2004 3500 4x4 Hemi keeps stalling out

[jays3500]

Hi all,

I've got a fairly high mileage (95K) Ram 3500 4x4 with the Hemi that for the last couple of days (very cold) has been stalling out when it's just starting to warm itself up. This morning, after running for about 10 minutes, it stalled out after I backed into my driveway turnaround and tried to put it into 'D'. The transmission (A4) was in 4x4 Hi at the time since we had 3 inches of snow overnight.

I'm thinking (1) possible fuel filter or either (2) bad plug wires or (3) fouled plugs, but won't these conditions trip a Check Engine fault? The truck's been just stalling out with no idiot lights and has reliably been restarting afterwards.

This truck does occasionally carry an 8'-6" Blizzard plow and with the weather being what it is here, I really need it be reliable. I'm afraid that this may lead to worse problems.

Opinions?
Jay

[Steiney]

How's the battery? I'm thinking with the cold and extra load if the battery is starting to go it might be just enough to trip things up. I had a motorcycle that ran great until the battery would get about a half volt low then ran like crap. Just a thought.

Not to advertise another forum, but I know there has also been much discussion on this issue on dodgetalk. If you find something there that works, post it here as well so we all may benefit.

[jays3500]

Hmmm... Might be, although this truck started this behavior when the plow wasn't mounted. I guess since a lot of places will check a battery for free, I 'll get it checked out.

[jays3500]

Well, a new battery has not solved the issue. Yesterday. I installed a new Autolite Platinum battery with 850 cca from Advanced Auto Parts. I have noticed the alternator isn't showing as much charging activity, but this morning, the truck stalled out twice when coming to stops at a stoplight. So, I'm back to my original question: What's causing this?

Jay

PS. I really want to meet the guy who designed the Ram's battery holddown clamp. Getting the old battery out required over an hour of trying to get clamp off. I really miss the old days of the top strap holding onto the J-bolts.

[Tbird100636]

You may have an EGR valve on it's way out. This will cause the stalling. The valve binds and causes too much EGR flow. Usually sets a code also. Be sure to disconnect the battery for 5 minutes after replacing the valve. This will reset all of the adaptives.

[cncburner]

EGR valve, its usually a p0406 code that comes with the trouble with the stalling. i just went through the same thing on 2005 ram 1500. change the valve and you should be ready to go.

[jays3500]

Thanks guys, I'll try that. Shouldn't this throw some sort of idiot light indication? Sounds like it should definitely effect emissions.
--
Jay

[Tbird100636]

Thanks guys, I'll try that. Shouldn't this throw some sort of idiot light indication? Sounds like it should definitely effect emissions.
--
Jay
It usually does, but it may not meet the conditions to turn the MIL on.

[jays3500]

Hi, all.

With the holidays and all behind us, I finally got some time to try and fix this truck again, but after much trial and tribulation, along with different answers from two different dealerships, it appears that this particular truck is not equipped with an EGR valve. :mad: (That's a new one on me, and one dealership was saying it most certainly did have one, while the other said no, it didn't.)

Anyway, I'm back to square one again. Any other ideas beyond taking it in to have any codes read? I'm figuring that, with my luck, the ECM won't have any errors set and I'll have spent $100 to find that out.
--
Jay

[CanRam]

I'm having the exact same problem on my 2003, 1500 with Hemi right now. Garage tells me I need to put in new computer.
I don't have the code handy but will get it in January when they open again.

[CanRam]

I found the code that came up at the garage.P2106 throttle actuator control system. Garage recommendation is to get new PCM and flash...$1000 repair.
Can the code be verified before I shell out the cash for this repair???

[Tbird100636]

I found the code that came up at the garage. P2106 throttle actuator control system. Garage recommendation is to get new PCM and flash...$1000 repair.
Can the code be verified before I shell out the cash for this repair???
P2106- ETC System- Forced Limited Power.
Was this an aftermarket garage??? There was a TSB for this code, 18-013-03, which the repair is a flash (reprogram) of the PCM. No replacement. Check in the engine compartment for authorized software modification labels, one on the PCM (a small white label, PCM is mounted on R. side of firewall, has 4 connectors {not the TCM mounted on the R. inner fender next to the PCM) and one somewhere in easy viewing, a rectangle grey one. No label, most likely this TSB hasn't been done before. Has to be done at the dealer. I can check to see if it was done under warranty, PM me the last 8 digits of your VIN, your current mileage and the first 4 letters of your last name, and I can check if it may have been done, and what warranty coverage you have left.

[Tbird100636]

Hi, all.

With the holidays and all behind us, I finally got some time to try and fix this truck again, but after much trial and tribulation, along with different answers from two different dealerships, it appears that this particular truck is not equipped with an EGR valve. :mad: (That's a new one on me, and one dealership was saying it most certainly did have one, while the other said no, it didn't.)

Anyway, I'm back to square one again. Any other ideas beyond taking it in to have any codes read? I'm figuring that, with my luck, the ECM won't have any errors set and I'll have spent $100 to find that out.
--
Jay
Looking at the RF corner of the engine, mounted just below the front edge of the R. valve cover will be the EGR valve if equipped. Checked the throttle body. If it isn't clean this could cause stalling.

[jays3500]

Thanks Tbird!

On a related note, a Mopar buddy of mine suggested resetting the computer as it may have learned some bad habits prior to changing out the battery. He said it usually requires a number of key on-key key-off sequences. Think this might help? And if so, do you know the exact sequence to clear any learned problems?
--
Jay

[Tbird100636]

Thanks Tbird!

On a related note, a Mopar buddy of mine suggested resetting the computer as it may have learned some bad habits prior to changing out the battery. He said it usually requires a number of key on-key key-off sequences. Think this might help? And if so, do you know the exact sequence to clear any learned problems?
--
Jay
When you disconnect the battery, the adaptives get reset, so if the throttle body was dirty, it will take longer to adapt. Although it is electronic throttle and has no IAC valve, it still will take longer to adapt. The key dancing is to retrieve Engine DTC's, it's On-Off-On-Off-On, the DTC's will be displayed in the odometer if present.