Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Wet Carpet/high idle problem

[erobb]

While replacing a used up blower fan motor this evening I dropped a screw and it fell behind the carpet. I had to pull the carpet almost completely back to find the screw. Upon doing this I realized the fiber material under the carpet, not really the carpet itself is soaking wet. My floor mats were dry and mostly the carpet was just barely damp but the sound deadening material underneath, soaking wet. It appears that it has been this way for awhile, as I have some scale rust starting to form. I really don't think it's my heater core because I'm not losing any fluid and I never smell antifreeze. Leaky Windshield maybe?

Also lately when the truck has been driven for some distance (short drives don't affect it) the engine wants to idle at about 900-1000 RPM, This happened before, some months ago and then it quit doing it, but it seems to be doing it more often now. I have checked all the linkages for binding and made sure the throttle pump lever is returning completey. I'm afraid with 194000 miles on it that the VP44 is starting to go. No check engine light or anything. I am starting to think that with these problems and I have a 53 block that hasn't cracked yet, maybe the near future would be a nice time to trade. Any info anyone can give me on either of these items would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Erobb



98. 5 24 valve, 5-spd. 3. 55's 4x4, 2500 reg. cab,straight piped, EZ Edge chip and boost elbow, fuel pressure gauge

 

[NM_DSLMan]

I had the problem with truck idling high, especially after using the cruise control. A new APPS solved my problem.

 

[wcjp]

I had to pull the carpet on my 96' to find the multiple water entries. One of the leaks was the windshield trim on my driver's side. The truck also had leaks on both sides of the rear window. After pulling the carpet have someone take a hose to the outside of the truck. This should highlight any problem. This also gives the carpet a great chance to dry completely. I used my steam cleaner since the carpet was out of the vehicle. I also took the time to add some additional sound deadener. As the driver I couldn't hear the difference. Passenger's that rode in the back all commented on the lower sound levels.

 

[Rebel Ram]

Check to see if the rubber hose has fallen off your AC condencer drain. I am assuming that its your passenger side that is wet. Yes? If the hose fals off the condensate water will drible out the short stub comming out the firewall and turn back on itself and run down inside. I used clear hose and ran it below the frame. An amazing amount of water comes out the AC unit because no matter the setting on our heater controles, the pump cycles constantly unless the knob is in the off position. That fixed mine.