New to this so please be understanding if I sound ignorant about truck repairs because I am. I have a 96 Ram 1500 Sport v8 magnum. This morning I went to start it and although it fired right up it would not idle. Unless I was pressing the gas pedal it would drop to no rpms and die.

Put it in gear and acted just the same. I sat with my foot on the pedal for 7-8 minutes and nothing changed. Doing a little reading and Air Intake Control Valve got mentioned. Any thoughts on what to do first?

Any and all thoughts greatly appreciated.

 

Have your charging system checked. Low battery voltage or failing alternator seems to cause these issues on our trucks.

If that checks out ok, you can do a visual inspection of the IAC motor, in the throttle body, I think...... I am going to have to check that one out.

 

if you've had ANY low battery issues, then fix that. low voltage messes up the idle.

if battery and charging is ok, then replace IAC on back of throttle body. about $40-50 at any parts store. before replacing it, you can check the little port at the end of the IAC cavity in the throttle body to make sure its not clogged up. you can poke it out with a wire or small screwdriver.

 

after all the above, do a fuel pressure test at the rail on the test port (drivers side fuel rail).

Could be a fuel issue.

 

I have a similar problem. My '99 plymouth breeze died on me and I found the timing belt shredded. I replaced the belt, head gasket and pretty much overhauled the engine by replacing a ton of other gaskets, the plugs, and air filter. Now when I start it, I have to keep my foot on the gas pedal or it just dies. I tested the TPS and the voltages were ok. No check engine light either.

 

welcome to DF mrbreeze. i don't know anything about breeze's but remove the air filter mess and look at the throttle body and identify every electrical wire that's attached. there should be a throttle position sensor TPS at the shaft that rotates and opens the plate. somewhere on the front or the back should be and idle air control IAC motor that opens/closes to allow air around the closed plate at idle.

if you find it, check the small port where the air is supposed to pass through and make sure its open. if no clean it out. if so, replace IAC.