2003 Ram Hemi Electronic Throttle Control malfunction

I've had this problem for months. I have taken it to 3 different dealer service centers, and everytime they charge me to update the computer software. They still haven't fixed anything, and everytime I leave the dealer after "getting it fixed", within 25 miles the problem reoccurs.
According to my owner's manual the electronic throttle control malfunction warning light is only on the Hemi Rams.
The problem causes the truck to jerk, idle improperly, the engine loses power and shuts off at low speeds usually when turning, and sometimes when the truck accelerates after a complete stop, it hesitates causing the tires to screech when it finally builds up enough RPM to move, this last one has caused me several explanations to police officers on why I am "laying rubber" on their city streets, as if the Hemi emblem doesn't attract enough unwanted attention from the local highway law enforcement officers.
Does anybody have any info or has anyone experienced a similar problem. The dealer always refuses to replace any part, and since my $2,000.00 extended warranty doesn't cover the stuff they keep doing to it, I can't afford to keep taking my truck back to the dealer and shelling out the money for repairs, rental cars, etc. Help. thanks.

Just let it build up enough RPM to move. You don't have to make the tires spin. Don't you know how to drive?

oh wow, thanks for your help, i never thought of that.

Perhaps I didn't explain my problem well enough, when the problem occurs, it often prevents the truck from moving at all, and all i can do is push on the accelerator until it does move. Many times this does cause the tires to squeal and spin. I dont think my driving has anything to do with causing it, its part of the malfunction I'm trying to get fixed.

Were you holding the brake down with the other foot while you were doing this? I can't understand this.

If you're only pushing on the accelerator enough to make the truck move, then the tires shouldn't spin. Sounds like someone chained your truck to a post or something, I just can't picture this. I've never heard of it before.

Someone else might be able to help you with this...

that is almost exactly how it seems. Sounds strange, but that isn't even the biggest part of the problem, its one of the effects, i was just using it as an example of the several problems caused by this throttle light thing.
And, as far as the brake thing, no i'm not doing that.
It's an automatic transmission, but there are times when it would be similar to putting a manual transmission in gear, revving it up, and then letting off the clutch. That isn't what i'm doing, since its an automatic, but i'm using it as an example of the way the truck is working or acting.

Sounds like it's slipping lots and then suddenly engaging or something. I don't know what to tell you...

How's the fluid level? I hope you're using ATF+3...

Lizard,
I've got nothing on the malfunction light, but the problem could be related to the speed sensors, have a dealer check them.

Aside from that.... it's puzzling and almost sounds like you're joking...

Slantsixness

No, its not a joke, its at the dealer again, i dropped it off again today, 4th time. They see the warning light flashing, they just admit they can't remember ever seeing this problem before on a Ram. I'm not sure what ATF 3 is, I'm not a mechanic, thats why I get the extended warranties.

ATF3 is transmission fluid. I don't think he read your original post too well. I gather that you're getting a code (light) on your electronic throttle. OBDII diagnostics are normally pretty good tools to pin-point the problem. Could be the dealers are trying to patch what could cost him $$$ under the warranty.
I would gather up my receipts and call Dodge home office and see what gives.
I just bought a new Ram Quadcab w/the Hemi. I love the engine and the pep, but the electronic throttle just doesn't feel like I think it should. I haven't had problems near like you describe, but every once in a while when I get it a little gas, it feels like it's waiting on the computer to give it the go ahead before it throttles up the engine. Maybe just a second or two. I'm not impressed with the set-up.
Be sure and let us know what you find 'cause I'm sure a lot more of us are going to run into the same problem in the next few years.

I took it back yesterday, and they checked it out again, and now they claimed they fixed it by cleaning the throttle body, if that makes any sense. I had to drive from Oklahoma City to Dallas after I picked it up, and the problem didn't reoccur, which is the farthest distance I've driven it in half a year without the problem happening. So I figure if it doesn't show up by the time I get back to Oklahoma, then I will have some confidence in that they fixed it. Thanks for you help everybody. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I Bought 2003 Ram 1500 New With Hemi Engine Last September. Shortly Thereafter On The Freeway It Started To Slow Down Even Though If You Accelerated The Rpm 's Go Up But No Speed. This Has Happened Numerous Times Since, But The Dealership Cannot Cure The Problem. Anyone Out There Having A Similar Problem? I Can Turn Off My Engine Or Put It In Park And It Returns To Normal. I Like The Handling And Performance Of The Truck, But A New Pickup Should Not Behave Like This And Who Knows What It Could Lead To.

