Okay so in have a 98 ram 1500 5.9 v8 and it has trouble starting and when it does start it runs rough and it wont idle. the night before i was working on putting neon lights on the inside and i had the radio on and the battery started to die i think because the speakers started to only work in the back then i turned the radio off for a few minutes and it worked fine anyone know what it could be there are no check engine lights on or anything.

 

Rough idle can be the IAC and/or TPS or plugs and wires, OR plenum gasket blown.

Also, you can download a service manual and parts manual in the FAQ/DIY section. The FSM gives step by step instructions for testing each of these sensors. There is also a TSB about routing plug wires.

And welcome to DF. (duke city? - I'm guessing albquerque?)

 

Thank you yes I am from albuquerque and i also heard it might be a Idle control module or a dirty throtle body could that be it?

 

It is pretty easy to pull the TB. I would pull it and them remove TPS and check, remove IAC and clean (do not turn pintle) and clean IAC port in TB and the rest of TB if it needs it. Gets a lot of crap built up in there.

Also, while TB is off, take a light and look down into intake. Especially check the rear corner and see if there is any oil in there. If so, you have a blown plenum gasket. On the main 2nd gen page, there is a sticky thread - something like "be all, end all plenum thread." It explains it pretty well there.

If you have oil in there, your cat is on its way to getting clogged, which causes idle and many other issues.

(I used to work for UNM there - the only reason I was familiar with Duke City!))

 

Oh really thats cool and thanks so it shouldnt have anything to do with me putting in neon lights or the battery. With those things you said i should do would any thing turn the check engine light on because none of them are on

 

IAC and TPS don't necessarily set CEL. And if you ran your battery down, make sure you get a good charge on it.

Anytime you do electrical stuff to anything controlled by PCM, such as IAC, TPS, etc, disconnect the negative cable from your battery. When you get finished, coneect it back. It will take a little while for PCM to re-learn the settings for the devices.

 

Thanks i will try that out and IAC and TPS whats that? Do you think it could be the alternator because if i start it and give it gas it runs but like crap and wont idle

 

What does the volt gauge have to say?

IAC is Idle Air Control Motor.

TPS is Throttle Position Sensor.

Both on the throttle body.

 

Alternator should not effect idle.

IAC = Iadle Air Controller
TPS = Throttle Position Sensor

 

Im not sure i dont have one my buddy does ill check tomorrow thanks


Oh the thing that measures the battery level on the dash it moves around 14