2001 Dodge truck has power surges.

de la cruz · 10-20-2003, 01:24 AM

Hello, I have a little problem with my 2001 Dodge 1500 truck. When driving at any steady speed or with cruise control on there is a surge of power to engine. As if I were to pressing on the gas paddle and letting go. It has gotten progressively worse as time goes by. Does anyone know what is going on?

Thanks in advance,
Rick

Primo Don · 10-20-2003, 11:12 AM

While I don't have an explaination as of yet... I experienced this for the first time this weekend in my 2001. I'll post back if I get a clue.

Adam

Primo Don · 10-20-2003, 03:36 PM

The dealership said most likely it's a speed control servo problem in the cruise control. While it's annoying, it's not detremental to the performance of the cruise control. It's a $90 part and is $120 worth of labor... I guess I'll deal.

Adam

sdnicker · 12-28-2003, 05:06 AM

I had the same thing happen while going to family for Christmas. Did either of you get this fixed, and if so, what was the problem and did it cure the problem. Mine is a 1998 1/2 ton - 360.

dano 360 · 12-28-2003, 10:04 AM

The surging with the cruise control on is caused by a bad TPS (throttle position sensor) which is a fairly common thing with the Dodges. You can pick one up at any parts store for $25 to $30

Danny

sanfords · 01-13-2004, 08:12 AM

Just wanted to find out if the problem had been fixed. I also have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L. I have the surging problem at driving speeds. However, I also have a problem with the idle loping about 400-500 rpm. It seems to be an intermittent problem. Have checked for vacuum leaks and have replaced plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. Not fixed yet.
Shawn

thetroutguy · 01-25-2004, 02:04 PM

I have a 2001 1500 5.2L that idles at 400-500 rpm's as well. Has only done it a couple of times. I have looked it all over and can't seem to find the problem. Since this hasn't come up for several months, I have kind of pushed it out of my mind.

I also have noticed a hesitation when first driving. This has gone away with the winter months as I let the truck warm up thoroughly. It seems "cold blooded" but only when the weather is nice. Should I let it "warm up" even when the weather is warm? Anyone else experienced this? Hmmmm...

sanfords · 01-25-2004, 03:29 PM

Replaced the throttle position sensor as Danny suggested. $25 at Autozone. Problem solved. Runs great now.

Shawn

Kchamb1206 · 02-09-2004, 08:03 PM

I have a Dodge Ram 1500 w/5.9L engine. Bought it with 21k miles. It started surging on first road trip. Did it between 40 and 60 mph with of without cruise on, especially while lugging as in going up a steep hill. Took to dealer 2 times. First time they reset service engine light, second time they flashed the software for the transmission control module. Said if it comes back they will replace the transmission. It's back!!

Ken

netyoda · 06-23-2004, 08:10 PM

I've been told it could either be the TPS or that the computer firmware needs to be re-flashed by the dealer. If one does not work, the other should.
'98 RAM 1500, 114K

Kchamb1206 · 06-29-2004, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by netyoda

I've been told it could either be the TPS or that the computer firmware needs to be re-flashed by the dealer. If one does not work, the other should.
'98 RAM 1500, 114K

Sorry I took so long to reply, haven't been checking mail much lately.

They fixed the truck, replaced the torque converter. Bad news is it took 8 days to fix. They replaced it 3 times because they were using aftermarket torque converters that had a silica residual in them from the manufacturing process. Silica got in the pump and screwed it up. Finally got one from Chrysler and it worked fine.

Ken

Betty32578 · 07-16-2009, 10:55 PM

Hello,
I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 2x2.
I have experienced the surging while driving and worse at stops.
If, I take my foot off the brake it will take off on its' own.

I've had it to the dealer 3 times. Dec. 2008 they did a complete tune up even though it wasn't due. Then I took it back in May. They couldn't see the problem & no codes were found. I had it back last week to the dealer and the charged me $95.00 to check it out & couldn't find a problem. I sat in their driveway with it surging but it wouldn't do it for the mechanic. He drove it with the code tester on it and said it was fine. I'm not just a crazy woman, although I was upset over the $95.00 charged when I know it was still acting up. Before I left (after 6 hours of being there) they said it could be the gas but then the mechanic came in & said he wanted to try 1 more thing. He reset the engine to the original codes, which I guess means the computer.
It now runs better much better, still not perfect but the surging has stopped.

Master X · 08-12-2010, 02:25 PM

My problem turned out to be the cruise control servo motor that is underneath the battery tray. Previously I had my ECM reflashed, and my TPS replaced and the issue with the cruise control surging was still apparent.

Chris Stewart · 08-12-2010, 05:29 PM

Glad you got it worked out, thanks for sharing!

usedgarpa · 01-02-2013, 06:27 PM

I have 2001 Dodge Ram 4x4 with new 360 motor and new transmission. Have about 9000 miles on it and has started having rpm surges with cruise on or off doesn't matter . Any clues where to start ?

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