I have a 1997 ram 1500 extended cab, short bed, 4x4 with the 5.2 and a 5 speed. Ill start off by saying that this truck is SLOW, compared to similar rams with the 5.2. A few days ago i fixed my plenum leak and swapped my cat for a magnaflow one and this truck is still just as slow. Also, when i come to a stop and rev the motor while in neutral, my rpms either drop to about 100 rpms then it returns to idling fine, or my motor just stalls. any ideas on what is causing these problems? thanks

 

Start with the easy and less expensive causes firts. New plugs, wires, cap, rotor. Check for vacuum leaks. Fuel filter. Clean throttle body.

Is it throwing any codes? Good Luck.

 

thanks but ive already done all that except for the fuel filter and nope no codes.

 

The fuel filters on these truck are built into the fuel pumps. Try cleaning you IAC. that might help you issue with it dropping 100 rpms.

 

Death flash? Maybe.... Go and look at you PCM and see if there is a sticker on it that has hand writing or anything about up dated soft ware

 

SCT TUNER!!!!!!!!!! my truck did that till i did the tuner.

 

bump!

 

How many miles on the truck? I know just changing my timing chain and gears (167K miles) made a noticeable difference in power, and the way the truck ran.

 

Hows your oil pressure? Had a similar problem with a bad oil pump. I'm not a master mechanic, Just adding my .2

 

if there's no other problems like vac leak or needing a tune up, then idle problems are usually caused by IAC (or dirty IAC port) or TPS. they're about $40-50 each at any parts store. clean the old IAC pintle and port first. don't push, pull, or twist the pintle or you'll break it.