1. Started the truck up for the first time after replacing the cam & lifters. I also replaced the heater core & AC evaporator. Now I have have a flashing error on the dash which is the Electronic Throttle Control. The owners manual says that's a bad thing & I should go to the dealer as soon as possible....but doesn't say what the issue could be. I haven't found any connectors that got missed on the re-assembly but am stumped on the possible issue. Any clues?

 

What year and model is your Ram? Do you have the ability to pull diagnostic codes to see if that provides some hint as to what area to be troubleshooting (wiring, intake air, etc.)?

-Rod

 

2009 ram 1500 4x4 w/ 92k miles. I don't have a code reader. The dash says there are no messages, but I still have the blinking ETC light. I have to hire a shop to re-charge the AC, so I guess I'll also have them chase the error too. I did not disturb the throttle body when I removed the manifold (took it off with the manifold) during disassembly. The only youtube videos I've seen all related to trucks which developed the problem while driving & each time the fix was replacing the throttle body. I don't really think that is my problem since it worked fine before I took the motor apart.
Mike S

 

You might want to get a nice bright flashlight and possibly an inspection mirror to make sure you didn't pinch a wire or wiring harness between a couple of items when bolting together. But knowing the diagnostic code would help determine if that's a worthwhile effort or not. Since it sounds like it's still driveable if you have an auto parts store nearby, many of them will read diagnostic codes at no charge. Their tools are often just consumer-grade so it may not pull codes if you have a code that does not set off the Check Engine Light, but still worth a try.

-Rod

 

So, during my internet snooping, someone said to make sure the throttle body wan't gooked up from the PCV system (yes, there was a lot of gook in it, and the manifold, and intake runners of the heads, and intake valves.....at least to me it's a lot). I cleaned the throttle body & took it for a longer drive today. It runs well, but I still have a blinking ETC light, along with a traction control light, and the check engine light. The acceleration is good, the idle is good, the cruise (at 45mph) is good. My appointment with the shop is Tuesday morning (to re-charge the AC and check these error lights). Yes, I have been trying to snoop around to see if I had something pinched somewhere.

When I was taking it apart, I couldn't get the gadget on the back side of the manifold to unhook (there's not enough slack in the wires to pull the manifold away from the firewall to get a good grasp on it). I wound up cutting the wires & I made a longer patch of wires (there were 4 wires) with bullet connectors. Next time, if ever, the manifold has to come off, I'll be able to pull the manifold 10 inches away from the firewall to get at that connector.

Does anyone know what that sensor is on the back of the manifold? It could be possible I didnt' get a good connection on one of the wires maybe???
Mike S

 

Well, I'm an idiot....turns out I did miss a electrical connector.....the MAP sensor connector which is at the very back of the intake manifold on the passenger side. Plugged it in and all is good now. I don't even remember this connector when I took it apart is why I guess I didn't think to look for it.
Mike Sal

 

Whew, good find. It was right for you to suspect it had to be something missed during the reassembly since it didn't have this issue before hand. Congratulations on finding the connection, and thank you for following up with the solution!

-Rod