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Brian Onyango
Updated on March 30, 2024
The Dodge Ram is known for its power and towing capability, but some owners have complained about issues with the truck’s acceleration. In some cases, the truck can be slow to accelerate from a stop, or it may lurch forward when accelerating from a lower speed.
The Dodge Ram acceleration problems include excessive noise with poor acceleration, a sudden loss of power while accelerating, and even the truck stalling out. The causes include a variety of component, from and fuel intake, to faulty spark plugs or a clogged catalytic converter.
Symptoms of the Dodge Ram Acceleration Problems
Acceleration problems refer to any time the Dodge Ram truck has difficulty achieving or maintaining speed. This can manifest itself in several ways, including:
The Truck Is Slow to Accelerate From a Stop
One of the major problems reported by most Dodge Ram owners is that their truck is slow to accelerate from a stop. This can be a major problem, especially if you’re trying to merge onto a busy highway or get up to speed quickly to pass another vehicle.
Causes
There are several potential causes of this problem:
- A clogged air filter can restrict the amount of air entering the engine, causing it to run lean and reducing power.
- A dirty or failed mass air flow sensor can cause the engine to run lean, reducing power.
- Spark plugs that are fouled or damaged can cause misfires, reducing power.
- A failing catalytic converter can restrict exhaust flow and reduce power.
Fixes
Some of the potential fixes for this problem include:
- Replacing a clogged air filter
- Cleaning or replacing a dirty or failed mass air flow sensor
- Replacing fouled or damaged spark plugs
- Replacing a failing catalytic converter.
The Truck Lurches Forward When Accelerating From a Lower Speed
Another common complaint from Dodge Ram owners is that their truck lurches forward when accelerating from a lower speed. This can be dangerous if you’re not expecting it, and it can also damage the transmission.
Causes
Some of the common causes of this problem include:
- A dirty or failed mass air flow sensor can cause the engine to run lean, reducing power and causing the truck to lurch forward when accelerating.
- A failing catalytic converter can restrict exhaust flow and cause the truck to lurch forward when accelerating.
- A dirty or failed throttle position sensor can cause the engine to run lean, reducing power and causing the truck to lurch forward when accelerating.
Fixes
You can adopt several fixes depending on the cause of the problem:
- Cleaning or replacing a dirty or failed mass air flow sensor
- Replacing a failing catalytic converter
- Cleaning or replacing a dirty or failed throttle position sensor.
The Engine Makes Excessive Noise When Accelerating
Besides the slow acceleration, some Dodge Ram owners have also complained about their trucks making excessive noise when accelerating. This can be a very annoying problem, and it can also be a sign of serious engine damage.
Causes
Some of the potential causes of this problem include:
- A failing catalytic converter can cause the engine to run rich, causing it to make excessive noise when accelerating.
- A dirty or failed oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run rich, causing it to make excessive noise when accelerating.
- A failing fuel pump can cause the engine to run lean, causing it to make excessive noise when accelerating.
Fixes
You can fix this problem by:
- Replacing a failing catalytic converter
- Cleaning or replacing a dirty or failed oxygen sensor
- Replacing a failing fuel pump.
There Is a Sudden Loss of Power While Accelerating
Dodge Ram owners have also reported a sudden loss of power while accelerating. This can be a very dangerous problem, and it can also lead to engine damage.
Causes
This problem can be caused by the following:
- A clogged air filter can restrict the amount of air entering the engine, causing it to run lean and reducing power.
- A dirty or failed mass air flow sensor can cause the engine to run lean, reducing power.
- Spark plugs that are fouled or damaged can cause misfires, reducing power.
- A failing catalytic converter can restrict exhaust flow and reduce power.
Fixes
Some of the potential fixes for this problem include:
- Replacing a clogged air filter
- Cleaning or replacing a dirty or failed mass air flow sensor
- Replacing fouled or damaged spark plugs
- Replacing a failing catalytic converter.
Tips to Prevent Acceleration Issues
To avoid these acceleration problems, it is important to properly maintain your Dodge Ram. Some tips to keep in mind include:
Replace the Air Filter Regularly
The air filter is the first line of defense against dirt and debris entering the engine. Replacing it regularly will help to keep the engine clean and free from damage.
You can replace it every 30,000 miles or so depending on your driving conditions. If you live in an area with a lot of dust or dirt, you may need to replace it more often.
Check the Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are important for igniting the fuel in the engine. Over time, they can become fouled or damaged, causing misfires and reducing power. You should check them every 30,000 miles or so and replace them if necessary.
Clean the Mass Air Flow Sensor
The mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. If it becomes dirty, it can cause the engine to run lean and reduce power. Cleaning it regularly will help to keep it working properly.
You can clean it with a can of compressed air or by using a mass air flow sensor cleaning kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Increase the Throttle Response on My Dodge Ram?
The throttle response is the time it takes for the engine to respond to the accelerator pedal being pressed. There are several ways to increase the throttle response on your Dodge Ram:
- Cleaning or replacing a dirty or failed mass air flow sensor
- Replacing a failing catalytic converter
- Cleaning or replacing a dirty or failed throttle position sensor.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dirty Throttle Body?
A dirty throttle body can cause several problems, including:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Decreased power
- Rough idle
- Stalling
- Check engine light.
How Do I Clean My Throttle Body?
You can clean your throttle body with a can of compressed air or by using a throttle body cleaning kit. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully so you don’t damage the throttle body.
How Do I Fix a Stuck Throttle?
If your throttle is stuck, you will need to replace the throttle body. This is a fairly simple repair that can be done at home with basic tools. You can find replacement throttle bodies online or at your local auto parts store.
Conclusion
The Dodge Ram Acceleration problems include weak acceleration with considerable noise, an abrupt lack of power while accelerating, and even the truck stalling out. These issues have all been brought on by various causes, which are described below along with possible solutions.
You can maintain a good throttle response by regularly cleaning or replacing a dirty or failed mass air flow sensor and by replacing a failing catalytic converter. You should also check the spark plugs and clean the throttle body regularly.
Get more helpful tips from these related Dodge Ram topics:
How Do You Reset the Dodge Ram Throttle Position Sensor?
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