My truck is acting up, I pulled a light trailer (1500 lbs.) on a 360 mile round trip and I noticed the power was down from normal but not much. However when I checked the fuel mileage it was horrendous @ 12.5. I get around 13 when I pull my 5th wheel trailer that weighs 9500 pounds and has a lot more wind drag.
So yesterday I drove the truck empty and checked the mileage, it was 20.5 which is normal for the truck. I do notice a shudder or vibration when accelerating at highway speeds.

Whats going on here???

 

Pull the codes and see if anything pops up. IF you don't already know how to do it here is a quick run down of it.

Cycle your key between Off and On three (3) times. You should end in the ON position. Watch the odometer, it should show if any codes are stored in the computer. Write them down and post them here. After the last code I think the mileage will come back on. As far as your shudder/vibration, that could be as simple as a bad U-joint.

Could you give us more info on your truck? Year, tranny, etc.

 

According to his sig, it's a 1999, so the key cycle most likely won't work to get the codes.

He'll have to take it to autozone or someone with a DRBII scanner to get the codes.

First thing to check when mileage dives is the IAT sensor (intake air temp), if it is dirty mileage and power will go down.


phox

 

Is there any site that have the codes???

Just found a P500 on mine...

 

www.obdii.com

 

Thats what I thought........no matches.....hmmm.....

 

Scratch that - found it -

P0500.....Vehicle speed sensor.....???? any ideas??

 

Speed sensor is located in the rear diff housing near the top.
Try cleaning the plug connections first.

 

Its funny - Ive read about the VSS on the rear diff so many times I cant even remember what to do when it happens to me....

Thanks ED.....will give it a try.....

 

Disconnect the batteries for about 30 minutes and it will clear the 0500 code. I think it is set everytime you use the ABS system during hard braking on slippery surfaces.
Mike

 

[quote author=phox_mulder link=board=13;threadid=23391;start=0#msg219644 date=1070826454]
According to his sig, it's a 1999, so the key cycle most likely won't work to get the codes.

[/quote]

Sorry about that phox, he didn't have his sig set up when I replied.

Truckracer - since you have a 5 spd, that rules out a few things with your vibration. I would check for bad U-joints, tires out of balance, or uneven wear on your tires.

 

Shovelhead and Marine, thanks for the info.....

 

Thanks for the tips. I'll check it out tommorrow.

Thanks Again
Denny

 

Denny, sorry for hijacking your thread....

 

[quote author=Dr. Evil link=board=13;threadid=23391;start=0#msg219830 date=1070846397]
Denny, sorry for hijacking your thread....
[/quote]

Try and get you codes read at Autozone and then if there are any you can hit the net and see what they are...

Try and clean your IAT sensor as well....

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/sensors/IAT/clean.htm