I let off the accelerator the truck would stall?

CARL MAGEE

MEMBER
1999 DODGE RAM
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
65,600 MILES

1999 Dodge Regular Cab Pickup w/ 318 V8 engine.
I have not run my truck much over the last several months. The battery died and when I would jump start the truck as long as I was reving up the engine by giving it gas it would run but as soon as I let off the accelerator the truck would die.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

If the engine stalls when you let off the throttle and you have to jump-start it, it sounds like you may have a faulty alternator. That is where I would start testing.

Most alternators have an internal voltage regulator, but this truck is different. It is actually a voltage regulating circuit located within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that does the job.

Here is what I suggest: First, I need you to test the alternator output. It is really easy to do.
All you will need is a voltmeter or a multimeter.

Follow the directions in this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

If the alternator fails the test, you will need to remove it and have it bench tested. If it fails under these conditions, replace it. If it doesn't fail, suspect the PCM has failed.

Here are directions that explain how to replace the alternator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Additionally, I attached the directions below specific to your vehicle.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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