I have a 2001 Ram 1500 with 93,000 miles on it. It has the 5.9 V8 engine and automatic transmission. I just had the transmission rebuilt about 50 miles ago(picked it up yesterday) My truck dies when it is in idle. When I stared it at work to go home it would crank over and start but wouldn't keep running once I let go of the key from the start position.

I was able to get the truck home because I would keep some pressure on the gas pedal always keeping the RPM's at 1000 or more. A few times I took my foot off the gas and the truck immediately died, even when in park. When the truck died it wouldn't immidiately start. I would turn the keys and it would take a moment for the warning lights to pop up and then when I would turn the key there was a click and then nothing.

I eventually made it home about 5 miles away and when I took my foot off the gas the truck kept running. I then turned it off and waited a moment and turned it back on, where it then started flawlessly. I them attempted this again with the same results. It started and kept going without having to have some pressure on the gas pedal.

I thought it might have been the battery terminals so I cleaned them and I cleaned the terminal attachments but the problem still persisted.

Any advice on whats going on and how I can remedy it is greatly appreciated.

 

check for proper battery voltage and look into a clogged IAC

 

+1 on the IAC, but I'm over just taking the IAC off and cleaning. Just remove the TB and the sensors and clean the whole thing. Sensors included.

 

Same problem new symptom: When my truck is off or dies and the truck is in park I turnt he key to on and all the lights come on normally but then when I turn the key to start nothing happens. This happens until I shake the shifter a little bit keeping it in park. Then it will start up normally, but I still have the idle problem.

 

transmission has an electrical switch screwed into the drivers side near the front and near the linkage. its the neutral safety switch and it only allows the starter to engage when the transmission is in park or neutral. you may need to adjust the shift linkage or replace that switch.

idle problem is usually IAC on back of TB, or a clogged IAC port where the pintle seats in TB or TPS on drivers side of TB. start w/IAC. search on here for about 10 million posts.

 

The new symptom sounds like the neutral start switch in the tranny ... linkage adjustment should clear that.

Still going with battery or IAC on the original.

edit: Dang ... that'll show me not to refresh before hitting Post.

Like DH said.

 

yes these are two different problems... i think you need to have a little chat with your truck and remind it whos boss.