Hi, I am new to the "Dodge world" so to speak. This is my first Dodge vehicle I've ever owned. It is a 1997 Ram Sport 5.2 Automatic 4x4 with 142,000 miles on it. I have a few issues with it unfortunately.
First issue- hard to describe but I will try my best. If I am in stop and go traffic and I take my foot of the gas to slowly coast, it still feels like my foot is on the gas a little. It actually accelerates on it's own but it's very slight. Also, if I have the truck in park or neutral and I rev it, it will stay revving for 2-3 seconds after I take my foot off the gas (TPS issue?)


Second issue- When I first got the truck, the transmission would slip when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, then it would go into second and it would shift perfect from 2nd on. I noticed under the hood that the TV/kickdown cable bracket was broken and it wasn't even attached to the throttle assembly. So I reconnected it and it shifted perfect without any slipping for a few days. Now it is starting to slip again going from 1st to 2nd. It will not slip every time I take off, it will do it randomly now. Other than that, the transmission shifts perfect and the fluid looks brand new.

I hope I have described these issues in a way so that everyone understands.

Thanks for reading.

 

I'd try this first. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-r...n-the-iac.html


Then get a haynes and a cheap multi meter and test the TPS.


I'd also replace the TV cable with a NEW one and adjust it accordingly.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-in-trans.html

 

And hows the trans fluid level? Must be running in neutral to get an accurate reading

 

Transmission fluid is up to the "MAX" reading on both sides. Truck in neutral, warmed up fully.

 

I re-adjusted the TV cable and taped it to the throttle and the transmission hasn't slipped at all in two days now. I cleaned the IAC with carb cleaner and the truck idles better but it still will accelerate a bit on it's own.

 

The IAC could still be bad, did you clean it and the bore in back of TB like the link I posted? I'd replace the TV cable, it might be sticking from however you got it attached. After replacing and still does it, then move on to testing/replacing the TPS. And also remove negative battery cable before cleaning or replacing any sensors. The PCM will be reset while you do the work.

 

i had this problem kindve, i went over a curb and a little while later the i couldnt keep the truck from stopping, itd just sit at 2k rpm trying to go. so i pulled over and well ill be damned, the battery came out of the box! was sitting on top of the cruise control wiring! put it back in and remounted it tight, but lost my cruise control in the process :/

 

i would try to clean the tb with tb cleaner and a wier brush usaually the throttle plates build up alot of carbon so when you let go of the gas pedal they cannot fully return properly if this doesnt work i would check to make sure the throttle cable isnt binding inside of itself

 

I cleaned the throttle body very well and it idles better and has better acceleration. I need to clean the battery terminals anyway so the ECM will be reset. Due to the fact that I don't want to start another thread, I will ask it in this one. The battery in my Ram is from Feb. 2005. Should I replace it before this upcoming winter or just wait til it dies? Also, could you guys shoot me some recommended maintenance procedures for a "new to me" Ram. So far I have, changed oil and filter, cleaned throttle body, cleaned IAC and put on a CAI. I have a new set of plug wires sitting in the truck. What plugs are not too expensive but give decent performance?

 

plenum, follow this
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...um-thread.html