that is almost exactly how it seems. Sounds strange, but that isn't even the biggest part of the problem, its one of the effects, i was just using it as an example of the several problems caused by this throttle light thing.
And, as far as the brake thing, no i'm not doing that.
It's an automatic transmission, but there are times when it would be similar to putting a manual transmission in gear, revving it up, and then letting off the clutch. That isn't what i'm doing, since its an automatic, but i'm using it as an example of the way the truck is working or acting.
I have a new 2004 Dodge Ram with a Hemi. I am having the same problems, truck shuts down unexpectantly at lower speeds. When this happened to me, I was in traffic on a two lane road which was very crooked. The truck shut off without warning causing me to loose all power immediately. I had to steer quickly to the left to avoid a ditch. I shifted into neutral and started the truck (all the time with traffic behind me), put it into gear and accelerated. The truck did not accelerate very fast and was very hesistant. The Electronic Throttle Control light was on and then went off. I took it to a local dealer for service. The next day when I picked up the truck, they said the only code that they could get from the computer was one that showed I was driving with my foot on the brake pedal and accelerator at the same time. Of course, I do not drive like this and even if I did, this would not have shut the truck off as if I had turned the key off. I am in the process of taking it to the dealer that I bought if off of to see if they can figure it out.

I know a guy that just bought a Ram 1500 with the new hemi in it. On a cold morning his truck would not go above 35 and wouldnt make rpm. So he turned around to head 180 miles to the dealer and on his way down the hill it came out of it and layed a patch. The abs light and another light will also come on and when you start it the sppedo will go up and down between 0 and 20 while its ideling. He had it to the dealer recently because it quit on him much like the problems you guys are having and after they "fixed it" it quit on the way home. Dont know if that helps but theres someone else with the same problems.

Im having the same problem as "Lizard"..
I've had my dodge to the shop 4 times in the past 2 months and
the symtoms that he describes is correct 100%. I could not have
made it any plainer. The dealership last told me that it was a
MASS Air Flow sensor ..They replaced it on Fri. and Sat afternoon the
check engine light and the ligtening bolt warning light was flashing
AGAIN>>.. So back to the shop on Monday morning. Will let you know
what happens this time.. The owners manual says the lightening bolt
warning light is the Electronic Throttle Control but the codes do not
show this.. I"ve put 160.00 so far and it still not fixed..
"Lizard let me know if cleaning the throttle body has fixed your problem.
I'm courious if that has worked.. If so I'll recommed it to the dodge
dealership here..
:screwy:

Hey My 04 Ram Does Almost The Same Thing But It Shuts Off At High Speed 50-60 And The Etc Light Comes On. And When I Give It The Gas It Comes Back To Life.and The Light Goes Out.

if the etc gets dirty or gummed up inside it it will stick and cause the problems . the computor depends on the etc to tell it where the throttle is. if the etc is bad or gummed up it will act up and not give the correct readings to the computor. this should be covered under the extended warranty but this part is not cheap so many dealers will bull**** you as long as they can keep from putting it on. they can be cleaned with a can of carb or electrical cleaner.

I took it back yesterday, and they checked it out again, and now they claimed they fixed it by cleaning the throttle body, if that makes any sense. I had to drive from Oklahoma City to Dallas after I picked it up, and the problem didn't reoccur, which is the farthest distance I've driven it in half a year without the problem happening. So I figure if it doesn't show up by the time I get back to Oklahoma, then I will have some confidence in that they fixed it. Thanks for you help everybody. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
lizard I have had the problem day one on this 47,000.00 2003 limited edition.
I have had the cleaning done and it works for 6 months. Today i went to start my truck and would not start first time ever. I had the throttle cleaned and it does not run rough but it has to be done by hand and anyone who is engine knowledge can do this. Dodge knows of this problem but fails to correct the problem.

Are you getting the Lightning bolt looking light on the dash? If so that would indicate that you need to clen your throttle body. The dealership wants $125.00. you can do it in 45 mins. with a can of brake part cleaner and some q tips. It works evy time for me on my 03 Hemi.

hey guys have had the same trob. cleaning the throttle body didnt help, changing both of the speed sensors didnt help. i have been told it is the transmission computer. going sat. to see if thats the trouble with our damn old dodges if anyone else knows or finds out before i spend like $600 please let me know at supertaz125@yahoo.com

Has anyone come up with an answer to this one?

Sounds like some of Toyota's trouble.

Also sounds like the "Dead Pedal" we get with the Cummins.
The TPS/APPS (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor-$370 item) circuit opens for a split second then the power quits from as long as a coupla seconds to half a minute or longer then returns like nothing happened.
It also affects the auto. transmission shifting.

Here's some DTC's,
P0121 Accelerator Position Sensor (APPS) Signal Voltage Too Low.
APPS voltage input below the minimum acceptable voltage.

P0122 Throttle Position Sensor Voltage Low.
Throttle position sensor input below the acceptable voltage range.

P0122 Accelerator Position Sensor (APPS) Signal Voltage Too Low.
APPS voltage input below the minimum acceptable voltage.

