Ok so I have just aquired a 97 1500 van with the v6 motor, and upon initial start if fires right up and sounds like a million bucks. however, after about 5 to 10 minutes of idling it does the strangest thing I have seen an engine do, it starts to run just a little rough at idle, and when reving it up a bit it runs smooth, but upon wind down to idle it starts to spit and pop and clank and jump like the ignition timing or the cam timing just jumped a MILE. Add gas and it revs again and is just fine. Hold the throttle at speed 1500 to 2500 rpm and it is just fine. But the second you let off the gas it does the clank and clunk dance again. Having been a pretty good shade tree mechanic for quite a few years now this has got me scratching my head as where to even start looking. Hope someone there has SOME idea where to start.

 

This has many Dodge Magnum engine owners stumped the first time this problem happens.

Follow these steps to correct it.

https://dodgeforum.com/m_525409/tm.htm

 

Wow thanks for the fast info. So I tried this and yes it did make a difference, motor does not sound like it is trying to throw a rod on deceleration any more, but still runs rough at idle AFTER it warms up for a few minutes. Before it warms us it is smooth as silk and runs like new, any further suggestions? Would the part possibly need replacing? Or possible pull off the throttle body looking part and clean it ip? Thanks for your help....

 

Read through the TSB section here ...

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997-index.htm

Under that listing is this TSB ... http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/18-13-97.htm It relates to what you have, but it's slightly the opposite conditions.[&:]

Much of the TSB's reflect to the Dodge Ram Vans too.

Yes, cleaning the TB will help. Another thing to look at is the TPS on the left side of the TB intake. It's just around the corner of the IAC on the left side. The two butterfly valves lock into it. TPS = Throttle Positioning Sensor.