1998 Dodge Ram various surging or skipping

DAVERS54

MEMBER
1998 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

Mostly noticeable at highway speeds, engine surges or skips at various times. Some more intense then others. Had a similiar problem two years ago, had to replace the catalytic converter ( that would suck ). Also my front wheels will not engage in four wheel drive. Last time I used it heard a very loud pop. Any ideas?

Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 6:34 PM

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

1998 Dodge Ram various surging or skipping

Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition coil
Wet plug wires

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Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 7:08 PM