2001 ram 1500 5.2

Having really weird issues with my idle and lower rpm’s. The other day I couldn’t get it to start, and stay runnin. Would only stay running if I revved it up. Happened 3 times, and then just magically started working. This was parked btw. Then, yesterday driving 30mph, randomly, it completely shut off on me, scared the hell out of me. Then it started normally and ran again. It’s so random and unusual. The fuel pump has less than a year of wear on it. I’m also having weird electrical issues, my odometer blinks with my left turn signal and the signal light is stuck on when my headlights are on, my passenger side tag light also isn’t working (I replaced them and the harnesses). Genuinely confused with this truck like ALL the time. Not to mention the damn bump steer and terrible power steering. UGHHH

 

Did the check engine light come on? If so, what pending or stored codes are you getting from the PCM?

Lastly, just as an FYI, dealing with a 20+ year old truck takes some serious patience and many times money (parts and/or labor) to work through the age-related maintenance issues that crop up, especially if you're driving the truck as a daily driver.

 

What condition is the battery in? fully charged?

 

nah there’s no CEL or codes stored as of right now and definitely lots of patience lol.

 

yeah alternator and battery test we’re all in parameters

 

When is the last time the throttle body was cleaned?

 

Also, it might be a good idea to check for vacuum leaks around the throttle body and the intake manifold areas, too. Lastly, check for cracked/brittle vacuum hoses, too.

 

Yep, I'd start with cleaning the tb and IAC.

This may not help but it's virtually free.

I just replaced the IAC on a '99 and the torx head screws were locked up. I could tell I was just going to snap them. With the air filter housing off you can feel where the screws are and see the "bumps" just looking down the tb bore. I heated each bump with a tiny LP plumbing torch and the screws came right out.

 

Also if 4wd and your pump is quiet, the weak p/s could be an axle u-joint. I just had this on a '98. You can diagnose by turning the wheel full lock one direction then elevate the front. Try to spin each wheel by hand. If one is virtually impossible to spin over, that axle u-joint is toast (it'll eventually loosen up as it grinds its needle bearings to pieces). It should be relatively easy to spin with wheels pointed straight ahead (otherwise you may have found a bad wheel bearing which is a separate matter)

THAT SAID, "weak" assist could be a dozen other things, too.