Truck shaking and flashing check engine light at 1500 RPMs and 50 MPH?

Tiny
DODGEGIRL2012
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE RAM
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
When started just before takeoff or at slow down when RPMs reach 500, truck begins to slightly shudder. While driving at 50 MPH and 1,500 RPMs with overdrive engaged, the truck shudders. At 2,100 RPMs, the truck shudders. If you shut overdrive off it seems to get rid of the shudder most of the time, although sometimes it doesn't. At each of these times the check engine light will also come on and flash until you get to a speed where it is no longer shuddering.
I currently do not have a muffler, nothing past my cats. I've cleaned the throttle body, replaced the EGR, PCV valve, spark plugs, wires, and o2 sensors. After doing all of this, I ended up with a P0303 code. I changed the coil on cylinder 3, cleared the code, and drove to work the next day. Once I arrived home, I checked for codes again and the P0303 code was back. My main concern at this time is figuring out what is causing the shaking. Any thoughts to point me in the right direction?
Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 AT 6:00 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hello,

The P0303 code is the clue, it sounds like the ignition coil is going bad if you have already replaced the spark plug. This is where I would start because it is common for coils to go out. Here is how you can replace the coil in the images below. BTW it is the #3 cylinder, this guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed. Please make sure the spark plug is not cracked while you are doing the job.

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Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 AT 8:44 AM
Tiny
DODGEGIRL2012
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I replaced the cylinder 3 coil. It was good for the day and then the next day, the same P0303 code came back. My plugs and wires have all been replaced. Which is why I'm stumped as to why I got the P0303 code again.
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 AT 10:54 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
It only leaves the fuel injector if the cylinder has good compression. here is a guide and instructions, also check the images below for help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Did you use OEM plug wires and plugs? You should check the spark plug to make sure it is not cracked.
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Thursday, August 25th, 2022 AT 4:59 PM

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