Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Low Idle at Startup

[drrhoades]

When I start the truck it idles at around 600 rpms until I touch the throttle and move it to 800 rpms. After I let off the 800 rpms it drops some but not down to 600. After I drive down the block it is idling around 800 or so maybe higher it is hard to tell on these stupid tachs. Anyway I am wanting to know if something is out of adjustment?



Thanks,

Doug

 

[bmoeller]

Does it only do it when it is cold? That is the way mine is/was.



Think it is due to the cool oil. Once it warms up a little, the rpms come up.



Bumping up the idle is easy. Just need 2- 10mm wrenches.



http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/adjustments/2nd_Gen-Idle.htm

 

[drrhoades]

It only does it when it is cold or has been sittting for awhile. I thought about bumping up the idle bump if I did that then it would be high the rest of the time. I wonder if I bumped it up 50 rpms if that would make a big enough diference for it to kick itself in so that it would go up to 800 rpms at startup?



Thanks

 

[Andy Redmond]

Have you had the recall done on the throttle linkage? Could you have wear on the throttle cable/linkage.



Often the ball studs wear out the snap on link ends' plastic insert which can cause binding. After the throttle is used a couple of times, its smoother allowing your normal throttle?



If you have a 94-97 adjust the idle with the a/c on, blower fan on high, lights on and in drive to a "tick" less than the 1000 rpm mark, which is about 850 rpm's.



Good luck

 

[esommer2500]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Mine does the same thing, most noticeable when it's really cold. Once it comes up to operating temps, everything is fine. I've spent a lot of time adjusting the idle, especially after my 3K GSK, and messing with high-idle ideas (besides the stick in the seat). The stock tach really sucks for adjustments, I do it mostly by feel now.



Good luck.



Eric

 

[drrhoades]

No I dont believe that the throttle recall was done but I will check. Also now that it has been colder in the mornings (30) the idle at startup has been around 500 or less. I have been holding down the throttle to keep it at 800. The next question is when I go to stop I put my foot on the brake and it hits idle real hard and fast and shakes the whole truck. I am unable to use the left foot for the break and the right for the gas because the extra pedal feels lonely so I have to push it in. If you have any suggestions I would apprecitate it. I am going to WD-40 the throttle linkage and see if that will help.



Thanks

Doug

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by drhoades

the idle at startup has been around 500 or less. I have been holding down the throttle to keep it at 800.

That is about where my idle was cold. It was about 6-750rpm at idle warm. Bumped it up to around 850-900rpm warm. Helped alot.