My 03 is initiating its normal hi idle more frequently as of late (winter). Given original batteries, it seems it is sensing the lower terminal voltage and idling up to pick up the slack.

There hasn't been any issues with the batteries yet (but it gets garage treatment each day) but I expect they are getting close to being replaced (6 yrs old).

Just a thought for you to watch for.

Cya

 

How cold is it in your garage?

I have the factory batteries in my 03 aswell. Are you sure it can sense a lower voltage and kick into a high idle? I 've only known mine and others to kick in high idle at a certain ambient temp.

 

18*C (65*F) in the garage.

Actually don't know what triggers the hi idle for sure but in watching it over the years, I think its voltage and temp that gets it going.

 

I could be wrong, but I think it is only temp triggered?

 

Interesting. Does anyone know for sure? The hi idle pattern has definitely changed from other years (hunting season each year). Didn't notice anything else really different. Battery voltage is at 12.59VDC after 12 hours at rest so really not too bad for 6 years old.

 

My '04 only does it for cold temps, as far as I know. And it has to be down around 30 or so. I also have the "high idle" initiated so I can turn it on manually any time I want with the cruise control buttons when the truck is not in gear.

As far as batteries go, mine are the originals at over six years and 182,000 miles. It started just fine yeserday at about 20 degrees.

 

mine just started doing it and its about 25 here thats the only time ive heard the high idle kick on.

 

I was always under the assumption that the hi idle had to be turned on by you. So once your computer gets the flash for it, the truck will do it by it's self until it's up to operating temp?

 

Your truck should turn your idle up to about 1100 RPM when it gets below a certain temp. You can set it yourself up to 1500 RPM with your controls. What's the temp guys? My automatic high idle never changed when my batteries needed to be replaced......neither did the high idle I set.

 

There are TWO high idle functions. An Automatic high idle controlled by the ECM and outside temperatures and a Manually controlled high idle which is available in 2004 and up trucks. Usually the manual high function has to be enabled. and is controlled by the cruise control buttons while in Park or Neutral.

All Dodge CTDs will automatically idle up to 1000 rpm at a certain cold temperature. This is regular function of the ECM and cannot be adjusted. I don't know the exact temperature at which the truck will automatically idle up.

If the manual high idle has been enabled in ECM on your 2004 and up truck (Note manual transmission trucks also need a pin grounded for it to work) it is controlled by the cruise control buttons. When you turn the cruise on then press SET, your truck will idle up to 1100 rpm. This function can be used while in Park or Neutral. Adjustments can be made in 100 rpm increments from 1100 to 1500 rpm using the accell and decell buttons. The function will turn off when you press the brake or turn cruise off.

 

Ahh thanks man!

 

The auto high idle is dependent on ambient air temp, coolant temp, oil temp. It will self engage and disengage to maintain certain temps. I believe but am not completely sure, that the e-bake has to be set for the auto idle up to engage.

 

Oil temp? I wasn't aware there is a sensor for this. Not doubting you (well maybe a little). Really just trying to learn all I can. I'm going to look this up in the service manual when I get home today.

 

I believe the only thing that triggers the auto High Idle is outside air temp and when the engine temp falls below 161*. My truck idled up automatically several times while I was letting it idle while working at the ranch today and each time it happened I checked the temp on the Insight and it was 161 or less! The outside temp was 14*, as long as the coolant was 161*+ it was all good!

 

e brake doesnt have to be set mine when i start mine up it will run at normal idle then after like 2 minutes it will kick into high idle. some other times it kicks on right away so what is the deal does it just feel like doing it sometimes or what?