1997 5.2 2wd ram

my truck wont run right! when i start it runs horrible for a few minutes, then it runs great until i drive about 10-12 miles. It starts to back fire a lil and i have to keep the rpms over 3000 or it just stops excelerating. its really hard to get it home once this starts. any ideas??

 

Test your catalytic convertor by removing the front o2 sensor before the cat and see if it improves the drivability of your truck. When you unscrew the sensor leave it plugged in and hang it up out of the way of moving parts. If this makes it drive better you cat is plugged and needs to be replaced. You can go oem or you can go cheaper depending on whether or not you live in cali and get a high flow cat for much cheaper.

 

I have had the co2 code come up on one of my test drives. my cat has been hollowed out for about three years now and ive never had a problem before..

 

Have you tested/replaced the o2 sensors? With a hollowed out cat, can't be sure what it is or isn't reading.

 

Ok now that we have that info. I would suggest you pick up a haynes/chiltons/factory manual and a multimeter and test your coil and crank positioning sensor. If your o2 sensor is coming up in a code check replace it. some of the other guys on here have had the o2 sensor be the heart of their drivability issues.

 

how do i test o2 sensors?

 

thank you!!

 

did you get ALL of the ceramic out? could be a small bit that keeps getting jammed in the outlet

 

yah its all out

 

Probably a fouled up O2 sensor. Have you ever ventured to check the plenum and see if it's leaking? If so, I would bet that it is leaking and that's what fouled the plug up.