders shut off when you roll to a stop and if you’re coasting along and you just touch the gas that definitely makes the engine kick on all cylinders…

Does this make sense?

 

[jws123]

My 2014 1500 NON MDS has done this sicne ive had it its a 8 speed issue I nor anyone else has yet to find a fix mine Bumps when coming to a stop and has wonky 1-2 shift at times it lurches. It appears to be a software issue ive put 60k miles on it since ive got it im just use to it lol. Older jeeps use to have this issue crayz they never figured it out.

 

[Grams]

My 2015 1500 (SSV) has a 65RFE tranny and does the “bump” occasionally when coasting down toward a stop….so I doubt it’s trans-related. As others have mentioned, I suspect it’s a MDS engagement/disengagement anomaly.

 

[utley]

Mine does this too and its been prevalent on mine since I bought it. It would seem like it wants to shift into a higher gear because the RPMs are taching out at 2500 with my foot off the gas and all the sudden it would suddenly down shift and drop idle instantly to 800. Feels really clunky. Brakes seem like they want to grab extra hard during this period as well.