Engine Missing

[gaylejoe]

06 Dodge: 144,000 miles

I have begun to notice that while cruising highway speed towing our 25' Airstream (gross wt around 8000 lbs) when I accelerate sometimes the engine misses. I can feel it. There are no warning lights and I do not see any rpm changes. The first time it happened I had just fueled and I though it was possibly the diesel fuel. This time when I tried to accelerate onto the freeway it was really bad. Couldn't get to power.

I do not have this problem all the time but it happens enought that it concerns me. I have taken it to a couple of Dodge places without success. I just replaced the U joints and that was not the problem. Several days ago, with the trailer in tow, I took my truck to my Dodge dealer. Enroute the truck would miss when I attempted a accelerate. I did not accelerate to the point the transmission dropped down a gear. With the Service Manager aboard my truck was a perfect angel. Nothing.

I don't want to get the reputation with my dealer that I am blowing smoke but I'm not making this up.

I am not a mechanic and would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Any power boxes or programmers? The usual suspects would be injectors and the fuel blow-off valve (especially if you have a rail presure box).

 

[Prairie Dog]

When mine did that is was a clogged fuel filter. It felt just like a bad spark plug in a gasser and the more I pushed it the worse it was.
I've learned that anytime I have a driveabilty problem the first thing to do is replace the FF no matter how many miles are on it.

 

[cerberusiam]

If this started the first time right after fueling I would suspect fuel and change the fuel filter. Check the air filter also to make sure it has not collapsed, LP pressure at the CP-3, and the rail PRV for leakage. A sticky FCA will frequently emulate this problem with no codes. A heavy dose of additive and an injector cleaning with CRC or SEaFoam is something you can do easily. As was suggested, any add-on performance mods should be removed to validate they are not the issue.

It may be time to invest in the standard gauges to actually be able to see what is happening. Boost, LP pressure, EGT, and rail pressure are invaluable whne you hit issues like this.

A full rundow of the year, transmisison, mods, etc, on the truck in your signature will help tremendously.

 

[gaylejoe]

My truck has no mods. It has the automatic transmission. This problem only exist during towing. The fuel filter is always changed on every other oil change. I don't know how to add my vehicle data to my signature.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

At the top of the page, under the header "Discussion forums" click "user control panel. "

 

[AMink]

Even if you just changed the fuel filter, it won't hurt to change it again. As mentioned, you could have picked up some guck in a recent fuel-up or maybe some sludge in your tank. Start cheap and work from there.

 

[cerberusiam]

I would start with a fresh filter, a heavy dose of Power Service in a fresh tnak of fuel, and an injector cleaning process. That will get the FCA also if it is getting sticky. See what happens, easy and cheap to do in the driveway.

 

[gaylejoe]

I really appreciate all the help. The problem only occurs while cruising around 60-65 while towing. When I increase my speed is when this condition occurs and it does not do it every time. If the fuel filter was the problem would the engine miss all the time.

 

[Prairie Dog]

If the fuel filter was the problem would the engine miss all the time.

Nope, that's just not the case as it will miss when you try to adjust speed or lightly accelerate and not miss a lick any other time.
BTDT but it's up to you as to what course you take.

Good luck.
Scott

 

[gaylejoe]

Prairie Dog, thanks, I will get over to my Dodge dealer this week. By now they think I am crazy.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Mine was doing the same thing. It was the fan clutch engaging and disengaging at a high rate. That put spikes on the engine load signal causing the engine to miss and surge. It took three months, three injectors, new EGR, throttle body cleaning and more at dealer number one. Dealer 2 found it in 30 minutes. Dodge had no clue. My truck was in the shop over 30 days.

It is fine now. Mileage increased 2 mpg on the highway. I PMd you. Give me a call and I will run you through a couple of things.

 

[Wingate]

Engine Missing?. . did you look under the hood? thats where they usually are!... sorry, couldnt help myself.

 

[MarkEkberg]

Thanks. Needed a laugh today.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Mine would miss. That means its would disappear and mysteriously reappear. Dohhhhhh.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Engine Missing?. . did you look under the hood? thats where they usually are!... sorry, couldnt help myself.

LOL, that was the first thing I thought when I saw the title.
You never know, those ford guys can get pretty desperate!

 

[gaylejoe]

Hey guy's I thought this was a problem with the engine but I am beginning to wonder. I just got back from a trip and the problem is a "vibration" and not the engine missing. It only happens while I am towing our 25' Airstream. I have it on cruise control with 65mph locked in. When I encounter a slight grade and the engine digs in without down shifting I have this vibration. The U joints were recently replaced and they did not solve the problem.

I have checked to see if it was the fan clutch and it was not the problem. The vibration is occurring more frequently when towing.

 

[cerberusiam]

Could still be the engine, load will cause a vibe if everything is not good with the injectors.

 

[gaylejoe]

This issue is beginning to bother me especially when the dealer cannot find anything. They think I am dreaming it up. I really appreciate the help.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Could also be the torque converter. The dealer should be able to tell you.

When mine did it with the fan clutch electrical problem, I could warm up the engine, put it in park, idle it to 1900 RPMs and within ten seconds, it would start the skipping/vibration feeling. On the road, it was noticeable on long grades to the point where I would turn off the cruise and feather the throttle.