Dodge Ram Acceleration Problems: Here’s What to Do!

Is your Dodge Ram truck showing an acceleration problem? Then you are in the right place; keep reading!

The Dodge Ram is a popular power truck that has been a mainstay on American roads for decades. Known for their rugged durability and impressive power, these trucks have become a household name in the automotive industry.

However, despite their reputation for being reliable and tough, some models of Dodge Ram trucks have been plagued by acceleration problems. 

The acceleration problems can be frustrating and even dangerous, as a lack of power can affect the vehicle’s ability to respond to changing road conditions.

In this blog, we will explore the issue of acceleration problems in Dodge Ram trucks and discuss possible causes and solutions. [Learn about RAM 1500 interchangeable years here.]

Whether you own a Dodge Ram truck or are considering purchasing one, it’s important to be aware of this issue and how to address it should you encounter it.

So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the acceleration problems in Dodge Ram trucks.

Symptoms of acceleration problem in Dodge Ram

Before you go to the take-action stage and make unnecessary changes, let’s first see if you are facing an acceleration issue or something else. 

There are several common symptoms of acceleration problems in Dodge Ram trucks, including:

• Hesitation or stuttering when accelerating: One of the most common symptoms of acceleration problems in Dodge Ram trucks is a hesitation or stuttering sensation when the driver tries to accelerate. This can be caused by various factors, including fuel system or engine issues.
• Sudden loss of power: Another symptom of acceleration problems in Dodge Ram trucks is a sudden loss of power while accelerating. This can be particularly dangerous if it occurs at high speeds or while trying to merge onto a highway.
• Excessive noise during acceleration: Some drivers have reported hearing excessive noise, such as knocking or ticking, while trying to accelerate their Dodge Ram trucks. While ticking is a feature (kinda) of Hemi-based Ram trucks, sometimes it can be a sign of issues with the engine or exhaust system.
• Other symptoms: Other potential symptoms of acceleration problems in Dodge Ram trucks include poor fuel economy, difficulty starting the vehicle, and the check engine light turning on. If you are experiencing any of these issues with your Ram truck, it is important to have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Possible causes of acceleration problems in Dodge Ram

Now that you know the symptoms of the acceleration problem in Dodge Ram, let’s go ahead and see why it’s happening. If you feel it is indeed an acceleration issue with your truck, you will want to check for the following:

• Dirty or faulty fuel injectors: These components deliver fuel to the engine and can become clogged or malfunction, causing a reduction in acceleration performance.
• Dirty or faulty throttle body: It controls the amount of air that enters the engine and, like a fuel injector, is prone to dirt and fault, causing a reduction in acceleration performance.
• Faulty mass airflow sensor (MAF): This sensor measures the air entering the engine. Faulty MAF can cause incorrect calculations and a reduction in acceleration performance.
• Faulty oxygen sensor: It measures the oxygen content in the exhaust and can become faulty, causing incorrect calculations and a reduction in acceleration performance.
• Faulty fuel pump: This component delivers fuel to the engine and can malfunction, causing a reduction in acceleration performance.
• Clogged or restricted exhaust system: The exhaust system removes gases from the engine and can become clogged or restricted, causing a reduction in acceleration performance.
• Transmission issues: The transmission is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels and can malfunction or wear out, causing a reduction in acceleration performance.
• Engine issues: The engine is the heart of the vehicle and can experience issues such as faulty spark plugs, dirty air filters, or worn-out parts, causing a reduction in acceleration performance.
• Electrical issues: The electrical system is responsible for providing power to various components in the vehicle and can experience issues such as faulty wiring or a dead battery, causing a reduction in acceleration performance.

Diagnosing and fixing acceleration problems

When diagnosing and fixing acceleration problems in a Dodge Ram, it’s important to first understand the potential causes of the issue. Some common causes include dirty or faulty fuel injectors, a dirty or faulty throttle body, a faulty mass airflow sensor, a faulty oxygen sensor, a faulty fuel pump, a clogged or restricted exhaust system, transmission issues, engine issues, and electrical issues as we just discussed above.

One of the first steps in diagnosing acceleration problems in a Dodge Ram is to check the vehicle’s diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using a diagnostic scanner. [If don’t already, you can get yourself one of the best diagnostic scanners here.] This can help identify any specific issues causing the acceleration problems.

Fix the fuel filter or oxygen sensor if it’s stuttering

If the issue is related to the fuel system, the fuel filter may need to be cleaned or replaced. A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow to the engine, causing hesitation or stuttering when accelerating. The oxygen sensor may also need to be checked and replaced if it is faulty.

Resolve the issue with the throttle body if you experience poor acceleration

A dirty throttle body can cause a restriction in airflow to the engine, leading to poor acceleration. If the issue is related to the throttle body, it may need to be cleaned or replaced. The mass airflow sensor may also be checked and replaced if faulty.

Clean or replace catalytic converter for exhaust-related problems.

If the issue is related to the exhaust system, the catalytic converter may need to be checked and replaced if it is clogged. The exhaust system may also need to be inspected for any restrictions or leaks.

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Perhaps fix your transmission if needed.

Acceleration problems could also be the cause of transmission trouble. The transmission fluid level may need to be checked and may need to be serviced or rebuilt if necessary. A faulty torque converter can also cause acceleration problems and may need to be replaced.

Put in new spark plugs.

If the issue is related to the engine, the spark plugs may need to be checked and replaced if they are worn. The timing belt may also need to be checked and replaced if it is found to be worn or damaged.

Maintain your ride

It’s also important to perform routine maintenance on Dodge Ram and any vehicle, for that matter. It may include regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and regular inspections of all components to ensure that they function properly and prevent future acceleration problems. If you recently changed the oil but the dashboard still won’t update then try this fix.

Over to you!

That’s a wrap for this guide on the Dodge Ram acceleration problem. Be it 1500, 2500, 3500 or 4500. We covered them all. 

Acceleration problems in a Dodge Ram can be caused by various issues, from fuel system problems to transmission issues. By properly diagnosing the root cause of the problem and taking the necessary steps to fix it, such as cleaning or replacing faulty parts and performing routine maintenance, you can keep your Dodge Ram running smoothly and avoid acceleration problems in the future.