I have a 2004 Ram 1500 4x4 that I have finally put a set of headers on. The truck ran fine for about a day. Now it will start,but will not maintain the proper idle or run as before. I have read through the numerous threads that relate to this topic (non fouler trick) but it is not clear to me if this is acceptable to do on an 2004 and that it will pass emissions testing. Any help or insight on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

 

I see no reason why just the installation of headers would cause the problem you are talking about. Since the front o2 sensor controls engine functions, did you somehow damage the sensors during installation. The rear o2 sensors only show how efficiently your cats are working and control no engine function at all, so my best guess is to install new front o2 sensors. The non fouler trick will work on an 04 truck as my buddy has been passing emmissions for years with no trouble, although I have never been able to make it work on my 06

 

Thanks for the info. The front O2 sensors were replaced, but I had them for awhile. I did not do the work ( I hate it when work gets in the way) so I need to check the condition of them. Would you happen to know if there is brand of sensor that Rams like better than another?

 

I have put headers on my 06 with none of the problems you experienced. I have no idea as to one O2 sensor being better for our trucks than any other. I'd say just go with a reputable brand. Maybe run it as is for a while and see if it might be a computer learning issue. I'm not sure as to the reason for the poor idle and performance, but for the price of sensors, I might leave it alone for a bit and see if it corrects itself. Check all your vacuum hoses for leaks, I know when headers are being installed there is always a chance of knocking something loose, since sometimes people crawl all over the engine looking for a spot to tighten that tough bolt, so anything may have happened, and if you didn't install them yourself, you have no idea as to what was done while in a shops possession. Good luck and let us know what you find out

 

if you do replace the O2's, just don't use the bosch sensors, get the ntk ones. THe boschs ones 9 times out of 10 will throw a code. Hard to say what else could be wrong. Did you put shorties or LT's on?

 

I put long tubes on mine way back in '06 and have never had an issue.

Need more info. Did you keep the cats? Move the cats? What brand sensors? Getting any check engine lights?