04 1500 2wd 5.7 hemi Sputter Idle

[Joshua Rambo]

This will be a long one. I have been fighting my truck for going on 2 months now. Problem started suddenly, Was driving, no issues, pulled into a parking space, and the truck stalled. When it stalled the steering wheel ******. Check Power Steering (PS) fluid, fluid was very low/non-existant. Put in fluid, try to bleed, pump seizes. Towed back to house, replaced PS Pump, bled lines. Truck would not idle, stalled/erratic RPM from 300-600 RPM. When revved, sounds beautiful. Check Codes, P0300, P0305, and a Rear ABS Sensor code. Move coil pack 5 and 8 around, codes don't change, problem persists. Change plugs, wires, coil pack 5 & 8, injectors, air filter. Problem persists. By this point the PCM has reset due to battery disconnect so now, no codes. Tow it to the dealer, Dealer wants to go fishing in the timing area, no solid diagnosis of any kind. Took it to my mechanic, they open it to check the timing, timing checks good, replace with new part anyway. Problem persists. Replace EGR, PCV, MAP Sensor, Remove/clean/reinstall throttle body, Engine still idles erratic but will stay running for a few min at a time. Still not throwing any codes, test driven, drives fine as long as RPM stays above 1k. Compression test is good, leak down shows some leaking, but within spec. Scope the cats via O2 sensor holes, looks good. Only thoughts mechanic had was valve issues or PCM issue. Replace the PCM, problem persists. I notice that the voltmeter is bottoming out during erratic idle. Disconnect the alternator output and start the engine on battery, idle is smooth at appx 700-800. Bench test alternator, tests good. Test engine with new alternator, no change in behavior. Test battery, fails tests at parts store, replace with new battery. Clean starter, alternator, battery, and ground connections. problem persists. No POS to NEG short that i can find in the starting/charging cables, tested fron ALT to Fuse box terminal, 0 Ohms, FB to Bat POS, 0 OHMS, BAT POS to starter, 0 Ohms. All the above to ground, OL. HELP ME PLEASE!!!!

 

[BrianandChrissy]

Did you check fuel pump/pressure? Fuel filter?

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[Joshua Rambo]

Fuel pump/filter is new in the last 18 months. No test done, but would that change with connecting/disconnecting the alternator? Idles perfect on battery.

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

Tipm? Grounds at rear of heads to cab? Cab/bed/frame/engine grounds clean and free of corrosion?

 

[Joshua Rambo]

Tipm?

can you elaberate? Like replace the whole thing?

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

can you elaberate? Like replace the whole thing?

Have it hooked to a dealer level scanner to see if it is corrupted. Probably better off having it properly diagnosed so your not throwing more parts at it till you know what it is.

 

[Joshua Rambo]

Just to be clear, you are referring to the "fuse box" by the battery, correct?

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

As if you don’t know already, these trucks are very finicky when it come to the electrical system.

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

Just to be clear, you are referring to the "fuse box" by the battery, correct?

Yes, the only one on the truck. Other vehicles have multiple but ours has one that controls EVERYTHING! At least if yours is bad, you can get a new one, they don’t make them new anymore for my truck went through 3 used ones because of corrosion inside on the circuit board.

 

[LoneWolf3574]

As if you don’t know already, these trucks are very finicky when it come to the electrical system.

Woof, tell me about. Chasing a couple little gremlins of my own.

Joshua Rambo, the TIPM that SYKRAMMAN is referring to is call the totally integrated power module, everything electrical runs through it in one way or another. It holds all the fuses and relays for the entire truck. So yes, the "fuse box" in front of the battery.

EDIT - LOL, apparently I posted shortly after you did SYKRAMMAN.

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

EDIT - LOL, apparently I posted shortly after you did SYKRAMMAN.

All good brother.

 

[Joshua Rambo]

My question, based on my research, is that the 2004 1500 doesn't have a "TIPM". Everywhere i look says those were not around until 06. before i go tearing into it, what is the skinny?