Drivers of 2003-05 Dodge Ram Trucks with 5.7-liter V8 engines and electronic throttle control (ETC) systems may complain that the throttle is slow to return to normal from a cold-start fast idle or that the throttle won't respond to accelerator pedal movement.
According to Chrysler engineers, both maladies occur in extremely cold temperatures (below 0-degrees Fahrenheit) and can be attributed to a defective throttle body assembly.
New-design throttle bodies are now available to address each issue. Order Part No. 05161805AA for 2003-04 trucks; or Part No. 05174079AA for 2005 models.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
Be on the lookout for Tire Business' new 5 Factory Fixes newsletter, publishing the first Friday of each month.