1997 Dodge Ram Sensors or Vacuum?

Tiny
HOWIELONES
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 168,000 MILES
This dodge will not hold idle. It will run sluggishly with knocking/pinging down the highway and at speeds, but coming to a stop it will die. Replaced TPS and IAC, but IAC code still coming back from PCM. Pulled the MAP sensor off (still electric connected), and runs very very rough with black smoke as I hold the throttle open. Smoother with MAP fully connected but still dies.
I get codes:
12-battery (was disconnected)
14-MAP Sensor (only after I pulled wire connection out)
25- IAC (code flashing even with new part installed)

Vacuum lines look good, and connected well.

Any tips for next step? Flash PCM? I drove the truck 60 miles with new TPS and IAC.
Monday, April 5th, 2010 AT 9:09 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
The black smoke is my concern. It is running rich. Have you checked fuel pump pressure? You could have a bad regulator.

Let me know.
Joe
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Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 AT 7:52 AM
Tiny
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Thanks Joe. I am going to have my trusty shop test that next soon! I will post their findings as it happens.
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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 5:42 AM
Tiny
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Let me know. Also, just keep in the back of your mind that it a rich mixture could be caused by sticking injector, bad temp sensor, O2 sensor.
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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 6:24 AM
Tiny
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I definitely have a bad temp sensor! It does not register on the gauge. I will replace that 1st.
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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 7:00 AM
Tiny
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Let me know what you find.
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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 7:41 AM
Tiny
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Looks like a weekend project. Got pressed for time with recruiting for the swim team. Did not want you to think I disappeared--so hopefully Sat or Sun I have some progress. Or at least some more questions. Thanks for your patience in helping me!
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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
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I'm glad to help. I'll look for your response late Sunday or Monday.

Good luck,
Joe
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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
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Joe,

Looks like a bad "brand new" IAC sensor from Auto Zone. Plus the timing was that much off to cause the pinging/knocking and poor fuel mileage!
Running smooth. The temp sensor itself was fine, so it is an issue with the gauge. I am going to run an Auto Meter from an old hot rod to tell me the temp.

Thanks again for all your input.

Howie
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
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Glad to help. I'm glad you got it fixed. It is frustrating getting parts. They are all imported and many times junk.

Let us know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 11:19 AM

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