engine chugging

[sam priem]

i just recenlty bought a 98 ram 1500 with the 5.2 and ive had a few minor problems with it. one that i havent been able to figure out is a chugging problem it has.

when i go start it to warm it up after work it starts chugging after about a minute of idling. if i bump the gas when it starts chugging, it comes right out of it and idles fine after. rpms at normal idle are about 800 +/-, when its chugging, the rpms stay about the same, maybe 750 +/-. if i let it sit it will eventually come out of it by itself after about 1-2 minutes. it sounds like the engine wants to die but it never does, but it shakes the truck pretty good when it starts chugging. engine seems to have good power when i drive it. for some reason it only happens at night after work (not saying the time has anything to do with it).

In the morning before school i start it and it idles fine, no chugging. when i start it after school to home, no chugging. when i start it up to go to work, no chgging. when i start it up to leave work, it starts chugging. im thinking the time relationship has to do with how long the engine sits in between start ups but im not sure.

i pulled a code: O2 sensor high voltage bank 1 sensor 1. not sure if that has anything to do with it. i plan on replacing it soon.
not sure where to go with this. i thought about the iac but i’ve been leaning away from that as time goes on. any input will help.

Topic

[college man]

If the code was for the o2 sensor.start there.
hook up a scan tool and see if its switching rapidly.
You could test the heater circuit.

[sam priem]

I’ll hook up a scan tool on monday and test the circuit. i was also told i could unplug the sensor for a day and see if it idles better, if so thats the problem. ive been busy recently so my next opportunity is monday, I’ll post an update then

[EricTheCarGuy]

I agree it’s a good idea to check out the sensor you have a code for. High voltage usually means an open circuit. That said, the O2 is not even active at start up and does not effect the fuel mixture. If it were me, I’d start with a power balance test when the chugging happens to see if I could nail down a cylinder(s) that might be responsible. Dodges are known for fuel injector issues, perhaps you have one that’s hanging up. It could also be an ignition system issue so don’t go straight for the fuel injector if you find a particular cylinder to be at fault. Also, don’t rule out a vacuum leak. If you have a vacuum leak it can cause a miss at idle in particular.

Power Balance

Vacuum leaks

[Author]

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