I have an '03 Ram 2500 2wd, 5.7L Hemi, which has recently joined the club of trucks experiencing sudden power loss while driving. I bought this truck new, and it currently has right at 77,000 miles.
The problem is intermittent, but seems most likely to occur as part of my morning commute (cooler temperatures, higher humidity)
So far, it has happened somewhere around 8 or 10 different times. On my morning commute, it most typically happens when entering an interstate. I might accelerate up to 55-60 mph or so, then the accelerator pedal will start to feel "soft", as if I can tell it's about to cut out. The truck will then be non-responsive to throttle input, and will typically "jerk" on and off the power.
After 15-20 seconds or so of this behavior, the driveability will return to normal.
So far, this has only happened within 10 minutes after a cold start-up of the truck.
I am not experiencing a Check Engine Light.
I know that this type of problem is far from uncommon, but I have not been able to find a definitive fix for it, either.
The only attempts at corrective action that I've taken have been to remove and clean the throttle body, and to replace the air temperature sensor located in the intake tubing (between the air filter and the throttle body).
I hesitate to take it to the dealer when there is no CEL, and the problem does not occur 100% of the time.
If there is a "most likely cause", I will be happy to spend some time replacing sensors.
As I said before, I know that plenty of other people have experienced this kind of problem, but I'm not aware of a reliable solution.
Any help would be appreciated.
Steve.
The problem is intermittent, but seems most likely to occur as part of my morning commute (cooler temperatures, higher humidity)
So far, it has happened somewhere around 8 or 10 different times. On my morning commute, it most typically happens when entering an interstate. I might accelerate up to 55-60 mph or so, then the accelerator pedal will start to feel "soft", as if I can tell it's about to cut out. The truck will then be non-responsive to throttle input, and will typically "jerk" on and off the power.
After 15-20 seconds or so of this behavior, the driveability will return to normal.
So far, this has only happened within 10 minutes after a cold start-up of the truck.
I am not experiencing a Check Engine Light.
I know that this type of problem is far from uncommon, but I have not been able to find a definitive fix for it, either.
The only attempts at corrective action that I've taken have been to remove and clean the throttle body, and to replace the air temperature sensor located in the intake tubing (between the air filter and the throttle body).
I hesitate to take it to the dealer when there is no CEL, and the problem does not occur 100% of the time.
If there is a "most likely cause", I will be happy to spend some time replacing sensors.
As I said before, I know that plenty of other people have experienced this kind of problem, but I'm not aware of a reliable solution.
Any help would be appreciated.
Steve.