Cold Weather Idle Problem

Tiny
HARRYM
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE RAM
Hi,

I have a Dodge RAM 1500 4.7 V8 with 5 speed auto transmission. It has 19,000 miles. This is the 2nd winter I have owned the truck and the 1st of this problem. When the temperature falls below 32F upon low RPM acceleration 1200 or so, the transmission shifts up and down one gear for a few seconds. Once the truck has been running a bit and gets warmed up a little the problem goes away. Upon start the idle appears to be in the correct range i.E. 700 and does not drop to 400 like other Dodge problems I have read about. No codes are being given and I’ve called the dealer and they don’t have any advice on what this issue is or how to correct it other than bring it in and will see if we can re-create it....... Any ideas?

Thanks,
Harry M.
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Wednesday, January 17th, 2007 AT 6:44 AM

40 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
The trans problem could just be temp related. Check for TSB's. The idle could be the IAC motor noy liking the cold. Im in socal, when it got cold a little bit back (right around freezing) my IAC motor in my Chevy truck started having a cow.I removed it, cleaned it and lubed it with a drop of motor oil. Dont know if the oil helped, but it hasnt done it since and we had ice 2 days ago.
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Wednesday, January 17th, 2007 AT 8:03 AM
Tiny
HARRYM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
IAC Valve was Carboned Up with only 20,000 miles on engine. Dodge is telling dealership that this service may have to be done every 30K at a cost of $130.00.

They suggested it may been result of bad fuel, however, I always go with brand name?
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Friday, February 2nd, 2007 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Instead, lets spend 5 bucks on a can of carb or brake cleaner. Remove the IAC and clean it yourself
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Monday, February 5th, 2007 AT 10:49 AM
Tiny
TYBO562
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 2005 Dodge ram 4.7 engine. When in park or in drive and not moving, my idle goes from 600 to 1100 RPM's constantly. Once it levels out and I drive, it will do it again when I stop.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Have the codes read. Check for vacuum leaks and binding throttle.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TYBO562
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  • 2 POSTS
I recently changed the PCV, would that make a difference
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
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Wrong part could
spray throttle body cleaner around the hoses and if the idle changes you have s vacuum leak. Re check pcb part #.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CAWOODS
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
What does dodge code p1582 mean? Where is the ac drain location on a 01 Dodge Ram 1500 truck?
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,699 POSTS
I don't have a listing for that code number. If necessary, I'll try to find a Chrysler service manual to find out what it means.

What kind of "idle problem" are you having? Was the battery recently disconnected or run dead?

The AC drain tube is always on the engine-side of the firewall on the passenger side. Look for a 4" rubber hose with a 90 degree bend in it hanging down.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CAWOODS
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
I haven't had a dead battery recently. My truck idles rough when you put it in gear. When your stopped it idles rough
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Rough running is typical of a misfire. How long since the spark plugs and wires were replaced?
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CAWOODS
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They were changed 2 months ago
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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The first thing I would suspect is a plug wire that didn't get fully-seated. That will lead to arcing between the terminal and the spark plug, and eventually the wire will burn back far enough to cause a misfire. Don't overlook the distributor cap and rotor. Check for carbon-tracking, cracks, and moisture.

Normally misfires will be detected by the Engine Computer which will set a diagnostic fault code specifying which cylinder is at fault. When no code is set, consider other causes of harshness such as a collapsed rubber isolator in an engine mount.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DMARSHALL85
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2004 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
I have an 04 ram 1500 4.7L, and when it is idling it will jump between 500-1000rpm back and forth. It pretty much constant. Once you get going its smooth though. What's going on?
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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This can be caused by a few things, a vacuum leak, idle air control valve, throttle position sensor. Has the check engine light come on?
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CAWOODS
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
Ok thanks.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DMARSHALL85
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No check engine light coming on. I tried cleaning the throttle body and putting sea foam through the tank. It seems like if I the problem is occuring and I rev the engine it will stop a little while?
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CAWOODS
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  • 19 POSTS
What does dodge code p 0305 mean? How do I fix it? It's on a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 truck.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Check to see if there is normal back pressure coming from the exhaust. I'm wondering if your converter is starting to plug.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
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P0305 - Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected

Same as any other misfire. Gotta have consistent spark, fuel, compression, valves opening fully and not leaking.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 2:51 PM (Merged)

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