Dodge Ram 1500 engine starts but won't stay running without accelerator, potential IAC issue on Dodge Ram 1500

Submitted by halcombrebecca · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Dodge Ram 1500 owners report experiencing issues where the engine starts but won't stay running without constant acceleration, which may indicate a problem with the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve. These owners note that a sticking or improperly functioning IAC can cause the engine to choke out and stall when coming to a stop. Symptoms of a faulty IAC valve include stalling at idle and fluctuations in RPMs. Some have found that cleaning the IAC valve or allowing it to "relearn" its settings can help, but issues with the throttle body or Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) may also contribute to poor idling. It is recommended that owners suspecting an IAC issue have the valve inspected and potentially cleaned or replaced to restore proper idle functionality and prevent stalling.

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Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles with this problem

1 model year affected
Average mileage: 176,000 miles
(176,000 - 176,000)

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