Ram won't Idle... Intermittent problem
 

Hey guys,
I read this forum quite regularly but haven't posted until now. I have found some great information though!

Before I explain my problem, please know I did search, several times.

Well here's the sitch:
My 1997 Ram with the 5.2 is usually a strong runner. It could definitely use a bit of body work and I'm pretty sure it could use a new plenum (and therefore new cat/ O2 sensors). I've peeked through the TB and it looked pretty nasty, but it really doesn't consume much oil... anyway that's not why I'm here.

Once in a while (it's done this a total of 3 times now), the truck refuses to start (will turn over) unless I give it full throttle. I can let up once its running, but it won't idle in gear or park. The second I take my foot off the gas pedal it dies. I've actually become proficient with left-foot braking because even at stops I have to lightly press on the gas to keep it at about 900+ rpms.

Now the strange thing... It will act this way for an entire trip, and after I park it and restart it it still does it. But after sitting for some time when I went to restart it, it behaves perfectly normal and will Idle with no problems.

It has done this 3 times, probably about a month in between each occurrence.

What are y'alls opinions? My only thoughts are IAC motor or TPS, but those are nothing more than guesses.

Thanks for the help,
Erik

That sounds just like a sticky IAC. Could be a flaky TPS but they're usually more consistent in the failure mode.

Both are rather cheap, relatively speaking, to diagnose and, if necessary, replace. The fuel pump is also a possibility, but its usually even more consistent with the symptoms if it has failed, so I doubt its that.

just replace the IAC and you will be fine, and check the positive wire in the starter it can be making contact with the engine and cause corrosion and some failures, 3rd iac repaced until I found this, good luck

Great, thanks!

I'm going to replace the IAC asap... This is what I need, correct?

Your link is broken I think. Just loads and loads... could be my ISP though.

Ahh crap. Probably needs cookies. Hopefully this works... The part in this search?

LOL, nope... try saving the image to your local machine then attaching it to a post via the "insert image" button at the top of the quick reply box.

Regardless, I'm pretty sure you got it right. The page wouldn't load, but the tab heading in firefox came up with "Duralast/Idle air control valve"

Highly recommend against buying parts like sensors at Autozone. Duralast brand is usually complete junk.

make sure to disconect the battery before replacing the valve