1997 Dodge Ram can't accelerate

Tiny
PISMOBILL
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 77,000 MILES
I just donated $20 but lost my place so I hope you find it. Anyway, I was driving home and I went to pass a car and its almost like the engine slowed down instead of going faster. It starts fine, idles fine but I just can't get it to go. Since I live in a small town, I drove it around for a little while longer but finally the check engine light came on so I stopped. I start it up every couple of weeks to keep the battery up and it always starts immediately.
Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 AT 3:52 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Let start by having the OBD2 code/s pulled from the computer-Autozone can read for free and comeback with it-this is where we start the diagnosis.

If you wish you can check the throttle position sensors closed and wide open throttle voltages-could have a weak spot on it.
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Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
PISMOBILL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I live in small town America and there is no Autozone. I'm a politician not a mechanic so I have no idea what you are talking about like sensors or OBD2 codes
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Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 AT 4:23 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Sir

You need a code reader or a scantool to pull the code/s that the computer has stored in its memory.

Without the code/s there's no starting point for diagnosis. With the codes we can assist you.

If you insist to proceed w/o the code/s -you can start by testing the throttle position sensor closed and wide open throttle voltages. This sensor gives the computer the position of the throttle plate and also demand fuel for acceleration purposes.

Could also be a fuel pressure problem.

Need more help don't hesitate to ask, sorry its not that much till we get the code/s.
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Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 AT 9:21 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Bill, if your in the Pismo I love, isnt there a Napa on Central (never can remember the street name, only by sight)? See if they have an inexpensive scan tool or will lend you one to scan it.
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Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 AT 7:44 AM

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