Dodge Ram 1500 Stalling with no reason

Dibsing · #1 04-03-2005, 11:17 PM

My father bought a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 with 110,000 kms on it. A while ago it started to stall whenever you stopped giving it gas or had to brake. He took it to a mechanic and they couldn't find anything wrong with it and that it needed a tune up. They did a normal tune up and replaced plugs wires and filters. It ran fine untill today ( tune up happened about week and a half ago) when I was driving it and i stalled again for no reason... I would like to have some of your input on this its driving me nuts

fredjacksonsan · #2 04-04-2005, 10:20 AM

What is the gas level when it stalls? There were some previous posts about that year having a problem with the fuel pump overheating when the tank started getting empty; replacing the pump solved the problem.

:shrugs: that could be it.

Dibsing · #3 04-04-2005, 05:28 PM

The gas level when it first did it was 1/2 tank. Its now just over 3/4 of a tank

fredjacksonsan · #4 04-05-2005, 08:31 AM

Well, with 3/4 of a tank it may not be the pump.

Other issues could be the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or the Idle Air Sensor. There are several posts about these items causing the same condition you've got.

bigkane01 · #5 04-05-2005, 12:26 PM

Does the idle jump around or become erratic when coming to a stop or just drop down like it's gonna die? I know a common problem with the 97 Ram is a carbon build up in the intake and throttle body area. First thing I would do is clean your IAC (Idle Air Control)selenoid-valve. It's recommended with every tune up. I tried cleaning mine but turns out it was bad. If the plunger-stem is sticking all the way out it's bad. It should only be sticking out about an inch. Mine was out about 2 inches. Anyway it's located at the rear of your throttle body and fairly easy to remove. Here's a list of steps to remove and clean your IAC. It's pretty much free unless you have to buy some TB/Carb. cleaner, and it isn't gonna hurt.

-Remove the Air Hat from the Throttle Body.
- Disconnect the sensor harness from the IAC Solenoid (Rear of Throttle Body).
-Remove the two Torx-25 Screws.
-Remove the IAC Solenoid (Be careful not to lose the rubber O-Ring).
-Spray some Carb/TB Cleaner in the IAC port on the Throttle Body and let it sit.
-Spray some Carb/TB Cleaner on the tip of the IAC Solenoid and wipe clean (Do NOT forcefully twist or push the plunger - You will damage the Solenoid. Wipe very gently.)
-Spray a little bit more Carb/TB Cleaner in the IAC port on the Throttle Body and wipe clean with a thin/lint-free rag.
- Reinstall the IAC Solenoid (Make sure you don't lose the rubber gasket on the solenoid).
-Reinstall the sensor connector and airhat.
- Start the engine and let idle for about 1 minute.

Hopefully this helps out your problem, Good Luck.

fredjacksonsan · #6 04-05-2005, 12:33 PM

IAC; that's what I meant. Thanks Kane.

bigkane01 · #7 04-05-2005, 03:31 PM

Your welcome Fred, TPS like you said is also a possibility, that's what I changed first before ending up replacing the IAC.

john m · #8 04-11-2005, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dibsing

My father bought a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 with 110,000 kms on it. A while ago it started to stall whenever you stopped giving it gas or had to brake. He took it to a mechanic and they couldn't find anything wrong with it and that it needed a tune up. They did a normal tune up and replaced plugs wires and filters. It ran fine untill today ( tune up happened about week and a half ago) when I was driving it and i stalled again for no reason... I would like to have some of your input on this its driving me nuts

Hi, John M here. I have a 97 Ram 1500 with a 5.9L and 94Kmiles on it. Today, the battery died, solenoid clicked, starter would not turn over the engine. When the AAA truck came, the driver said he would give me a jump BUT, the engine probably would not keep running. He did and it didn't. He showed me where battery acid had been leaking out of the bottem of the battery. He said that there was a circuit in the Alternater that sensed if the battery was bad and if so, would not let the engine run at idle speed. He took me to the parts store and we got a new battery. He replaced it and the truck runs like it should now. Idles, accelerates, starts. Who woudda thought!!!

fredjacksonsan · #9 04-12-2005, 09:45 AM

Nice that it's an easy fix.....

I'd suggest making REAL sure that the acid didn't leak on and destroy anything under the battery tray, and clean the whole area thoroughly. Baking Soda and water will do the trick.

john m · #10 04-12-2005, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

Nice that it's an easy fix.....

I'd suggest making REAL sure that the acid didn't leak on and destroy anything under the battery tray, and clean the whole area thoroughly. Baking Soda and water will do the trick.

Hi Fred, Thanks for the info. I was lucky in that the leak was at the opposite end of the battery from the Cruise Control Servo unit. That Baking Sodo sure foams up and makes a mess but the water hose cleans it up nicely. Thanks again. John M.

fredjacksonsan · #11 04-12-2005, 04:42 PM

Welcome John; a little basic chemistry goes a long way.

jdf121 · #12 01-11-2006, 01:22 AM

I have a 2000 Dodge Ram that has a similar stalling problem. When I crank the truck, it will instantly die if i don't apply throttle. The battery charge meter slowly moves up to its normal position while applying the throttle. Then, if I let off, it still dies. Sounds like the battery is dead, but it is no more than 1 1/2 month old. I replaced the alternator and the same problem persists. I can drive the truck as long as I keep myfoot on the accelorator at all times. I am at my wits end. I'm certain that it is electrical, but beyond that, I have no idea. Please help.

fredjacksonsan · #13 01-11-2006, 07:48 AM

Welcome to AF, jdf121.

You might get a better response if you start a new thread; however I'd suggest taking a look at the positive battery cable. If corroded, it would reduce voltage through the system.

Dibsing · #14 01-11-2006, 03:02 PM

Actually it was just a whole tank of bad gas that my father had gotten from a local gas station... about the 2000 dodge it could be a computer problem (that the computer isnt saying to give it enough gas to keep running)

john m · #15 01-11-2006, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdf121

I have a 2000 Dodge Ram that has a similar stalling problem. When I crank the truck, it will instantly die if i don't apply throttle. The battery charge meter slowly moves up to its normal position while applying the throttle. Then, if I let off, it still dies. Sounds like the battery is dead, but it is no more than 1 1/2 month old. I replaced the alternator and the same problem persists. I can drive the truck as long as I keep myfoot on the accelorator at all times. I am at my wits end. I'm certain that it is electrical, but beyond that, I have no idea. Please help.

Hi, John M here. I have been told by several Ram owners that if the battery will not fully charge (bad battery, bad alternator, dirty cable connections) there is a circuit in the alternator which senses low voltage and will kill the engine unless the gas pedal is depressed. You might try to meter the voltage at the terminals with the truck running. Should be around 14.5 volts. Good luck.

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