This problem just started/ out of the blue ... no prior problems ... truck was running fine when I parked it. I have a '02 Ram 1500 5.9. The truck starts but won't stay running at an idle. If I give it gas it stays running, but as soon as I let off on the gas to let it drop to an idle it dies. No engine lights have come on. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

Not sure how easy the 5.9s TB is to clean, but it's a start. Air filter, plugs and wires, too.

 

Sounds like your IAC(idle air control) valve is not working properly. This is mounted to your throttle body.

 

I had that happen when my battery went dead...Would not start with a jump unless I had my foot on the gas. new battery and worked fine. Just a thought.

 

Check for vacuum leaks also as one big enough would cause idle issues and stalling.

 

Thanks guys! It indeed was the battery ... thought I'd start there because it was the easiest. It wasn't dead but I had just unhooked it mount some off-road lights. The battery was getting old so I went ahead and replaced it. I started the truck, kept my foot on the brake and RPM's up. Got out of the driveway and got going about 60 mph and then let it coast. The RPM's dropped and it died but I put it in neutral and started it again while coasting. Took it up to about 60 and did it again. This time the RPM's dropped but not to zero. Ended up coasting at an appropiate RPM and after that it has run just fine!

On another note: Just want to say thanks for all the times (almost 2 yrs now) I have come to this forum for advice and repair info without ever registering and asking a question. This time I was at a complete loss and I registered ... so glad I did! Thanks again all.

 

Glad you got it figured out.

 

Bought a used 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Larime. Battery was dead when I bought it. Shady Dealer jumped it, ran it all day yesterday, putting on nearly 200 miles its first day on the road, ran beautiful... came out to goto work today, starts but wont stay unless keep my foot on the gas... help!

VIN: 1B7HC13Z01J504957
Year: 2001
Make: Dodge
Style / Body: Quad Cab 4D
Engine: 5.9L V8 MPI
Country of Assembly: United States
Model: Ram 1500 Laramie SLT / ST

 

It was definitely the battery... thanks guys.

 

Add another one to the list today. My truck wouldnt start at the shop that was doing my lower ball joints. It started fine when they brought it in, but couldnt get it running without holding the gas after. Needed a jump to even turn over. I had them put a new battery in and it started right up and ran fine. They were awfully surprised that I came up with a solution after searching the forums for 5 minutes.