I have the 2001 dodge ram 1500 5.2. I recently noticed my check engine light came on. I got it checked out and the code was P0601. how can I fix this myself. my other problem since then my abs light and brake light came on. my breaks are fine I don't know what to do. also my truck will start up then it would stall out. if I push the gas pedal for a min it will be fine after but the rpms are very low. some one please help me.

 

It looks like you have a bad PCM, that's what the P0601 code points to anyway. You can pull one from a junk yard, and have it reprogrammed. Or if you can find the same truck as yours (same year, tranny, engine, etc.) and pull the PCM off that, then it shouldn't have to be reprogrammed. There are websites you can buy a PCM off of as well, maybe someone on here who's bought one will comment.

ABS/Brake light can illuminate because of many different things. You can have it scanned at a shop with an ABS scanner or at the dealer to find out the codes. Likely culprits are a leaking brake line, hub assembly (if your truck is 4WAL equipped), speed sensor, bad abs module, etc.

Stalling out is usually associated with a dirty Idle Air Control valve (IAC) located at the back of the throttle body. You can pull the throttle body off, clean the entire thing as well as the IAC and the passage it sits in. There's a DIY in the FAQ/DIY section on this forum.

I would start with PCM replacement first and see what other problems are still left.

 

Well I took apart the throttle body cleaned it all out. Cleaned the sensors and changed the air filter.
Now it turns over nice now good rpms wont stall out.
My other question is this other cylinder fitler. I dont know what it is
But it very dirty. It is in a plastic cylinder thing. It looks like an air filter but
Its not. I need help with it. Its about maybe 3inches or 4 tall.

 

From your description......I don't have a clue!

Can you post a photo of it? That would be helpful.

 

Yeh a pic , or where it's located. Have no idea.

 

Its located near the left headlight theres a tube that goes to the throttle body.

 

P0601 is indicative of a failed PCM. It happens. If you need to get a PCM PM me here and I'll help ya get one cheap.

But located near the left headlight? That's your cruise control vacuum line!

 

And that air filter thingy look-alike is the cruise control servo.

 

Does it matter if I dont use my cruises control. Like I never use it
Do I still need to change it

 

Post a photo so we can be sure please! But if it IS the cruise control, no you don't have to use it, but I wonder why it looks like a filter?