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Engine surges when in idle in drive?

Tiny
EALGARCIA
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 DODGE RAM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
With certain diesel the truck surges, does not die but goes from about 700rpm to 1200 rpm and down to about 500 rpm. This is in drive while idling.
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 AT 7:19 AM

31 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,912 POSTS
Is the Check Engine light on? If so, the stored daignsotic fault code will indicate the circuit or system with the problem, not the specific part. This sounds typical of a defective trottle position sensor.

Caradiodoc
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 AT 9:25 AM
Tiny
JHRAM03
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 54,500 MILES
Hi, I saw a post that is exactly like the problem I am having. The engine is surging and is having a rough idle and also a rough time when traveling. The gas pedal can also be real touchy when it is acting like this. So far I have replaced the O2 sensors. The dealer also said it was the throttle positioning sensor. I have that, and I can't find it on my engine. I have been doing some research and my throttle sensor doesn't look like the ones I have seen online. Is there any way that the engine is fuel injection? It is a 5.7 hemi 2500.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,871 POSTS
It sounds like an idle air control motor. As far as the TPS, check on the throttle body.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PATKMART
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2003 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My truck surges while in drive at various speeds, sometimes when I'm at stop lights and in park with engine running. Is it something with my engine or could it be my transmission. Please help
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,871 POSTS
It doesn't sound like the trans. Has the check engine light ever come on? To me it sounds like the idle air control valve or throttle position sensor.

Let me know.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PATKMART
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The check engine light has not come on.
And taking it out of overdrive does not help.
I will check out the things you mentioned and let you know. Thanks!
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PATKMART
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My husband took your advise and cleaned the idle air control valve. So far no more surging, but I have not got it out on the highway yet. That will be the true test. Thanks for your help! Lovin' my truck once again
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,871 POSTS
Great! If that took care of the problem, we now know where the problem is coming from. If it starts doing it in the future, I would recommend replacing the it.

Take care, and let us know if you have question in the future.

Joe
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LAMM5
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 2002 DODGE RAM
Engine Mechanical problem
2002 Dodge Ram V8 Four Wheel Drive 150000 miles

My truck surges from 2000 rpm to 2500 rpm while driving on the freeway or even when sitting park. The fuel pump has been replaced two times and the problem is still there
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,871 POSTS
Have you checked the idle air control valve? Has the check engine light come on?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LAMM5
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
No I have not checked the idle air control valve and no the engine light dont come on.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,871 POSTS
Try disconnecting the IAC to see if the engine dies.

Let me know.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LAMM5
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
We have installed a new fuel pump, fuel filter, new coil pack, new spark plug wires and plugs. The car runs fine when cold. Once the engine is totally warmed up at normal running temp the engine quits quits and will not start until the motor cools down. What would cause this to happen
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MACOLLINS3
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 53,000 MILES
I was on the interstate and used the cruise control, I noticed the Tach surging occasionally, only moved 1 or 2 notches. I then took it out of O/D and cruise and it still does it. What do you suggest?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,871 POSTS
Are you getting spark when it doesn't start? Have you checked for fuel pressure when it doesn't start?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RODNEY HUFFMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My cousin cruise control intern on the truck is getting faster and faster
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LAMM5
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
We have installed a new fuel pump, fuel filter, new coil pack, new spark plug wires and plugs. The car runs fine when cold. Once the engine is totally warmed up at normal running temp the engine quits quits and will not start until the motor cools down. What would cause this to happen?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RODNEY HUFFMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Not searching it just keeps gaining speed
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,871 POSTS
Please understand, without a check engine light and trouble code, it becomes a guessing game. My first guess is the crank sensor. Have you had that checked? Also, when it doesn't start warm, have you checked to see what is missing, fuel or spark?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LAMM5
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Ok, so we tried all those new parts and the check engine lite has been on too. So we will get a price and try the sensor. Thanx
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM (Merged)

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