Engine not idling and stalling?

Tiny
OOLDMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 91,000 MILES
I have a 04 ram 1500 5.7L. My truck won't start unless I press the gas pedal and hold the pedal down. Once I let off the gas it shuts off. The engine shakes when it runs. The check engine light tells me that the O2 sensors are not reading right I replaced those. EGR valve is fine. I cleaned the throttle body. The truck will start if I remove the O2 sensors and will idle but RPM goes up and down. The exhast smells really lean to. I can hear the fuel pump start up.
Thursday, September 10th, 2009 AT 12:21 PM

45 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

I would suggest taking a fuel pressure check to see what the output is. You may hear it but it may not be putting out enough pressure. This sounds like you have a vacuum leak, dirty throttle bore or the IAC motor is not working but to be sure lets check out these guides to help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Saturday, September 12th, 2009 AT 12:33 AM
Tiny
OOLDMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
There is pretty good fuel pressure I checked the spark plugs and they are black from running lean I checked all the plugs and there is no sign of a leak all are black. I was happy to use the guide and find a vacuum leak by the throttle body all fixed!
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Saturday, September 12th, 2009 AT 10:21 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Saturday, September 12th, 2009 AT 11:03 PM
Tiny
DAVIDFLAKEJR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
I get a code for incorrect barometric pressure?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Chances are the MAF is the problem. However, I need the actual code number to be sure. If you can, send me the code.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVIDFLAKEJR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It was the map sensor, thx for ur help
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAYBJORDAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
I have a 2001 Dodge Ram with 99,000 miles with a manual transmission. It started cutting out and stalling. It would sometime be hard to start like it was not getting any gas after it stalled and sometimes would not hold an idle once it starts, but after a few minutes it would. I replaced the fuel pump and not much change. Sometimes it will start, but then it won't hold an idle. Then sometimes it won't start, like it's not getting any fuel. Sometimes it will be running fine, then when you let off the gas, it dies. It will usually start back up, but it may or may not hold an idle.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUNDY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have same vehicle that did the same. I changed the IAC valve and that solved it.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUTCHCURRIER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 76,000 MILES
How do I change my IAC (Idle air control valve)? I belive this is the fix since my problem started all at once. My truck was starting and running fine until this morning. I was driving and pulled into a gas station to get a cold drink and when I got back in my truck it would start and only stay running if I kept my RPM's up around 1500-1800. If I take my foot off the throttle, the engine will die.
There are No codes and my Check Engine ligh is Not on.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
It's bolted to the throttlebody Fairly simple. You may have a vacuum leak, get a can of spray gumout, spray the vac lines and maniflod area, when the idle changes, youve found the leak! You want the engine running and spray on the outside but do direct the stream onto the hoses, if it is a vacuum leak, the engine idle will change speed, then you have detected a leak, repair the vacuum leak and see how it runs! Any codes? Check engine light on?
.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NICKBOUDIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My truck is now having the exact same problem. I've changed plugs, wires, cap, rotor, cat converter, fuel pump, egr valve, and pcv valve.

I cant seem to find if I have a leak. This post exactly describes my truck, and i'm completely stumped. A mechanic told me to drive the truck around, while the computer resets itself to my idle's speed. But I dont see how that's possible.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
It's right at the top of the engine, where the butterfly of the throttle body is, it's held on with 2 screws and looks like this!


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_IAC_4.jpg

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRETTPATTERSON21711
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
  • 1999 DODGE RAM
  • 154 MILES
Cuts off when trying to idle can you help me please?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
This sounds like you have a vacuum leak, dirty throttle bore or the IAC motor is not working but to be sure lets check out these guides to help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please run down these guides and report back.
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-1
Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRETTPATTERSON21711
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
No check engine light.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
I suspect rasmataz could use a few more details. This can be a real common problem with a REAL easy fix, ... If the battery was recently disconnected, but you have to elaborate on other observations and the recent history.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Yeap! Ain't enough to fly to the moon-shoot at it on what will affect the idle speed, could be something simple-give more details
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRETTPATTERSON21711
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Everything works fine, just got the truck so don't know much about it. Got a new muffler on it been driving it for about a month with no problem. I hit the cat just to see if it was stopped up or something and then it started right up and idled.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Thanks for coming back with the problem-Good Luck
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MYRON PEAK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 DODGE RAM
  • V10
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 280,000 MILES
99 dodge ram will not idle. Recently [2 weeks ago]replaced fuel pump. Today replaced thermostat. Disconected the battery before replacing thermostat. Prior to replacing thermostat no problem ideling. Filled with fluid now starts but will not idle.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 12:38 PM (Merged)

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