Hi Everyone,
I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 slt 5.9l with 23000mi.I also am getting a lot of gray hair.I hope someone here can give me some help.
It seems every time I start the truck (cold start) after about 2 to 3 min. It looses power ,RPM's drop to 300 and bounce back and forth to around 500.If I give it some gas it will not go above 1500 RPM's.
This lasts until the truck comes up to temp and then magically disappears.The truck then runs as though nothing ever happened.
I took it to a mechanic and the TPS was changed,fuel pressure checked along with a bunch of other stuff.
After abut a week of in and out of the garage and various testing (no codes or lights ever popped up) the problem seemed to go away.
I ran the truck for 5 days without so much as a hint of a problem.
Then it happened , I went and filled up the gas tank and bingo---
The problem is back with a vengance.I don;t understand what filling up the gas tank has to do with it,but It must have some kind of effect.
If anyone has any idea of what could be wrong I would greatly appreciate it.I'm retired and do not have hundreds of dollars to be trying various cures.This already cost me a few hundred and no fix has yet to be found.
Thanks Everybody
Papa1

 

With only 23K on the clock , it's certaainly not normal to have issues .

There's a few things you can try w/o spending money . First , try cleaning the IAC (Idle air control motor), here's a good link for it : http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/z...21/index4.html

I also know on the 4.0 Jeeps , there is a similar issue with O2 sensors . You could try unplugging the upstream sensors (closest to the engine ) Forcing the computer to run off pre-set settings and this will give you a harmless CEL(check engine light) that will go away when plugged back in . Try this for a few days , if no symptoms return , bingo . Tie any loose wires back , away from hot exhaust

I'm sure someone will blame the plenum gasket so , here's a link to test it for free as well : http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2000/09-05-00.htm .

You could also head to the dealer , get some Mopar CCC(combustion chamber cleaner) and run a can through the TB(throttle body) . Your lack of use and personal age might carbon things up , no offence , my hair is just starting to turn grey , lol .

Good luck and report the fix when you do find it please

 

It sounds like you have some sort of restriction happening inside your fuel tank upon fill up. It is possible that there is some debris floating around inside your tank causing your issue. The good news there is that if you have the know how and the time you can drop the tank and clean it out free of charge unless you break something while doing it. A quick way to check for this condition is to borrow/rent/buy a fuel pressure tester for fuel injected vehicles and check your fuel pressure with the tank full and then check it after running it for a few days and see what the pressure is like. There are so many variables that could be taking place with your truck it is hard to pin point the issue.

 

I doubt the fuel is an issue because it's a cold start condition "This lasts until the truck comes up to temp and then magically disappears.The truck then runs as though nothing ever happened." To me , it would have to be something that runs in open or closed loop mode and temerature effected . If I was a gambler , I'd probably bet on the 02 sensor , the symptoms are identical to what I have seen in jeeps

 

it wouldn't hurt to change your pcv valve (5$) if it gets plugged then you can experience a low idle/ rich running condition, according to what i was just reading on another site.

 

Could also be the engine coolant temp sensor or Intake air temp sensor.

 

Thanks all for your input,Ill post the answer to the problem as soon as I find it.
Truck is still in the shop for the last two days and the mech. is supposed to call tomorrow to tell me he still doesn't know whats wrong.

Thanks
Papa1

 

Thanks loads!!!
It was the o2 sensor.
Everybody is still shaking there heads because this was a wierd one.
You hit the nail on the head and I'm happy as hell.
Thanks again
Papa1

 

I am surprised it didnt kick a code for that. It does have a heater element on it and the computer will notice if its not working correctly.

 

Good news , glad I could help .

IMO , the O2 sensor doesn't throw a code because the issue isn't an issue long enough for the PCM to register it before it returns to normal .

It's also a good idea to use Mopar sensors , not aftermarket .