P0123 Throttle Position Sensor Voltage High.
Throttle position sensor input above the maximum acceptable voltage.

All in the name of traction control on the gassers. My Jeep Liberty has an electronic gas pedal too...potentiometer on the pedal and a servo/tiny motor operating the throttle blade.

Since my Cummins has an electronic injector pump, I can see using that method of throttle control but not on the gassers.

Ding-dong engineers....they must've hired the ones that killed Oldsmobile.

I pulled the APPS wiring connector on my 2001 Cummins and found 1 pin discolored so I re-connected, disconnected then reconnected it a few times to make a better connection. The 1st time lasted about a year and the 2nd time has lasted nearly 2 years.

it depends on the dtc only if you get a p2173 high airflow vacuum leak detected (slow accumulation) dtc you need to clean the tb, if it does not work there is a bulletin to flash the pcm

So the throttle can be stuck open a degree or so, the TPS reports that to the PCM which generates a code? There's nothing really wrong with the servo?

I had the same problem.... vehicle shuddered, performance went downhill. Never have figured out what the problem was.

Also had the problem with it seeming like the tranny was low on fluid.

Codes P-2175 and P-2106 were displayed indicating air restriction and MAP sensor failure. It also stated that the TPS failed. I find out later that my 2003 Ram 1500 Hemi does not have a TPS. No restriction found in air box or anywhere in front of the throat of the intake.

Are there no fixes for these problems?

p2175 clean the throttle body, p2106 etc forced limited power. due to p2175 dtc

Hey, thanks for the info. I will try it and let you know how it does

2003 Dodge RAM 2500 QC 4X4 5.7L NVG4500 MT 87,800 miles

I have experienced similar problems with power loss, unresponsive throttle and engine shutdown. Symptoms still present after cleaning the Throttle Body (used clean dry rags, no solvents).

Codes P1618 and P2106 were stored except during complete engine shutdown then all codes were cleared from memory (by no action of mine).

Took it to the dealer, they updated the PCM to the tune of $200 (including diagnostic charge). They said if that didn't work, they would replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor. Well, the PCM update didn't solve the problem and I replaced the crank sensor myself (with an OEM sensor). That didn't work either.

Ordered a camshaft position sensor to try. Not here yet, but I am not confident this will work. Not sure what to do next? Can't keep paying the dealer to charge me for their professional guessing technique... so much for being diagnostic experts.

I removed the throttle body and did clean it (carburetor cleaner soaked rags). Re-installed it and it worked like new. This lasted about two months. Now the throttle body sensor light keeps coming on and causing the truck to go into "limp" mode (lower power, higher fuel consumption). I simply disconnect the battery for a few seconds and it will clear the trouble codes. Then it will work just fine for a couple of weeks.
Guess I'll just keep doing that as opposed to spending 530 bucks on a new throttle body.

Sad to think that there is such a widespread problem with these vehicles and there isn't a definitive fix for it.

Mike

Unfortunately, my problem is happening about every other day. Not too practical to disconnect/reconnect the battery that often.

$530 for the throttle body, eh? WOW!

I have no idea as to what else to do to solve the problem... other than selling the vehicle.

The only other "fix" I can think of is a master battery disconnect switch. Open the hood, turn it off, turn it on, and you are in business. You would think that Dodge would have figured out a fix for this.

Yes, selling the heap is one of the options I have to consider. The drag is that I use this truck to plow my driveways (total about 800'), so I have an investment in the 8' Fisher plow too.

And what to replace it with? All vehicles today are heavily computer controlled. So the same sorta glitch can frustrate the owner of almost any brand vehicle these days......

Thanks for commiserating! I'll post up if and when I have some more news.

a 1955 model Willys CJ5. Very simple to work on. Will will power your plow and climb a tree too! LOL

Well, the camshaft position sensor was no help. No real surprise, I guess.

Well, off to the dealer to see what they can do for me (besides lighten my wallet).

Mine is still holding up. At least for the time being, anyway. I will take the throttle body off again to clean it and maybe I can get another couple of months out of it.

Keep me posted if you will. I am really curious as to what the "FIX" might be.

I have no idea if anyone still reads this post but I need some help on this subject too. I have an 04 hemi 1500 with the same issues. At just over 100,000 miles while driving down the interstate, my truck came outta cruise control, the check engine light came on, the electronic throttle control light was flashing (looks like )z( with the z bein a lightening bolt) and it flashes. Manual says pull over and tow immediately. The truck will sputter and rev high if I push the gas, then cut off if i let the rpms go down. If I cut the truck off the flashing etc light goes away and the truck runs fine. After cutting the truck on and off 3 or 4 times the check engine light goes away too. At first the problem went away and only came back every 1,000-1,500 miles. Now its every 100 it seems. I've read to clean the throttle body or to locate a pink wire with yellow stripe on back of motor to see if its stripped anywhere (this wire is impossible to reach). Does anyone know of a permanent fix yet? Other than selling, which I'm considering before I set it on fire. I'll try to check back here but emails are better for me, my address is jjjmn265@AOL.com. any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

I've read of a couple of diesels acting similiar and their issue was a throttle position sensor going bad.

