'97 Ram 2500 Van won't idle... even w/ clean IAC
#1
'97 Ram 2500 Van won't idle... even w/ clean IAC
Howdy. I've spent the last few days devouring the advice on this board--you guys are amazing. I'm hoping you can help me fix this problem and save some $$.
My '97 Ram 2500 Van isn't a morning person. What I mean is, when starting the van with a cold engine, the engine will turn over, start, and immediately die. If I keep my foot on the gas for a few minutes until the engine temp gauge comes up to the lowest mark (it starts at the bottom of the dial), the engine will idle and I can go on my way. Each time I start the van that day I'll have no problems. But the next morning I'm back to the same spot.
Based on what I read here, I thoroughly cleaned the IAC and port as detailed in the DIY post about it. Interestingly, the IAC itself was already pretty clean, but the port was filthy. However, this morning: same problem, no idle without gas for a few minutes.
Is my IAC faulty? Do I need to replace my TPS, or clean my throttle body?
Any help is really appreciated. And if you respond, remember that I know practically nothing about engines.
Thanks
Jon
My '97 Ram 2500 Van isn't a morning person. What I mean is, when starting the van with a cold engine, the engine will turn over, start, and immediately die. If I keep my foot on the gas for a few minutes until the engine temp gauge comes up to the lowest mark (it starts at the bottom of the dial), the engine will idle and I can go on my way. Each time I start the van that day I'll have no problems. But the next morning I'm back to the same spot.
Based on what I read here, I thoroughly cleaned the IAC and port as detailed in the DIY post about it. Interestingly, the IAC itself was already pretty clean, but the port was filthy. However, this morning: same problem, no idle without gas for a few minutes.
Is my IAC faulty? Do I need to replace my TPS, or clean my throttle body?
Any help is really appreciated. And if you respond, remember that I know practically nothing about engines.
Thanks
Jon
#2
Yes your IAC valve could be faulty. But I'm more inclined to think that your 2-wire coolant temperature sensor (CTS) is out of specs. There is a 1-wire one that controls the dash gauge, but the 2-wire CTS tells the ECM the engine temperature so that the fuel mixture will be richened when the engine is cold. This is the equivalent of what a choke does on a carburetor. Once the engine warms up a bit, the mixture doesn't need to be as rich for the engine to run, hence your stalling problem goes away.
#3
#4
Thanks for the quick replies--I've just had a chance to look into this further and buy a new CTS sensor from the store. I should also say that I have a 5.2 V8 engine.
This morning, cold, the battery was at 12.36 volts.
I am having trouble confirming which set of 2 wires belongs to the CTS though. I've taken a picture (below) -- is the 2 wire version in front, and the 1 wire sensor in the background?
If so, the new sensor that I got from the auto parts store doesn't fit, and I'll have to get a different one. The two prongs on the new sensor are wider than what is currently installed.
Also, any tips for loosening/removing the CTS? It's really in there tight.
This morning, cold, the battery was at 12.36 volts.
I am having trouble confirming which set of 2 wires belongs to the CTS though. I've taken a picture (below) -- is the 2 wire version in front, and the 1 wire sensor in the background?
If so, the new sensor that I got from the auto parts store doesn't fit, and I'll have to get a different one. The two prongs on the new sensor are wider than what is currently installed.
Also, any tips for loosening/removing the CTS? It's really in there tight.
#5
My brother in law helped me install the CTS today. For those out there who have difficulty, as I did, here's the location (because you can't see it easily): After taking off the doghouse, the CTS is located just behind the throttle body, in the gap. You must reach a deep socket down in there to get it out and replace. It's a bugger.