2001 Dodge 1500 Sport, 5.9L, AT. 171k miles

I've put about 800 miles on the truck since I got it a few weeks ago, and it has been running great.

Lately, I have noticed that when I start it when it is cold, it idles rough. I rev it a little, a couple of times, and it seems to clear up, but now my check engine light is on.

I'm going to have to take it to someone with a code reader, but I was just wondering what may be causing it.

 

The code should provide a clue, as it could be a misfire related code. Please let us know what code(s) are pending or stored in the PCM. What maintenance has been performed on the truck since you've purchased it and/or before you picked it up?

 

The owner of the truck passed away and I bought it from his son. He had no idea what maintenance was done on it other than 4 new tires, a fresh annual inspection, and a very recent oil change. It has been running great since I purchased it, so I haven't done anything to it either. There was no check engine light before the rough idling started, but now it is on all the time even though the engine smooths out after a bit. Once I find what the codes are, I will post them.

 

Used a friend's scanner. Misfire on cylinder 7. Code P0307.

 

How old are the plugs/wires/cap/rotor? What type of plugs are in there?

 

I don't have any information on that, because the previous owner is deceased and I've only had it for about a month. Guess a tuneup wouldn't hurt.

Do Ram trucks like a particular brand of plug? I once had a Subaru that ran horribly unless it had NGK plugs in it.

 

I don't think brand is so much of an issue, as type. Stick with your favorite brand of standard copper plugs. These engines really don't like the rare earth fellers.

 

Since maintenance is somewhat unknown, a good tune-up sounds in order. Personally, I'd replace the distributor cap (try to find one with brass contacts), rotor, spark plug wires and spark plugs. While you're in there, I'd also remove the factory metal spark plug tubes that surround each spark plug. They tend to collect debris around the spark plugs which can contribute to rusty spark plugs.