Subject: 2022 Ram 1500 (Non-eTorque) – Persistent Lurching / Jerking From Stop & When Slowing Down

[Ramtowski]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some help with an issue that’s been bothering me since purchasing my truck.

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie, V8 without eTorque, 6’4” long box, 20-inch rims, and 30,000 km (Canadian). I recently bought the truck and absolutely love the interior, the ride, and the leather — but I’m dealing with one major problem:

The Issue

I’m experiencing a lurch / jerk / hard-shift feeling, mainly in two situations:


1. From a complete stop:
When I lightly press the gas pedal, the truck hesitates and then gives a noticeable jerk, as if it’s shifting into gear right before it moves.

1. While slowing to a stop (less often):
   Occasionally — especially when the truck is cold — it will lurch or bump right before coming to a full stop.

It’s not consistent, but it happens enough that it’s really bothering me.

Comparisons


I test-drove a 2024 Longhorn V8 with eTorque, and that transmission was completely smooth with none of these symptoms. That’s why I’m thinking it might not be the transmission itself, but maybe something external or related to calibration.

What the Dealership Has Done So Far

I’ve been to my local Dodge dealer in White Rock, BC three times:

Visit #1:

• Checked transmission fluid levels (they were good)
• Updated PCM and DTCM
• Performed a Quick Learn

Visit #2 (about two months later):

• Replaced rear upper and lower control arms on both sides
• Inspected and updated the TCM again
• Rechecked all transmission fluid levels
• Found no codes or faults

Visit #3:

• Similar inspection and verification
• No stored codes
• Truck was returned with “no issues detected”

What Still Happens

The exact same problem:

When I let off the gas and the truck slows or rolls, it feels like something shifts or bumps. Then when I press the gas again, there’s a noticeable jerk. From a dead stop, it feels even more pronounced.


Looking for Advice


Has anyone else experienced this with the non-eTorque V8 models?


Is this normal behavior for the ZF 8-speed on certain trucks, or should I be looking at things like mounts, driveshaft, software updates, or possibly a mechanical issue not throwing codes?


Any help, tips, or similar experiences would really be appreciated. Other than this issue, I truly love the truck.


Thanks in advance

 

[moralescil]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some help with an issue that’s been bothering me since purchasing my truck.

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie, V8 without eTorque, 6’4” long box, 20-inch rims, and 30,000 km (Canadian). I recently bought the truck and absolutely love the interior, the ride, and the leather — but I’m dealing with one major problem:

The Issue

I’m experiencing a lurch / jerk / hard-shift feeling, mainly in two situations:


1. From a complete stop:
When I lightly press the gas pedal, the truck hesitates and then gives a noticeable jerk, as if it’s shifting into gear right before it moves.

1. While slowing to a stop (less often):
   Occasionally — especially when the truck is cold — it will lurch or bump right before coming to a full stop.

It’s not consistent, but it happens enough that it’s really bothering me.

Comparisons


I test-drove a 2024 Longhorn V8 with eTorque, and that transmission was completely smooth with none of these symptoms. That’s why I’m thinking it might not be the transmission itself, but maybe something external or related to calibration.

What the Dealership Has Done So Far

I’ve been to my local Dodge dealer in White Rock, BC three times:

Visit #1:

• Checked transmission fluid levels (they were good)
• Updated PCM and DTCM
• Performed a Quick Learn

Visit #2 (about two months later):

• Replaced rear upper and lower control arms on both sides
• Inspected and updated the TCM again
• Rechecked all transmission fluid levels
• Found no codes or faults

Visit #3:

• Similar inspection and verification
• No stored codes
• Truck was returned with “no issues detected”

What Still Happens

The exact same problem:

When I let off the gas and the truck slows or rolls, it feels like something shifts or bumps. Then when I press the gas again, there’s a noticeable jerk. From a dead stop, it feels even more pronounced.


Looking for Advice


Has anyone else experienced this with the non-eTorque V8 models?


Is this normal behavior for the ZF 8-speed on certain trucks, or should I be looking at things like mounts, driveshaft, software updates, or possibly a mechanical issue not throwing codes?


Any help, tips, or similar experiences would really be appreciated. Other than this issue, I truly love the truck.


Thanks in advance

Hi, do you manage to identify the issue? My truck is doing exactly the same thing and it is driving me crazy

 

[KrustyKush]

My 2021 5.7 non Etorque has always been "abrupt" when taking off from a dead stop. I suppose I could have this ironed out with some programming, but it isn't annoying enough to me to pursue it. I have to be extremely controlled in my foot on the gas pedal. If I ease into the pedal, usually I can achieve a smooth take-off. It takes a certain amount of awareness and concentration. When I asked about it at the dealer shop, 5 years ago when the truck was new, I was told this is normal for the breed, and that most ppl consider it to be a positive feature of the truck. Ok..

As far as the bumpy shifting when the drive train is cold, mine is pretty much the same as the OP describes. When cold, this trans is jerky. But once it warms just a bit it smooths out, and doesn't even have to come all the way up to operating temp to do so. At operating temps, my truck is nice and smooth shifting, with the exception of the sudden take-offs.

 

[Ramtowski]

Wondering if this has something to do with the 2 piece driveshaft. I have the 6'-4" crew
Cab 1500 2022 Laramie . Could It be a sticky carrier bearing /adjacent components or the bracket the holds the 2 sections on driveshaft together ? Not sure if the short box 5'-7" bed with crew cab is 1 piece or one piece driveshaft.

Anyways curious what others think.

 

[Bigdwisco]

Watching, my 22’ non e torque does the same thing and since it was new.

 

[RamCares]

Hi there, feel free to send our team a detailed private message along with your VIN for an extra layer of support alongside the dealership.

Diamond
Ram Cares

 

[bluecheese]

Some have fixed this issue by dropping the drive shaft and greasing the slip yoke.