i have a 97 dodge ram 1500 135000 miles on it. and yesterday the check engine light came on so i checked and it said running too lean and is idleing like crap does anyone have any ideas if you do help me out thanks

 

could use some more info. could be a number of things, right down to iac, o2 sensor, weak fuel pump, bad cat, bad plenum gasket.

 

Bank lean codes usually come from a vacuum leak, weak fuel pressure or spark problem. Check for all three.

 

well how could i check and see if it is a bad plenum gasket or know if i have a vaccum leak and where would the iac be located and can i take it off and clean it

 

Take off your air filter box, crack the throttle wide open, point a flashlight down there, and have a look. See any oil? Time to yank the intake.

Get yourself a spray bottle that will do a fine mist. Fill it with water. Start the engine. Squirt things. If the idle changes, there's a leak.

IAC is on the back side of the throttle body. Yes, you can take the TB off, remove the IAC, and clean them both. Get a new TB gasket BEFORE you take it off. (yes, that is the voice of experience....... ooops. )

 

thanks heyou good looking out

 

if its running lean wouldnt that be an 02 sensor?

 

O2 sensor, or fuel problem (pressure/injector(s)).

Do a fuel pressure test, and the vac leak test.

If both pass, then it is probablythe O2. Bad thing is that if it is NOT the O2, you just spent money on those sensors. THey are not cheap. ESPECIALLY if you have a california vehicle like mine. It has FOUR O2 sensors.

I hate california. Even though it was beautiful and I liked the farmers markets and fishing.

 

i love having a 95...no emissions ..even though i never get a CEL, and when i do i just turn the truck off and on, and no more CEL..and when i move back to maine, ill no longer have a "R" sticker on my maxima...theres no emissions testing in maine at all...and its only 12.50 for a sticker...its 30 in MA

 

ok well i changed the iac and i checked for a vacuum leak and i don't have one but i didn't check the plenum gasket if it was bad would the oil be in puddles in there i just wanted to know what to look for before i go and tear it apart and thanks every one for all the help