11th Jan 2004, 05:00
It is a computer problem that can be fixed for around $50.00. It requires the computer to be updated with new software from Dodge.
2nd Feb 2004, 10:39
I have a 98 2500 that has the surging problem. I have had it to the tranny shop and they found nothing wrong. I have had the fluid and filter changed twice in a year and a half trying to find the problem. I found another chat room where others have had the same problem and they have replaced the tps. I have ordered one and will install it tomorrow and see what happens. Hope that's it.
5th Mar 2004, 08:48
You can check your tps voltage and see if it's operating correctly. I do not think this is the solution as I have a 95 5.9L and my surges are only on start up and holding throttle open. I think it's just poor software programming and/or poor computer setup. I agree more with the software update, which I think Dodge is responsible for it, and owners should be updated at minimum under warranty, if not just for buying the overpriced truck. But hey, who is responsible for what they do up anymore? I'd say dodge makes more $ on repairs than sales.
19th Mar 2004, 11:45
I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 4x4. The surging problem is the torque converter lock up. It is being unlocked by the computer. Take it to the dealer and have them run a Flash Program on the computer. This took care of my problem.
22nd Mar 2004, 08:14
I have a '98 1500 SLT. At 40,000 miles I had to replace a speed shift sensor which was $40.00. At 48,000 miles I had to pay to have a drive shaft sensor replaced, which cost me $240.00. I now have another problem at 48,800 miles which causes my speedometer to not work until about 45 miles per hour. The check engine light is on, along with the ABS and brake light. I payed the truck off, and two weeks later this started. HUMMMM??
17th Apr 2004, 20:50
Problem may be in the computer which governs the shift points under different load situations. (Going up hill requiring downshift, straight downshift for passing a vehicle, etc)
19th Jun 2004, 18:11
I have an 01 ram 1500 and mine did the same thing. For me it was a bunch of things added up to the problem.
1. Torque converter was starting to fail. Replaced.
2. Updated software at dealership.
3. Faulty TPS sensor.
4. Misfire in cylinder #2 caused by the valve sticking. Ran a couple tanks of injector cleaner and now everything is fine, runs great. When the valve sticks, it thinks the motor is stalling thus it increases rpm.
10th Jul 2004, 09:59
I have a 98 Dodge Ram 1500 Anyone have any ideas on this subject:
As I'm driving along the overdrive goes on and off, on and off no matter at what speed.
Could it be the speed sensor?
Thanks in advance for any help.
John.
3rd Sep 2004, 22:15
Ha every one sounds close to the same thing, I have the surge in cruise, but I have another problem #5 cylinder miss, I replaced the injector, wire, rotor, cap, great compression???, could it be the computer???
98 dodge ram 1500 5.9L
150,000 miles been a great truck lower gas mileage now. Ratt@utma.comm please help.
8th Oct 2004, 06:16
I have a 98 Dodge Ram,5.9 liter 1500 and I experience some problems with my speed control and changed the catalytic converter. My shifting and speed problem went away.
7th Nov 2004, 13:56
I was looking for things, because my boyfriend's 98 Dodge Ram will not turn over, and I came across this recall; maybe it will be of some help to you. Other recalls can be found on www.nhtsa.gov under recalls.
5th Dec 2004, 09:57
I guess I've been very fortunate with my Dodge Ram 1500 SLT as The only problem I've had with it was the AC evaporator which was just this year... I drive my truck daily and bought it new.
15th Dec 2004, 08:44
My 1998 Ram 1500 5.2 V8 automatic also has a surging problem. The tach jumps up about 300 RPM at around 1800-2000 RPM. Usually during inclines, but not always. The tranny has been replaced, new TPS, new speed output sensor, computer has been re-flashed with no luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
23rd Dec 2004, 09:33
I have a 1999 Dodge Ram Sport with 79,000 miles on it. I've owned it for 3 months and love it. The other day, I was driving and it wouldn't shift as I went faster,
(about 3000+RPM @ 55mph). Also it seems to slip into neutral while I'm driving quite frequently. Any ideas???
23rd Jul 2005, 01:55
I own a '98 Ram SLT 5.9. It has an after market cold air intake and a 30 HP Super-chip.
I have had only one problem, and that is the driver's door motor burned out. It cost $100.00 to replace and works like new.
Other than that, this truck has been a dream. I drive it every day, it has 78000 miles, gets its oil changed every 2000, and I use premium gas, not 87, even though the manual says to.
I have had this truck a long time, and no real problems.
12th Feb 2006, 15:10
2001 Ram 1500, 5.2L.
Vehicle surges approx. 100-300 RPM at 2000 RPM, in cruise and out. Surge problem started around 30k miles, currently have 74K miles. Took to dealership yesterday... told them about what has been written here... they got on phone with Chrysler while driving. Actions completed by dealer: PCM reflash, torque converter lockup. Cleaned throttle body and re-flashed PCM with updated software. Costs $190. Drove back to Oklahoma City... problem re-occurred entire way (2.5 hour drive). Will take back to dealer tomorrow. Recommend re-drive after repair, BEFORE paying for service!
20th Feb 2006, 13:31
Update on previous:
Got home and replaced TPS... no problems now! I and my wife drove on highway for 65 miles... no issues, no surging. Hope this did it!
20th Oct 2006, 23:30
Hey people, I just got a 98 Dodge Ram SST. My problem is every time the car is cold, and I start it up and drive, even after I warm up the car, when I give it gas, it kinda chokes on me bad. Almost like it wants to turn off, but it doesn't. When the car gets warm, it stops doing it. It is really strange. If anybody knows what it could be, your help would be very appreciated.
13th May 2007, 17:16
I have a 97 Ram 2500 with the 5.9 360, and I was driving, and it shut off and had no power to the fuel pump. I then found out that I was not getting a spark either. So I changed my fuel pump, my coil and my computer, and the truck still will not start, so if any one has had heard of this problem, please e-mail me.
Thanks
djtitan1234@frontiernet.net
15th Jun 2007, 13:31
Sorry folks, I just read these issues.
The problem is the torque converter lockup switch inside the transmission. This is a known issue with the 46RE electronic shift transmissions.
The dealer should have known this. If you are experiencing an approximately 300rpm surge at consistent highway speeds whether you are in overdrive or not, then this is your problem.
The fix, unfortunately is no fun. The dealer will either turn off the torque converter lockup causing your truck to constantly run at about 500rpm higher than without the lockup switch. Of course the Lockup feature of the Torque converter is for improved gas mileage at Highway speeds. Or he will tell you to deal with it, which is actually right.
The cause of the problem is the normal wear and tear of the transmission, and unfortunately the fix is a new tranny.
Sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but that is what it is.
2nd Jan 2004, 08:10
I also have a 98 Ram1500 5.2L and I have the same problem at all speeds it does not happen often mostly when the cruise is on, but for a second the RPM's will jump like the tranny slipped.