Rough idle when in gear
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Registered User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Greenville, SC
Rough idle when in gear
I have a 1996 Ram 1500 2WD V8. The engine runs smooth all the time except when idling in gear. I can pull up to a stop light and pop it into neutral and it runs smooth again, but anytime I'm stopped and in gear the engine struggles to keep running. The problem persists whether the engine is hot or cold.
I just bought this truck last week and other than a few oil changes I don't have any experience working on vehicles. After seeing the resources here I'm hoping to make this my learning/project truck.
A few of the other issues I'm having (I've seen discussions for these around here, but if someone has a specific thread that treats these well I'd appreciate seeing it.):
-3 inches of play in the steering wheel
-Excessive travel/springiness on the brake pedal (not sure how to distinguish between "excessive travel" and "springiness")
-Squeaky suspension
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I just bought this truck last week and other than a few oil changes I don't have any experience working on vehicles. After seeing the resources here I'm hoping to make this my learning/project truck.
A few of the other issues I'm having (I've seen discussions for these around here, but if someone has a specific thread that treats these well I'd appreciate seeing it.):
-3 inches of play in the steering wheel
-Excessive travel/springiness on the brake pedal (not sure how to distinguish between "excessive travel" and "springiness")
-Squeaky suspension
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,398
Likes: 4,213
From: Clayton MI
Rough Idle:
First, check the easy stuff, like the condition of the various ignition parts. (plugs, wires) Move on to the fun to get to stuff.... (cap and rotor.....) If they look questionable, replace 'em. (a full tune-up on a recently acquired vehicle is never a bad plan. Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter, PCV valve FROM THE DEALER, oil change.)
Also check the plenum. (see plenum thread stickied at the top of the forum.)
Clean the throttle body. Get a gasket, (two bucks at the parts store...) Remove the throttle body, (two or three cables, and three electrical connections, and four bolts..) take the IAC valve off the back of the throttle body, (two screws?) and then clean all the buildup off of/out of it. Also, clean the pintle on the IAC valve. Try not to alter the position of the pintle. Disconnect the battery while doing this particular job....)
All of the above need to be verified to be in good shape before you can go further with diagnosis. (if you have to....)
Steering:
Grab a friend...... support the front of the truck on jackstands. (NOT just a jack.....) Park aforementioned friend in drivers seat. Unlock steering, but, do NOT start the engine. Open the hood. Have friend gently rock steering wheel back and forth, while you watch what moves, and what doesn't, starting at where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering column. The steering boxes are notorious sources of slop. Check ALL the steering linkage. If its sloppy, replace it. (there is an adjustment procedure for the steering box you can do, to take up a fair bit there.) Squeaky suspension is probably due to dry steering parts. (ball joints.)
Brakes:
Probably have air in the system, and the rears are out of adjustment..... the steel brakeline for the rear runs over the gas tank, and likes to rust up, and break...... if the previous owner just replaced the line, but, didn't properly bleed the brakes, you will get a "funny" pedal.
First, check the easy stuff, like the condition of the various ignition parts. (plugs, wires) Move on to the fun to get to stuff.... (cap and rotor.....) If they look questionable, replace 'em. (a full tune-up on a recently acquired vehicle is never a bad plan. Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter, PCV valve FROM THE DEALER, oil change.)
Also check the plenum. (see plenum thread stickied at the top of the forum.)
Clean the throttle body. Get a gasket, (two bucks at the parts store...) Remove the throttle body, (two or three cables, and three electrical connections, and four bolts..) take the IAC valve off the back of the throttle body, (two screws?) and then clean all the buildup off of/out of it. Also, clean the pintle on the IAC valve. Try not to alter the position of the pintle. Disconnect the battery while doing this particular job....)
All of the above need to be verified to be in good shape before you can go further with diagnosis. (if you have to....)
Steering:
Grab a friend...... support the front of the truck on jackstands. (NOT just a jack.....) Park aforementioned friend in drivers seat. Unlock steering, but, do NOT start the engine. Open the hood. Have friend gently rock steering wheel back and forth, while you watch what moves, and what doesn't, starting at where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering column. The steering boxes are notorious sources of slop. Check ALL the steering linkage. If its sloppy, replace it. (there is an adjustment procedure for the steering box you can do, to take up a fair bit there.) Squeaky suspension is probably due to dry steering parts. (ball joints.)
Brakes:
Probably have air in the system, and the rears are out of adjustment..... the steel brakeline for the rear runs over the gas tank, and likes to rust up, and break...... if the previous owner just replaced the line, but, didn't properly bleed the brakes, you will get a "funny" pedal.