Go to a chain type auto parts store, ask for a free scan then when it comes up clean, ask the counter guy to set it for "running condition/parameters, current conditions"....whatever term the scan tool maker uses.

With the engine off and keyswitch On, connecting a scan tool, setting it for running conditions, scroll the display to find TPS % then slowly flooring & releasing the accelerator pedal to see if the numbers gradually increase & decrease will check the TPS operation. Any sudden change in values indicate a TPS problem.

I have a 2003 dodge 1500 hemi with 188,000 miles and had to replace the electronic throttle position sensor. Dealer part.

Im having the same problem? How do you clean the throttle body, i will try that.. I have disconnected the battery and that fixed it for around 35 miles or so.. But my truck acts like it wants to go fast but it goes SLOWER!!! so annoying.. I just bought the truck so if anyone has any advice on how to fix this problem it would be greatly appriciated..

And RMC how much did it cost through the dealership? total please?

I can't remember the exact amount but it was between $250 and $300. Replaced it myself only 4 bolts to take off.

Mine hasn't done it in a while so maybe a sensor was clogged up or something. If it messes up again Ill look into that part.

I have a 2003 ram 2500 with a 5.7 hemi and ill be driving and it just stalls will not start for awile and when i do start it it just cranks faster than normal and never trys to kick over. the etc light is on when this happens also, i have replaced the camshaft positioning sensor because thats what the check engine code was bringing up and cleaned the throttle body still doing the same thing. i'm lost for options anyone able to help?

Use plus gas I had the same problem but it went away as soon as I use it

I have a 2004 dodge ram 1500 with a hemi and I have the exact same problem with my truck a I have replaced the throttle body twice now and the servo sensor with no avail. It is killing me putting all this money into this truck to fix it and no body can even tell me what the problem is. I've read forum after forum after forum of tier guys with the same problem with their truck and non of them have a solution. I have a light that comes on the dash that tells me that the throttle body control module is not responding. I've replaced the TBCM twice now. When the light first come on I can keep my left foot on the brake pedal and my right on the throttle and as long as I keep my foot on the throttle the light will go back off and I still have throttle control. If I leave my for off the throttle for too long then the light will start flashing and at that point over lost all throttle control and the vehicle goes into erratic idling. I have to shut it off and restart it several times to get the light to go off so I can get my throttle control back.

Hollow I have the same issue with my 2004 5.7L hemi it will rough idle and some timesort when trying to start it will start and then will want to shut off. I have already had it shut off while driving as I was slowing to a stop and when it happens it's the same lighting bolt light on dash ETC but one thing I have noticed is it mostly happens when I am really low on Gas like when gas light come on low. But sometimes I can go months without it happening but it's been going on for a couple of years now and haven't done anything about it. When it happens I just shut it off then restart and it will be OK but just today I was leaving work and tried to start and that light came on and it shut off and won't start so had to leave my truck at work not happy so I'm going to go back and try and clean the throttle body and disconnect battery and see if that helps called the dealer to see what they say and can't tell me have to see the truck to tell for $125 just to diagnose so I will do it myself like everything else .

I know this thread is somewhat old but I was wondering if there has been any real conclusion for this problem. My 2003 5.7 L is having the same problems and I am the original owner of this truck. I had the lighting bolt come on once before and the dealer had to replace the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) once before. Now the light is on again but only because I changed the ETC thinking this was my problem after my wife ran it out of gas having a bad sending unit on the fuel pump. I replaced the fuel pump and went to start it up and it backfired hard in the cat. The truck starts up every time with a very high rev and idles poorly after that. I have all kinds of codes pointing to the ETC and have even tried an re-manufactured PCM (Plug & Play) recommended by the Dealership with no change. Performed a Compression test with all cylinders showing 175 - 180 psi. Did a Leak down test showing one cylinder with 22 psi and the others between 11 -16 psi. I have decided to try another Dealer that has a DRB-111 scan tool...hoping they will get the PCM to communicate with the ETC and APS (Accelerator Positioning Sensor). Hoping to hear from them soon. Any ideas or help would be appreciated.

I just wanted to post some good news.... that my truck is finally fixed. I brought it to another Dealer and they solved my problem. To my embarrassment and $1450.00 later, I found out that you should never spray Throttle body cleaner directly into the ETC without first removing it from the intake manifold. Since the manifold is plastic on the 5.7L Hemi, this caused the truck to backfire hard which split the manifold resulting in a very bad idle and high rev condition when the starting the engine. Once the Dealer replaced the intake manifold it purred like a kitten.