My uncle has a 97 4X4 with auto and it dies on him occasionally when starting from a stop sign. He took it to a local shop and they are telling him he needs a new ac comp. and tranny. It only dies / stalls when a/c is on. Are the mechanics at the shop blowing smoke? I told you guys might have a solution. Thank you in advance.

 

With the ac off it runs fine, right? They are also making two very different and pricey guesses for one issue. I smell a lot of smoke as well.

 

Put a proper set of gauges on it and see what the high pressure side is. There could be a blockage, it could be severely overcharged.

 

what is the engine idleing at . it may need to be turned up

 

Whatever it is, I would for sure not START with replacing the transmission.

 

RUN from that shop.

First, if it is not idling at 750-800 RPMs with the AC on and in gear, turn it up.......all nice and free.

If it is, let us know and we can work from there. Just as a FYI, low idle can also be caused by low fuel pressure due to everything from a clogged pre-filter, filter, bad overflow valve, or weak Lift Pump.

 

It could just have low air in the spare tire. I bet that shop will charge $250 to tell you that

 

Easy to take care of...

Read this first... http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/adjustm...d_Gen-Idle.htm

They say to do it from the top, but it's alot harder since you have to do it pretty much by feel..
10mm wrench, some old work clothes to lay on the ground in, and a trusted assistant to hold the brakes while you crawl underneath with it in-gear.. (or up against a big oak tree or telephone pole)

From the bottom, you can SEE what you are doing, and use both hands if need-be to tighten the locknut.

Don't get carried away, it doesn't take but just a slight turn to make the idle rise enough. I believe the bolt must get a nice worn spot in it from the throttle arm resting on it and a slight twist will make a pretty decent difference in RPM.


Note the remark where you may need to crank up to 900rpm on some trucks..
That's where mine likes to be.. 900 or slightly above with everything on, in-gear, and A/C on high and foot on brake pedal(adds just a little more load via the PS pump).

Whenever mine's a little low, it seems it always likes to die on me whenever I'm trying to goose it just a little to ease it off the lift rack at Discount Tire.

 

Thanks guys for the quick reply I called uncle this morning and we will be adjusing idle tomorrow morning. He picked up his truck from shop this morning, and the didn't charge him for the diagnosis which surprised both of us. I will let you know what happens after we adjust.

 

well we adjusted the idle and she seems to work but it idles in park above 1000 RPM is that normal?

 

Nope, mine drops maybe 50-100 RPMs.

Does it lurch hard when you put it in gear?

Never did say if you had checked the pre-filter, fuel filter and verified Fuel Pressure. There's your next move.

 

Not Hijacking, but got the same issue at hand. Just started not long ago. Been meaning to adjust the idle and see where I am at from there. Might be fuel line press. but I am crossing my fingers. Just found a spot in my schedule to finally take care of my issue. I'll keep you updated.

 

Mine has done this same thing, ck the AC for overcharge, if good, turn up idle, I run mine at 900 to 1000, don't forget it's hot out too, engine is going to run a little laggy.

 

Yep, it started at the beginning of the summer. Southern New Mexico Summer. Aka Hotter than a two dollar pistol summer.

I just cranked up my idle to 750RPM in gear with A/C on. (Cummins calls for 750-800 RPM) It already sounds better.

It does this a lot worse when pulling, or after a long trip when things are real toasty under the hood. I have to pull two one ton 4x4's this weekend so that ought to do it as far as a practical road test. I figured to stay on the low side of spec. to keep my tranny from jamming into gear at higher idle RPM if I can.

 

I read ya daddy-O