Engine lack of power?

Tiny
SUNSHINE86
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It;s doing it again. Has to be a sensor? Still no codes with obd2 scanner.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Usually a sensor will set a code, so I'm a bit confused. When you place it in neutral you said it smoothed out. Is that correct? Also, I read back a couple posts. Please be careful increasing fuse amperage. You don't need a fire.

I have done a bunch of research and the only thing I can find related to 10 flashes is a p0137 which is related to an oxygen sensor. And I'm not confident the code is accurate.

By any chance, can you get your hands on a live data scanner?

Let me know.
Joe
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUNSHINE86
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So tonight I started it let it warm up for 10-15 minutes. She drove wonderful. Went inside for about 7 minutes for back in and rpm's were low started chugging almost shutting off. On way home I would almost floor it and there was no power no get up. Took forever for it to get to 40. Then when is slow down almost to a stop it would want to shut off. Finally get home. And just like that it has got power and the snappiness back. What is going on? Still no codes.
Tomorrow I might bring it to O'Riely's or AutoZone see if they can't run a diagnostic test on it. I feel defeated!
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BEAUFORD.POWELL
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  • 2003 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 168,000 MILES
With cruise control engaged at 55 to 60 mph, the tach reading 1500 rmps, the engine rpms will fluxate from 1500 to 2000 rmps while traveling down the road.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,217 POSTS
Does the truck accellerate when this happens?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUNSHINE86
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Every time this happens I forget to put it in neutral! Tomorrow is another day with this truck. Starting to think it hates me, lol.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BEAUFORD.POWELL
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No the engine rpms increase.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I have to be honest, that sounds like either a plugged converter, weak fuel pump, or something restricting air into the throttle body. Tell me, is there any smoke from the exhaust when this happens. Also, is there any noise coming from the exhaust when it happens.

Joe
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I hae to say it, but if the rpm's are increasing and the truck isn't gaining speed, it sounds like the trans is slipping. Has it ever done this without the cruise control engaged?
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUNSHINE86
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I picked up a MAP sensor today and will be installing it soon. Now you mention the catalytic converter. Do you know what the temperature is suppose to be before the catalytic converter and after the catalytic converter using a heat gun? And the noise or smoke I'm not totally sure. I will fire it up and take a look.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BEAUFORD.POWELL
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Could the shift solenoids be going out in the trans. Also now the eng. Rmps is fluxating wth the cruise off, running about 60mph, truck now acts like the torque converter is trying to lock up when stopping.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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The converter internally can reach temps of over 1200°F. When checking it with a infrared gauge, you should see differences under 100°F between the inlet and outlet. The outlet being hotter. (Note the engine should be at operating temp) If you see temps exceeding approximately 200°F, that is usually a good indicator the engine is running rich (too much fuel). If the difference is over 500°F, it usually indicates there is unburned fuel making its way to the converter.

Now, if you suspect there could be an issue with the converter being plugged, you can check back pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to the exhaust system. Most times, I remove an O2 sensor (Pre catalytic converter) and connect there. At an idle, back pressure should be no higher than approximately 4 psi. If you find it to exceed 7 or 8 psi, something is blocked.

Also, you can remove an o2 sensor and see if it runs better. That will allow added release of pressure. It won't release enough to make things perfect, but you should notice a difference. However, it will turn the check engine light on indicating an O2 sensor problem.

Let me know if you do either of these tests and the results.

Take care and try to have a good weekend.
Joe
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Wow! This is an interesting one. Again, if the RPM's increase with no speed or accelleration from the engine, I feel the trans is slipping. The shift solenoids only shift the vehicle from one gear to another.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUNSHINE86
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Hey, how I will be hooking up an onboard scanner. What am I looking for? Any help would be great. The truck doesn't have a manual. So any help would be fantastic. Thank you
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BEAUFORD.POWELL
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If the trans was slipping should I not get when I accelerate from a stop. I am thinking that since everthing is run off the pcm that I might be getting a false signal from the electrical side of this problem.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUNSHINE86
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I also used an infrared thermometer at checked the cat. After the cat going towards rear is 230 the cat 141 and going towards motor is 276.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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One would think so; however, if the RPM's increase, there should be an accelleration.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUNSHINE86
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And yes when I put it in neutral it smooths out a little. Tail pipe makes a Blurp Blurp kinda. Light white grey smoke. Keep in mind if I'm driving put it in neutral and restart it everything is fine.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The temp of the converter itself is odd. Do me a favor, remove the oxygen sensor and see if it makes a difference.

As far as the temps, the converter itself should have been hotter. Also, yours is hotter before the cat. That shouldn't be. Try removing the )2 sensor and see if it makes a difference.

Joe
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUNSHINE86
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Would the temperatures be off because I don't have a muffler? It was rotted so I cut it off and went with straight pipe.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 12:21 PM (Merged)

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