Recently, my Ram has been stalling at low speeds. The RPM takes a large dip when i let off the gas moving around 5-10 mph. The RPM sometimes dips so far down that the engine doesn't recover and shuts off. Well, it was the battery causing the problem. About a year and a half ago, i was checking different things (throttle body, etc.) and i took a peek at the battery terminals. They were severely corroded. I cleaned the hell out of them, and it started running great. I had to repeat this about every six months and finally had to replace the battery leads.

Here is the question:

Why would the battery have anything to do with the RPM after the engine has been started. I've always thought that the alternator took over to run electrical power after the engine start. But after this problem, i've had to abandon my whole belief system! Thanks in advance to all who post a plausible answer to this mystery!

Josh (1998 Dodge Ram Sport)

 

It has to do with not enough voltage and amps. Those terminals are the life blood of any late model vehicle. With the demands on the alternator to create amps. and the battery providing said. There must be a clean connection. If your terminals provide any restance you amps will drop and at low engine speed the the alternator just isnt putting out enough for the demand. This will cause issues since there are so many systems asking for amps when you step on the brakes. Hope this clears up some of what you are wondering...
Bearcat