Surging problem on a 2006

[radar doctor]

2006 ram diesel stock::; here's the problem we set the cruse at 70 mph. . It's doing fine, then all of a sudden , the engime rpm decrease 200 to 300 rpm, odometer drops off to around 68. . mph. . Then it jumps back up to 70 like it should... . this gets very anoying after 10 or 20 miles down the road. . Going to canada goose hunting in oct and i want the thing fixed. . Anyone had this problem?? If so what did you do to fix it??? Thanks radar doctor

 

[Matt400]

I haven't seen that one yet but am gonna bump this post in hopes someone can help.

 

[p-Bar]

My 99 gasser ram 2500 did the same thing. Wondering if it's a trans issue?

 

[radar doctor]

Thanks Matt:: I really Need some Help on this SURGING PROBLEM... . It's very anoying to go down the Hi Way,,, LIKE THIS,,So,,People Please Jump in Here IF you Have Had this PROBLEM,,,????? WE Need to GET THis Fixed..... RADAR DOCTOR

 

[MQuirin]

I see you say the truck is stock. So, no programmer or any mods? With some of the programmers set to a higher level the CC will hunt/surge.
Can you hold the speed steady with the throttle? Is the idle steady? Do you get the surge at speeds other than 70?

 

[MegaTony06]

I have the same problem with my stock 2006 MegaCab.



No codes. Just an intermittent surge when cruising with no load.



If I mash the go pedal, it perks right up. Lay off the go pedal and surge starts again.



Sensor(s)? Injectors? Fuel Pump?



Where to start? Taking it to the dealer today... however it is out of warranty... depending on what the problem might be.



I have a 1,400 mile roundtrip to start on Thursday... want to nip this in the bud.



Thanks in advance.

 

[JJPage]

My 03 has done this on cruise since new M/T, pulling my trailer it goes away... . Lots of post's about this.

 

[cerberusiam]

Sensor(s)? Injectors? Fuel Pump?

FCA (Fuel control Actuator) is a frequent cause of the surge. Sometimes it helps to change sometimes not.

 

[MegaTony06]

FCA (Fuel control Actuator) is a frequent cause of the surge. Sometimes it helps to change sometimes not.

Where is this bad boy FCA located? Easy to replace? I am usually pretty handy with things.



Off to find a picture or diagram of this FCA doohickey.



Looks like about $140 or so. Hmmm. Found it for $112. 95 on Geno's but I can't wait for shipping. Crud. Hope I can sweet talk the Dealer Parts folks if this is the problem.

 

[BGlidewell]

FCA (Fuel control Actuator) is a frequent cause of the surge. Sometimes it helps to change sometimes not.

was'nt there also a ground or tin foil solution?

 

[MegaTony06]

I am not showing any codes.



Doesn't the FCA and Cam Sensor usually 'throw' a code?



Maybe it just isn't bad enough to throw a code yet... maybe?

 

[MegaTony06]

was'nt there also a ground or tin foil solution?

I was told about this, this afternoon by a Cummins Tech here locally. Usually for the big rigs... apparently this is common. Since I am not seeing any codes or CEL, he said to try this first (before we go down the road of dealer diagnostics).



Per CT Guy:



1. disconnect battery terminals and ground

2. clean all terminals and ground

3. wrap tin foil around alternator's hot wire - ONLY ON THE INSULATION/RUBBER - not the exposed metal connector/terminal (as touching it will ground it). Basically, creating an electrical field shield. Hold it on with wire/zip ties or some sort of shrink wrap material.

4. leave all disconnected for 30 minutes.

5. reconnect and go for a drive of 30 minutes to an hour to reset computer.



Not sure if this is the fix, but I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[BGlidewell]

I wonder if they're trying to make an EMI shield with the tin foil. If so. You need a ground on the foil. Better yet a grounded section of aluminum window screen would create a nice EMI sock.

 

[drice]

Would grounded stainless steel braiding (like is on turbo oil lines etc) work?

 

[BGlidewell]

Would grounded stainless steel braiding (like is on turbo oil lines etc) work?

Might not have small enough mesh. You want the holes smaller than the wavelength of the highest frequency you are trying to shield. Great thought though!

 

[MegaTony06]

OK. I feel like a dolt.



It appears that the "surge" is actually a "pulse" that is only manifesting when the A/C is on. Also, the A/C is now blowing non-cold air. It appears that my surge issue is due to my A/C going belly up. #@$%!



It is only 98 degrees right now, it is not a big deal. :{



Going to Kansas Thursday is not in the cards for my Mega. Will be renting a Suburban or something... that has a working A/C... especially since the forecast for Wichita, Kansas area this weekend is 100+ degree weather.



But in good news... the parts for my gas grill arrived today... after they were backordered two months ago. :-{}#@$%!



BTW, my new Bilsteins from Geno's feel great in the Mega... well except for the hot air coming from my A/C.

 

[cerberusiam]

I was told about this, this afternoon by a Cummins Tech here locally. Usually for the big rigs... apparently this is common. Since I am not seeing any codes or CEL, he said to try this first (before we go down the road of dealer diagnostics).



Per CT Guy:



1. disconnect battery terminals and ground

2. clean all terminals and ground

3. wrap tin foil around alternator's hot wire - ONLY ON THE INSULATION/RUBBER - not the exposed metal connector/terminal (as touching it will ground it). Basically, creating an electrical field shield. Hold it on with wire/zip ties or some sort of shrink wrap material.

4. leave all disconnected for 30 minutes.

5. reconnect and go for a drive of 30 minutes to an hour to reset computer.



Not sure if this is the fix, but I'll let you know how it goes.

Great idea for a 2nd gen, pretty useless for a 3rd gen. The inputs from the APPS, wire routing and shielding, and most important the location of the TCM controls has altered radically on the 3rd gens. Quite a bit of smoothing and checking is done to get rid of the problems on the earlier trucks.

 

[MegaTony06]

Definitive answer to surge/pulse problem (for me):



See this thread: A/C compressor failure



It was the A/C clutch (which is non-serviceable and integral to the compressor).



If you get a surge/pulse... turn off the A/C and see if it goes away. If it goes away then you have your problem - A/C compressor/clutch assembly.