Dodge Ram Shutting Off While Driving? Here’s How to Fix It
Are you experiencing sudden shut-offs while driving your Dodge Ram? It can be incredibly frustrating and dangerous to have your vehicle stall unexpectedly while on the road.
The cause of this problem could be anything from a lack of fuel to a faulty component in the ignition system. Understanding the root of the cause is important to properly address and fix it.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common reasons why Dodge Rams (be it 1500, 2500, 3500, or 4500) suddenly shut off while driving and provide tips on diagnosing and solving the problem.
So whether you’re a Dodge Ram owner or just someone who wants to learn more about automobile maintenance, this post is for you.
By the end of this post, you will better understand what may be causing your vehicle to stall and how to troubleshoot the problem.
Causes why your Dodge Ram is unexpectedly shutting off while driving:
1 Lack of fuel in the tank
One of the most common causes for a Dodge Ram to shut off suddenly while driving is a lack of fuel in the tank (it’s only obvious, I know). But this can happen even if the fuel gauge indicates that there is still fuel in the tank.
The fuel gauge in most recent Ram models is fairly accurate, but the accuracy drops with lower fuel levels. And so the tank can be empty even if the gauge shows that there is still fuel.
Additionally, when driving on an incline, the fuel may not be able to reach the fuel pump that goes to the engine, causing the engine to shut off.
2 Low fuel pressure
Low fuel pressure is another potential cause of a Dodge Ram shutting off while driving. The fuel pump is responsible for sending fuel from the tank to the engine, and if the pressure is too low, the engine may not get enough fuel to run properly.
It can result in the engine suddenly shutting off while driving. Low fuel pressure can be caused by various issues, including a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or a problem with the fuel pressure regulator.
In some cases, low fuel pressure may also be a symptom of a larger issue, such as a problem with the fuel injection system or the engine management system.
3 Faulty or broken fuel pump
We already touched the fuel pump in the above “low fuel pressure” thing. Let’s dig a bit more into this.
The fuel pump transfers fuel from the tank to the engine. If it is not functioning properly, the engine will not receive the necessary fuel to run.
It can lead to the engine suddenly shutting off while driving. Symptoms of a faulty or broken fuel pump include difficulty starting the engine, sputtering or stalling while driving, and losing power while accelerating.
In some cases, the engine may make a whining or humming noise, indicating that the fuel pump is struggling to function. A faulty fuel pump can cause the vehicle’s check engine light to come on.
A faulty fuel pump can lead to more serious problems if left unrepaired, including engine damage and an increased risk of accidents. Additionally, If the fuel pump relay or the fuel pressure regulator is malfunctioning, it can also cause the engine to shut off while driving.
4 Defective TCS or torque converter solenoid
The TCS is responsible for monitoring the position of the throttle pedal and sending a signal to the engine control module to adjust the engine’s speed accordingly. And it very well can be the one giving you the sudden shut-off and power loss troubles.
A defective TCS can cause the engine to stall or shut off if it cannot properly communicate with the engine control module. Similarly, the torque converter solenoid controls the lock-up function of the torque converter, which helps to improve fuel efficiency.
A defective torque converter solenoid can cause the engine to stall or shut off if it is not able to properly control the lock-up function.
If you suspect that a defective TCS or torque converter solenoid may be causing your Dodge Ram to shut off while driving, it is important to have it inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further engine damage or potential accidents.
5 Bad ignition coil
The ignition coils provide the spark necessary to ignite the fuel and power the engine. And a bad one can cause your truck to shut off while driving. When the ignition coils are faulty, they may not produce the required spark, leading to the engine shutting off.
Symptoms of bad ignition coils can include difficulty starting the engine, engine misfires, and a decrease in engine performance. Browse our favorite and reliable coil packs for 5.7L Hemi Ram trucks here.
6 Dirty or defective fuel injectors
Dirty or defective fuel injectors can cause the Dodge Ram to suddenly “Go Blank!” while driving. The fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If they are dirty or malfunctioning, they may not be able to deliver the proper amount of fuel to the engine.
This can cause the engine to stall or shut off while driving. Signs of dirty or defective fuel injectors include poor fuel economy, rough idle, and hesitation when accelerating. It’s vital to regularly maintain and clean your fuel injectors to prevent this issue from occurring.
7 Engine overheating
Engine overheating is another “obvious” and “not so hard to find” cause of a Dodge Ram shutting off while driving. The engine relies on a proper cooling system to regulate its temperature and prevent overheating.
The engine overheats can cause various problems, such as damage to internal components, reduced performance, and even a complete engine shut-off.
This can happen for various reasons, such as a malfunctioning radiator, a broken water pump, or a clogged cooling system.
It can also happen due to a lack of proper maintenance, such as not changing the coolant on time or not checking the coolant level regularly.
An overheating engine can be dangerous as it can cause damage to the engine and, in severe cases, can lead to a fire. This up-to-date guide on Ram truck overheating will come in handy.
8 Failed crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
The crankshaft and camshaft position sensors are integral parts of the engine management system. They work by sending signals to the engine control module (ECM) about the position of the crankshaft and camshaft.
