SureTrack Community Fix: Rattle When You Roll

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Real Fixes from the SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair records and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Noises are bad. Intermittent noises are worse. Intermittent noises that only happen when you’re driving are horrible to diagnose. SureTrack community member 1Quick6 had a 2015 RAM 1500 pickup in the shop that had a rattling noise that could only be heard at certain times while driving. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community members, they were able to resolve the issue.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2015 RAM 1500 Laramie Limited 5.7L

Title
Intermittent rattle noise when driving, replaced VVT Solenoid

Complaint
Customer complains of rattle noise while driving.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
At cruise, with steady throttle, this noise becomes audible. Something is turning it on and off. On my scanner I can view the PID “Trans A/C converter clutch slipping”. When this PID moves from False to True the noise becomes apparent. The converter is not slipping. Playing with A/C controls changes nothing. Pulled transmission and replaced torque converter. Removed pump and gear train and inspected and found no issues. Pan was clean. New Pan/filter. What does this PID “Trans A/C converter clutch slipping” mean? A description could point me in the right direction.

Cause
The sound I was hearing was the camshaft phaser. My theory is that the VVT solenoid was not supplying the proper pressure to the phaser.

Correction
Replaced VVT solenoid under the intake manifold. Test drove vehicle and rattle noise is gone.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.