This is seriously driving me crazy. I've had this thing in several times with no resolutions. Here's the deal, I need some input:
It's a 2004 Dodge Ram 4x4 SLT with 5.7L Hemi.
In the past, it had cold start problems. It would have a hard time getting ignition while turning over...or it would turn over and get ignition, misfire and die. I saw a TSB for this, 14-002-05
I took it to a different dealer, and they flashed the PCM again...and were concerned that the first dealer did not flash the PCM as they stated. Upon flashing the PCM, the problems persisted, but differently. Instead of outright dying, it would sputter and misfire during driving. I would put it in neutral and give it some gas, and eventually the throttle response would or would not save it. Not very safe.
The entire time at rest, the engine would not sit at normal idle of 600 rpm, it would dip below 500 and die. Above 600 it was not a smooth idle of
600,610,600,610...it would fluctuate between 500-800 rpm.I also started to notice that during rest the battery would dip below 50%, and during acceleration it would jump to about 56%, and then at idle it would slowly go back down, taking about 20-30 seconds to get to 49% or so...and stay there.
I complained that it seemed like a crankshaft problem...lo and behold there was a TSB, 18-002-04
Now I have a new throttle problem. I accelerate and it pegs itself at 2100 rpm...and stays there. I brake, and it's still at 2100 rpm...I almost rear-ended someone because the truck wanted to keep going (as opposed to almost getting t-boned in a left turn when it died the other day), so while it was accelerating BUT NOT increasing the rpms, I slammed on the brakes, and the engine cut to 500 rpms and proceeded to misfire and sputter. I threw it in neutral and gassed it and it came back.
Because I'm getting good at this, it doesn't die. It could die, but I don't let it because it takes so long to restart it *IF* it will restart...once it took 15 minutes at rest.
So I have no idea what is going on here. I really need help because I'm spending too much time going to the dealer for this, and it's not safe to drive. No one knows what to do.
PLEASE HELP!!!
(message crossposted)