G56 clutch changes? Grabby on new '17

[AH64ID]

I don't think my 17 does that, I know my 14 does not. That sounds like gas engine behavior.

It's been normal Cummins behavior since the 24V. They are programmed to add fuel at idle to keep it from stalling. Most driving conditions and habits don't experience it. It's an anti-stall feature.

 

[photowrite]

It's been normal Cummins behavior since the 24V. They are programmed to add fuel at idle to keep it from stalling. Most driving conditions and habits don't experience it. It's an anti-stall feature.

Yep, I'm familiar with the behavior, had it happen several times on my 6-speed 2005 Jeep Wrangler, very noticeable, but have not on my late model Ram...must be my driving style as you suggest.

However, I've killed the engine in my 2014 a couple times off-highway while 4-wheelin' , crawling up hills and not giving it enough fuel, in that environment that auto idle adjust (I've not expirenced on a Ram) is not enough for the load/ use and the truck will die. No surprise there.

 

[Newsa]

Photowrite, does your truck give you automatic throttle increase when you get below 850-875 RPMs? If I forget to down shift or push in the clutch at a turn or stop, my truck will speed up automatically to stay at 850 RPMs. It will scare you if you're not used to a manual Cummins. I was wondering if the Ram people have taken that program feature out on the new trucks.

Yup, I've noticed this. I think it's part if the programming that prevents the truck from lugging?

i assume it is a function of the clutch safety switch, tach, and speedometer?

 

[andymac]

I dont chime in here much but when someone has an issue with the G56 hopefully I can help. My company purchases between 10-15 new trucks yearly and for the last 20 years have all been manual transmission rams. Out of several hundred trucks since 1989 I have had one automatic and hated every minute I owned it. With that being said I have have experienced the grabby feeling you can get in some of them. Ironically all of the ones that we have had were regular cabs (including one that was built in March of this year) but the good news is that it doesnt do it anymore. My foremans trucks is a new regular cab G56 and averages about 2-4K miles a month. I think he has about 8K on the odo right now and it has smoothed out. We also get some sticky 3rd gear trannies but they also smooth out after a bit. They serve us well and I am not sure I would worry too much about it at this point. The good news is that we have not replaced a clutch since 1996 on any truck under 150K miles. Generally if the driver isnt too rough on em, they work well for a long time.

 

[photowrite]

I dont chime in here much but when someone has an issue with the G56 hopefully I can help. My company purchases between 10-15 new trucks yearly and for the last 20 years have all been manual transmission rams. Out of several hundred trucks since 1989 I have had one automatic and hated every minute I owned it.

Yep, I had only one A/T Turbo-Diesel truck, a 1995, and I thought it was a major mistake too.

With that being said I have have experienced the grabby feeling you can get in some of them. Ironically all of the ones that we have had were regular cabs (including one that was built in March of this year) but the good news is that it doesnt do it anymore. My foremans trucks is a new regular cab G56 and averages about 2-4K miles a month. I think he has about 8K on the odo right now and it has smoothed out.

Thanks so much for sharing. Anyone that has a fleet of manual trans trucks has my attention.
If it will go away/cure itself with some miles and I can avoid a surgery I'll be very happy!

We also get some sticky 3rd gear trannies but they also smooth out after a bit. They serve us well and I am not sure I would worry too much about it at this point. The good news is that we have not replaced a clutch since 1996 on any truck under 150K miles. Generally if the driver isnt too rough on em, they work well for a long time.

My driving style is very easy on the equiptment, even though I use them hard in other ways (loaded heavy, off-Highway use, etc.), and I don't have a hard time making clutches and brakes last. Everything you shared is encouraging.

Thanks,

James

 

[Brian Criste]

It may not be a clutch thing at all. It could be a difference in rear spring rates creating more or less axle wrap with clutch engagement

 

[photowrite]

It may not be a clutch thing at all. It could be a difference in rear spring rates creating more or less axle wrap with clutch engagement

Anything is possible but highly unlikely... not only doesn't it feel like that, this is a new 'coil-sprung' truck.

Hoping it goes away, but few miles still. Did a towing break-in for the rear-end gears this past weekend.

 

[sag2]

Just like after a brake job the shoes/pads should be burnished for proper operation. I think the same holds true for the clutch if there is anything imperfect on the mating surfaces. I would just drive it and see if it breaks in. Since you are easy on the clutch it might take longer to see any change over the average bear.
I always say be careful what you wish for if you want them to tear into your new truck on a fishing expedition to find a cure.

 

[photowrite]

Just like after a brake job the shoes/pads should be burnished for proper operation. I think the same holds true for the clutch if there is anything imperfect on the mating surfaces. I would just drive it and see if it breaks in. Since you are easy on the clutch it might take longer to see any change over the average bear.
I always say be careful what you wish for if you want them to tear into your new truck on a fishing expedition to find a cure.

Agreed on all points. Although I respect your abilities and those of many good professional techs, I avoid the dealer as much as possible (only took my '14 in for recalls after traction control light came on and killed my cruise control this winter), preferring nobody but me touches, maintains, and modifies my rigs.

 

[propaneman]

I also HATE the dealer or anyone else touching or driving my truck but with all the crap the Mothership will throw at you trying to blame you for any issues the vehicle is having, I would take it to a dealer along with the '14 and have a competent (good luck) person drive both and document the issue BEFORE something breaks and they say its your fault because no matter what, if it has a clutch, it must be the drivers' fault. 3 Pedal MAFIA forever

 

[propaneman]

my 16 is pretty smooth taking off in 1st or 2nd depending on the situation and fine with finesse trailer backing up, etc. It does make noise in 6th gear and sometimes protests completely going into 3rd gear at certain times smoothly but other then that its felt the same for the first 10K of ownership. Still nice and low grab and release

 

[photowrite]

I also HATE the dealer or anyone else touching or driving my truck but with all the crap the Mothership will throw at you trying to blame you for any issues the vehicle is having, I would take it to a dealer along with the '14 and have a competent (good luck) person drive both and document the issue BEFORE something breaks and they say its your fault because no matter what, if it has a clutch, it must be the drivers' fault. 3 Pedal MAFIA forever

Yeah, I'm prepared to be told it is me, although I'm certain it is not... Taking my 2014 with me is a inconvinient, the only 'local' dealer I'll use is 40 miles away, and getting both trucks there, AND getting 'a competent person' to drive them both seems like a possible recipe for disappointment.

But at a minimum I am wanting to get it documented on Chrysler's system in the coming weeks. My current thinking is to take it to have a couple extra fobik keys made, complain/document the grabbing clutch, but also say I'm willing to wait a while to see if it will smooth out/wear-in. This would get it 'on paper', but avoid a possibly inexperienced clutch digging into my new truck.