After repairing my battery clamps, my van would not re-learn its idle settings. After driving with 2 feet for the day, I found a previous post from Stev https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-r...n-the-iac.html that helped me a lot. I have only had this van for 3 months, so I haven't really been "under the hood". One thing I found was that, even though the previous owner did regular maintenance at SuperLube or something like that, nobody apparently checked the air filter. Mine must have been 10 years old! I also vacuumed up about a gallon of acorn hulls piled up between the intake and the valve covers. Anyway, after cleaning the IAC, no more 2 footed driving! Thanks Stev.

 

Need to know that year, is it the 97?
I hate new electronics, with a passion.

How high is it idling?
Need more symptoms to get a better idea

I am no mechanic, but this is what I would do.

Unplug both battery posts, leave for 10 minutes.
In the meantime Re-Clean battery posts and clamps.
Take a look around the engine compartment, clean it.
Look at the throttle cable, is is clear of debris?
It might be a computer problem, or fuel problem.
Change spark plugs and wires (cheap fix $10 used parts)
Look at air filter, is it clean?
Look at airbox controls, are they clean?
While your at it, might as well change the oil and change the air filter and oil filter.
Do you know where your fuel filter is? change it as well
Is the fuel brand new in the tank?
if it has been sitting for awhile, drain it or suck it out and put in 25 liters of top line grade fuel.

Take another look around the engine, does everything look in good condition, if not replace it.

Dont go out and buy new parts, I just go to the junk yard and find new stuff in there all the time. Found a K&N filter, new plugs, wires, cap, brake pads, shocks, alternator. I do go frequently to the junk yard, because I cant afford $100 pads, or $50 rotors.

 

Yep, it's the '97. This was one of those "I need to fix it so I can go to work" moments so I just got it running. I did change the air filter since it is such a pain in the butt to get the doghouse out. I've been driving it every day and it runs great. It still seems to idle a bit slowly but with no tach, I'm not sure of the rpms. It doesn't stall now and does adjust the idle when I turn on the A/C so I guess it's ok.

 

Sounds good, Im buying a 88 dodge van, I know the jeep cherokees can idle high at startup, my buddy's did, his is 87, mine is 88 and idled high on startup for 10 seconds.
I think the main concern is ticking sounds and colored exhaust smoke.

 

For the PCM type of Ram Vans from 1994-2003 to clear the learned memory, just taking off the battery terminals will do nothing. You must take off the battery terminals AND ... turn the key forward to drain the electrical capacitors in the system for 30-1hr.

 

Oh? And where is this little tidbit of information documented?

 

It's on the page that demonstrates the use of your C-Clamp battery terminals -- didn't you see it?

 

I had the same idle problem on my 96 ram van when i left the lights on over night so draining all power. Riged a tempery cure and after about 1000 miles it went back to normal. after reading the above thread i now understand what happend.