I just purchased a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 in late November. It was my Grandpa's truck, one owner. He passed away over a year ago and it has rarely been driven since he passed. So when I bought the truck I figured there would be a few little things I would have to fix. This one, though, I can't figure out.

For the first week or so, I would have to turn the key 3-4 times before it would turn over. The first few turns it just clicked, like the battery was dead. This hasn't happened in a while though.

When it is cold, it idles very low and unless I let it warm up first (temp up to around 160-200) it will stall and die when I slow down.

But lately, it has been idling really high. Sitting at stop lights at about 1000-1200 RPM while in drive. When I put the truck in park it shoots up towards 1800-2000 RPM.

I have tried to do a little research on my own and the only thing I can figure is a hose might have a leak somewhere. But I wanted to see if I could get some opinions here.

Thank you.

 

Check the throttle position sensor, and the IAC motor/passage. Both on the throttle body.

 

replace idle control motor.....found directly behind throtle body held in with 2 torx head screws $44 at autozone

 

The check engine light kicked on so I took it to auto zone. The code the computer spit out was for either:

1) Vacuum hose leak
2) Throttle cord stuck

 

welcome to DF.
these trucks idle poorly whenever there is a weak battery. it screws up the reference signals somehow. ignore the idle for now, fix the slow start, and charge the battery.

remove and clean battery cables on both ends. have the battery load tested. if the starter is still sluggish, investigate the starter itself.

post the actual codes you have, something like P1234 or whatever. don't translate them.

idle is mostly controlled by IAC and TPS. it can be difficult to guess which one is acting up. sometimes i get pissed off and replace them both.

 

There are some cables attached to the battery that aren't being used. The power supply for the CB radio my Grandpa had. I will remove those, charge the battery, and clean the terminals and cables.

The print out from the computer diagnostic says:

OEM Number: P1294

Probably Cause:
1) Mechanical condition-Vacuum leak
2) Throttle cable not free
3) Idle speed screw misadjusted

 

1294 is: Target Idle Not Reached

Verify you don't have any vacuum leaks. (plenum, plug came off one of the vacuum ports on the manifold, intake gastket, etc.)

Yank the throttle body, thoroughly clean the iac passage, and pintle, reassemble, and see if that helps. If it doesn't, replace the IAC motor.