This information is used to control the timing and fuel injection of the engine. If either of these sensors fails, the ECM will not receive the proper signals, which can cause the engine to stall or shut off while driving.
And now, this can happen at any speed and without warning, making it a dangerous and potentially costly problem.
Symptoms of a failed crankshaft or camshaft position sensor include stalling, poor engine performance, more emission, difficulty starting the engine, and visible damage. Don’t forget to read about the performance Cams for your 5.7L Ram truck here and boost the ride’s performance.
9 Automatic idle speed control valve and throttle valve
The automatic idle speed control and throttle valve regulate the engine’s air intake and fuel flow.
When these components become dirty or malfunction, they can cause the engine to shut off while driving. A dirty valve may not be able to open or close properly, resulting in a lack of air or fuel to the engine, leading to stalling. The malfunctioning valve can also cause the engine to run too lean or too rich, leading to engine damage and eventual shut-off.
In addition, if the valve is stuck in the closed position, it can cause a vacuum leak, which can cause the engine to stall.
10 Other possible causes
A Dodge Ram shutting off while driving can include other not so commonly found issues with the ignition system, such as a faulty ignition switch or a problem with the spark plugs or wires.
A problem with the mass air flow sensor, which measures the amount of air entering the engine, can also lead to a sudden shut-off.
A faulty oxygen sensor, which helps the engine control the fuel-to-air ratio, can cause the engine to stall.
Problems with the powertrain control module (PCM)- the brain that controls the engine and transmission – can also cause a shut-off.
In some cases, the cause of the problem may be a combination of these issues. It may require a thorough diagnostic examination to identify and resolve.
How to Prevent Dodge Ram Shutting Off While Driving
Regular maintenance and tune-ups
Regular maintenance and tune-ups can help prevent a Dodge Ram from suddenly shutting off. This includes regularly checking and replacing the air filter, spark plugs, and fuel filter and cleaning the fuel system.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the engine oil level and have it changed regularly.
Additionally, having the vehicle’s computer system checked for error codes can help identify potential issues before they cause the engine to shut off.
By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can help ensure that your Dodge Ram runs smoothly and avoid random shut-offs while driving.
Check fuel levels frequently.
This is another simple yet effective way to prevent your Dodge Ram from suddenly shutting off while driving. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge and confirm you always have enough gas in the tank – to avoid the common problem of running out of fuel while on the road.
You can even check the health of your fuel gauge like if there’s any debris or blockage from time to time.
Furthermore, checking the fuel level before taking a long drive can save you from unexpected breakdowns and getting stranded on the road.
Keep an eye on the fuel gauge.
Ensure regular checkups of the fuel level, and pay attention to any changes in the gauge’s reading. If the gauge shows low fuel levels, confirm to fill up the tank as soon as possible to avoid running out of gas while on the road.
Additionally, if the fuel gauge appears to be malfunctioning, have it checked by a mechanic to ensure it provides accurate readings. This can help prevent the engine from shutting off due to a lack of fuel.
Regularly check and replace the fuel filter.
The fuel filter plays a crucial role in keeping the fuel clean and free of debris, which can clog the fuel injectors and cause a lack of fuel pressure. This can result in the engine shutting off or running poorly.
By replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you can ensure that your engine receives the proper amount of fuel and prevent the risk of sudden shut-offs while driving.
Check for warning lights and codes.
Warning lights and codes on your Dodge Ram give you heads-up of the problem that’s to come. Regularly monitoring the vehicle’s systems can alert you to any potential issues before they become a problem.
If a warning light appears on the dashboard, it’s important to address the issue immediately by consulting the owner’s manual or a mechanic.
Check the cooling system.
Make sure you check and maintain the cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, and coolant levels, from time to time to prevent engine overheating – as it’s one big culprit for such incidents.
Check the air filter and replace it if dirty.
Regularly inspecting and replacing the air filter can help prevent the Dodge Ram from suddenly shutting off.
A dirty air filter can restrict the airflow to the engine, causing it to stall or shut off. Ensure the air filter is clean, as this will help the engine with the necessary airflow to run smoothly and not shut off unexpectedly.
Check the battery and charging system.
Batteries provide power to all those amenities you enjoy in the car. But a battery has a bigger role. It’s the source of power for ignition and overall smoothness of the engine run.
A low battery charge or faulty one can make your driving frustrating. So make sure to check the battery terminals regularly for corrosion, the alternator is functioning properly, and that the battery has enough charge.
You can avoid unexpected shutdowns and keep your Dodge Ram running smoothly by keeping an eye on the battery and charging system.
Over to you!
In conclusion, there can be several reasons your Dodge Ram suddenly shuts off while driving. These include as obvious as lack of fuel in the tank, faulty fuel pump, low fuel pressure, dirty to as complex as a failed crankshaft or camshaft position sensor.
To prevent this problem, you should regularly maintain and tune up your vehicle, check fuel levels, and look for warning lights and codes. If you suspect your Dodge Ram is shutting off while driving and cannot get around this on your own, it is best to seek professional help.
