Hi,
I'm new here, but really need some help. I have a 96' Ram 1500, 59L 154K. The truck runs fine most of the time, then, usually days at a time, the idle drops to nothing and it dies. It happens all through the driving range as well as in Park, except when accelleration is applied. I have replaced the plugs, dist cap, checked all the vacuum lines, replaced the air filter and was thinking it was the something to do with the fuel pump, maybe regulator on top of the tank or the filter inside. Now after reading through many many posts, I am doubting that. Could this be the crankshaft position sensor, loose wiring harness, fuel injectors, plenum manifold leak or anything else? I really don't want to spend money on part after part to correct this if I don't have to. I can't duplicate this problem because it clears up on it's own in5 minutesor maybe five days or I'd take it to the dealer.I have run tank after tank of injector cleaner through it, nothing. I have checked the codes even though there is no CEL, nothing.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks.

 

I had a similar problem on a 800 mile trip to Florida with my 1995 model.

Based on advice from other Ram owners with more than 10 years experience
I am currently changing out the fuel pump assembly that submerges into the top of the gasoline tank.

Apparently when the electric motor powered fuel pump gets old, it starts kicking its internal thermal overload (circuit breaker). Turning off the ignition, waiting a short period, and re-starting makes the engine run normally again.

I know that it is not the ignition coil, because I changed that out the first time the problem occured and then went away for 700 miles.

I know that it is not the PCM computer because switching to a Mopar Performance PCM does not cure the problem.

I know that it is not the 1995 modle year EGR system turning on by mistake and making the engine run extremely rough because I have isolated that system too....your 1996 does not have EGR.

 

I would think the fuel pump too. Not sure how you ruled it out but any shop ought to be able to check the voltage going to it and the pressure coming out of it. You might try that before replacing the pump. It's not cheap if you can't do it yourself. Even if it's not sputtering during testing, it ought to show low pressure if that's the issue.

 

Do you get a check engine light? My 94 was acting that way but would show a code. It was the 02 sensor (upstream). I don't remember it ever dying just crappy idle and rough running through the whole rpm range.

 

he said there is no 'check engine light'

need clarification... when the truck acts up, are you saying that it will run ok under full throttle, but will not idle ? or are you say it won't run at all, full throttle nor idle ?

if it runs ok under full throttle, its not fuel pump.
if it won't run at any throttle position it might be fuel pump.

if it runs ok under full throttle and then won't idle, it might be IAC or TPS sensor (does 96 have IAC, i'm not sure)

 

Actually since all these pickups have an electronic fuel pumps as opposed tomanual it could be the pump malfunctioning. I would still replace the 02 sensor first as it is necessary for vehicle maintenance and much cheaper than a new fuel pump.[/align]

 

Pull, check, and clean your Idle Air Control (IAC) solenoid. It's easy to get at and off and should solve your problem.
If your truck starts, runs, and accelerates as it should, then those other systems are functioning properly.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/vykdad/Ram/5.jpg
The IAC is located on the aft side (back) of the Throttle Body (TB). The best way to get at it and clean both the male (IAC) and female (TB) surfaces is to remove the TB with the IAC, then remove, clean and inspect the IAC and mating surfaces. While you have the IAC out, plug it back into it's plug and turn the ignition switch to run (not start) and see if the IAC moves. If it does it means it's working and as long as you clean it up (both surfaces), you should be good to go.
Here is a picture of a typical IAC solenoid. This happens to be of my 99 Tahoe's IAC, but you get the general idea.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...TahoeTBIAC.jpg

Good luck and let us know when you get it fixed.

 

I agree with the above post...i was having the same problem a week or 2 ago..somedays the truck would run fine then all of the sudden it would act up..idle would drop low and i couldnt keep it running unles si kept my foot on the gas...pull your IAC and clean it and if that dont help replace it. when i asked this question i got no replys that included anything about the fuel pump. the fuel pump went out in my truck the week i got it and when it was going out sometimes it would start and some days it took a bit to start,when it wouldnt turn over i would get a fast "clicking" sound id let it sit for awhile go back and and try again and she would crank rite up had it checked out and it was the fuel pump. anywho when i was having the same problem asit sounds you are having i was told to cleaned my IAC and thought that helped but after a day or so it was doing the same stuff again so i just replaced it and have had no problems since. hope ya get it figured out..keep us posted.

 

Thanks everyone. Sorry, I was out of town for Xmas so I didn't get to this.
To answer one question, when the truck is acting up, full throttle seems to run okay, but it sounds "rough." This may just be the plugs. It's my mom's truck and I don't drive it often. If I let off the gas the RPM's drop to around 150 and it will die. I'll check the IAC, O2 sensor and if needed the fuel pressure.
I'll post in a day or two when I'm done.
Thanks for all your insights.