I'm not even sure what keywords to search for - the R.P.M.'s on my 96 Ram 5.9 at idle fluctuates at idle. It goes from a normal idle, rises about 100 or 200 RPM, then back down. I turned it off, and stamped the accelerator pedal a few times, and that helped for the rest of the trip. It did it again the next day, and I think I saw that it almost died when I started accelerating.

Is this a common problem I should search for? Any sticky threads or how-tos?

 

Have a read of the plenum thread stickied at the top of this forum. That's where you need to start.

Erratic idle is generally indicative of a vacuum leak.....

 

TPS could be bad also.

 

i had the same problem then i cleaned my IAC and swaped my tps... problem solved

 

+1 on the IAC. try cleaning it and the passage way.

 

for surging idle, i'd replace TPS.

 

Also check battery and charging system. These are all easy to do and will at least eliminate them from possible causes.

 

i have a identical issue with my ram, its a 5.9 1500 [1996] can you explain what is and how to clean the IAC, i take it that the tps is the throttle position sensor but have no idea what the iac is [here in england we often call things different to you!!] thanks, kirk.

 

so u got the normal honda idle problem lol
id say clean the iac when iv cleaned mine on my hondas i just spray the **** out of it with brake cleaner then hit it with the air compressor a few times put it back on and problem solved if its not id say vac problem

 

The IAC (idle air control) valve is on the back side of the throttle body.
One thing for sure your crown wheel and bevel gear won't cause you idle problem. LOL