I have an '02 Ram 1500 with the 4.7L V8. I notice that it idles too low once in a while. Sometimes it will idle low enough at a red light or stop sign that it stumbles. It has never died, but gets close once in a while. I don't know how accurate the factory tach is, but on the tach it commonly idles at 600-700rpm. This seems low to me. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

I also had a 2002 4.7 before I traded up to the 2005 Hemi. It did actually die a couple of times at a red lights when it idled too low. There's a TSB for the 4.7. Take it to your dealer and tell them the problem. They'll update your PCM to fix this. I saw that it idled just a little bit higher, not noticable unless you're pick like me, but it never stumbled or died on me after the update. Here's the link to the TSB: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2002/18-030-02.htm

 

I dont think 6-700 is too low, actually where an engine should be at idle, if it falls under 500 I think you would have an issue. Check your TSB's, and check your throttle body, there may be something wrong there if you are not getting enough gas to keep your engine going.

 

I agree with stykthyn. My Hemi idles at 6-700 rpm once warmed up.
But............& it's a big but..................he never stumbles or misses a beat.
Just a nice strong, but slow idle.
Has your 4.7 just started doing this country?

If so, could be an indication a tune up is necessary. Plugs, wires, filters etc.
Just my 1p worth.

Al.

 

Well, it's an early '02 model, meaning it was originally purchased in '01. I just bought it used in November of last year. It was a local town truck, and had only 42k on it when I purchased it. It's only done it a couple of times, so I was wondering if anyone else had experience it. I'll have to check on the TSB suggestion.

 

I agree as well. Mine idled at about 650 most of the time (which is correct idle speed), but when mine stumbled and died, it was at 500. I could watch it at a red light idling at 500, then it would drop just below 500 and jump back up to 500, then die.

But the TSB will get you fixed Country.

 

Ive had the same problem on my 02 and im trying not to be a total moron but whats a tsb?

 

TSB

Technical
Service
Bulletin

It's basically a MEMO that Dodge sends out to its dealers to warn them that vehicle owners might complain about certain things.
When a TSB comes out, the dealers are required by Dodge to fix the problem as written up in the TSB, but ONLY if it is a complaint of the customer. You have to complain about the problem before they'll even see if you have the problem. It's not a recall, though.

 

I have an 02 with the 4.7 and a manual tranny I bought mine used with about 13,000 miles on it, the day after i drove off the lot it did it to me going across a busy intersection. brought it in the flashed it and it was good for about 4 months then it started doing it again brought it in and had it flashed then it was good for awhile and it just started doing it again a few weeks ago but i aint around a dealer so i cant bring it in. i bought mine in oct 02. mine is doing it now and it only has about 50,000 miles on it, so it is something standard included in the price of an 02