Piston Slap: The Importance of Enlightened Diagnoses

by Sajeev Mehta

Updated: December 26th, 2019 Published: June 4th, 2014

piston slap the importance of enlightened diagnoses

Geoff writes:

Sajeev, I enjoy your TTAC contributions very much. I have a 2002 Dodge Ram with a 5.9 liter V8. Starts every time and idles fine initially. But just when it transitions over from the cold start sequence to Normal running it starts to act as if it is gasping for air.

If I give it a stab of WOT or if I shut it off and restart everything is fine for the rest of the time I drive it which makes me think O2 sensor. But looking at the O2 output it remains high when the engine is stumbling but after the WOT or restart the O2 sensor signal begins cycling up and down as it should. It will throw a CEL if I let it keep going once the stumble starts – but I can’t remember the code at the moment.

Since I know how to replace a starter the restart is my “fix” but any pointers on where to go next? After it throws the light the engine stops sputtering and the idle returns to normal.

Sajeev answers:

Writing to an automotive help column without posting the CEL code is like dating a gal/guy that’s a total jerk, but not pretty/handsome enough to justify the psycho jerk-i-tude. You never do this, unless you know your audience both loves you and knows your vehicle like the back of their hand.

Since you asked for pointers, here’s my short list to anyone posting on Piston Slap or some forum where noobs get flamed:

Year, Make, Model and relevant options (completed)
Mileage (needed)
Previous, relevant service history (kinda needed)
Engine Codes scanned with your scan tool or the free service at a parts store (mandatory)
Research the code here. (definitely appreciated)
Ask about your next step on the diagnostic tree after giving us a good slice of the branch.

Without following the above pointers, I can only guess. So what the hell: there’s a problem with the EGR system, as it happens after warmup. Maybe it’s a bad sensor/actuator, or some vacuum lines are toast. Maybe the intake manifold and the EGR need a good cleaning. But I’ll go with the EGR valve itself, because there’s zero accountability on my side!

Off to you, Best and Brightest!

[Image: Dodge/Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.

#CEL #CheckEngine #CheckEngineLight #Chrysler #Dodge #O2Sensor #Ram

Sajeev Mehta

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2 of 21 comments

Ezeolla on Jun 04, 2014

Since it is a Chrysler product you can read the CEL on the odometer. Once the CEL comes on, turn the truck off. Cycle the ignition from off to on (but not to start, you don't want to restart the truck) 3 times and it will show the code

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YetAnotherHobby on Jun 04, 2014

Geoff here. Sorry about that Sajeev - I got your response and I have been trying to get the bloody thing to throw a code but it just chugs and chugs then settles into a nice idle without throwing a god blasted code. When it begins you can hear an increasing hiss of air at the intake, like it's sucking air as hard as it can - which made me think IAC...but that's fine. It's gotta be temp related because when the weather is cold it will throw the code and if I remember correctly after it's been huffing and puffing for 5 minutes straight it's usually some meaningless misfire in cylinder "x" - no surprise since it's probably running lean as hell. During the event it has no power but if you flutter the gas pedal you can keep it going, barely. I have an AutoTap and the O2 sensor signal is high the entire time it's misbehaving. After I restart the 02 sensor trace cycles up and down like it should. That is why I am thinking O2....but I never get an o2 code and it passes emissions with flying colors every year. Mileage - 82K Recent related service, or service occurring around the time it started - none. This has been going on literally for years - I have just gotten used to it. The EGR has never been serviced so that's actually a good starting point. I truly am sorry - I never expected you to use the letter without the CEL - I just didn't know I had a deadline to meet! I will post the code if I ever get something. I at least should have replied to let you know I was working on it! Keep up the good work (no snark intended). Geoff

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