2001 Dodge Ram Sometimes wont stay started without giving I

FLYME2

MEMBER
2001 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup 4x4 that I bought about a month ago. So far it has run really well and I have even used it to haul a 3 horse trailer a couple hundred miles with no problems.

Unfortunately 2 times in the past week I have tried to start it and it will turn over but just die out within seconds if I don't give it gas. However, if I keep my foot on the gas it will stay running but as soon as I let off the gas it will die. If I keep my foot on the gas and drive it around the front of our property for 1 minute or two it will stay running. Then if I shut it off and start it up again it runs just fine.

What is causing it to want to die out if I don't keep my foot on the pedal? And then why will it run indefinitely once it gets going?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Has the battery recently been disconnected or run dead? If so, the memory was lost in the Engine Computer and "minimum throttle" must be relearned before it will know when it must be in charge of idle speed. To meet the conditions for that to occur, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals.

If that doesn't help, see a mechanic with a hand-held computer capable of controlling the Automatic Idle Speed (AIS) motor to see if it is working properly. By pressing buttons, the idle speed should be able to reach 2000 rpm.

Caradiodoc