Problem with high idle

Bart Allen

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I have a 1997 Viper GTS. Just the other day when I started it up, the idle speed was ~1,500 rpm, much higher than normal. It is normally ~600 - 700 rpm. It has been 1,500 since then and will not idle to "normal". I can't seem to see any problem under the hood. Does anyone know what is causing this? I though I would ask here before taking it in to the Dodge Service dept. It sounds like it should be something simple. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks for your help!
 

KEITHSAC

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Had the same issues with my 1997 GTS. I checked numerous things and eventually Chuck Tator pointed me in the right direction. I was told that 1997 GTS have defective intake manifold gaskets. Changed gasket and this solved the idle hang issue.
 
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Bart Allen

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It stays steady at ~1,500 rpm at all times when I'm stopped.
 

eucharistos

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search the topic, there are several cures going around, mine hangs more in cold weather, and i can get it back to normal by leaving it in high gear coming to a stop (letting the gears force it to the right idle). but most of the time it goes back to normal when i stop completely. so sounds like we have different causes, i'm hoping when i get around to fixing it, it is only a bad ground

let us know what you find out
 

plumcrazy

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here is a place to look for your answer. http://forums.viperclub.org/search.php?searchid=1205264

I found it by following this:

SEARCH FEATURE
Almost every question you can think of has already been asked and answered! In some cases, the information may be out of date and a new thread will be needed, but in many cases, an answer to your question may be under 10 seconds away!

The VCA Web Forums has a search feature very similar to web search engines like Google. By typing in a few words, it will search all old posts since the website was created to find words matching what you typed in. Be mindful though, the more words you type the fewer results you will get as it will try to find posts only with all of the words you types. In saying that as well, by using words like “The” and “It” you will get hundreds if not thousands of threads. I might suggest sticking to main words. Also try to avoid year specific searches. It will block out a lot of good info. For example:

“What is the best exhaust system for my 2006”

It might be better as:

“best exhaust”

To do a search, click on Search located in the center of the Directional Information Toolbar. If you are wanting a quick overall search, just type in the words in the search box. For this example, we will go with an Advanced Search as you can further clarify your search parameters.

Once you have clicked on Search, click Advanced Search located under the Quick Search field.

Type in the key words you want to search for. Once you have typed in your key words, click on the drop down arrow on the Search All Open Forums tab located on the lower right side of the Search page if you would like to clarify your search. Choose a specific forums you would like the question searched under. In some cases this is not needed but if you are wanting the best exhaust for your 2008, you will not want the threads from the 1992 cars. This feature helps to cut down on the amount of non-applicable information that will be presented to you. Do remember though, by selecting the one section you are narrowing down the number of places the search will look. If there was a thread in the Racing section, and you only selected the SRT section, you will not see that information. This menu can be useful if used correctly.

Once complete, click Search and see your answers! Feel free to play, there is no limit to the amount of searches you can do!
 

JonB

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INTAKE GASKETS are/were a known issue on 1997. THE YEAR MATTERS.

The steadiness of the problem is another indicator.

Must be a low-miles car? Most were replaced in 97-99, but the earliest ones in 97 got bad gaskets til the improved ones came out
 

eucharistos

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INTAKE GASKETS are/were a known issue on 1997. THE YEAR MATTERS.

The steadiness of the problem is another indicator.

Must be a low-miles car? Most were replaced in 97-99, but the earliest ones in 97 got bad gaskets til the improved ones came out

whew, thanks jon

mine is intermittent ('02)

great info 99, jonb, others :2tu:
 

'Trust'

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Sounds like a vacuum leak somewhere. You can pressure test the system (similar method for looking for boost leaks), go to Home Depot/Lowe's and get some of those rubber pipe covers that have worm clamps on them to fit over the throttle bodies. Make a hole in 1 and put a fitting for an air compressor in it, attach them to the throttle bodies and start to run air into the one with the fitting, feel around the intake/heads and anywhere where there are vacuum lines for leaks. Swap the pipe covers over, and do the same thing. You'll find air leaking out somewhere if it's a vacuum leak.
 

JonB

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Sounds like a vacuum leak somewhere. You can pressure test the system (similar method for looking for boost leaks), go to Home Depot/Lowe's and get some of those rubber pipe covers that have worm clamps on them to fit over the throttle bodies. Make a hole in 1 and put a fitting for an air compressor in it, attach them to the throttle bodies and start to run air into the one with the fitting, feel around the intake/heads and anywhere where there are vacuum lines for leaks. Swap the pipe covers over, and do the same thing. You'll find air leaking out somewhere if it's a vacuum leak.

Intermittent probs like Eucharistos' could be vacuum leaks, ISM or Air Sensor issues, or even the age-decay of the cheapie PCV harness from the two valve covers to the airbox...
 

ViperTony

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FWIW, a member in our region had a similar issue and after cleaning his throttle bodies the problem went away. It may not be that simple but I thought I'd throw it out there.
 

'Trust'

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Intermittent probs like Eucharistos' could be vacuum leaks, ISM or Air Sensor issues, or even the age-decay of the cheapie PCV harness from the two valve covers to the airbox...

Could be. Best course of action, rule out problems from the most cost effective to the least. Everything you mentioned would be considered a 'vacuum leak', controlled or not.
 

Sveina

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First, look at the throttle wires and lineup, is the throttles closing correctly and nothing blocking or slowing one of the wires? I had a similar problem with my '01, but that was a clogged up electrical idle stabilizer. Picked it out and cleaned it and works perfect after that. Eliminate the easy things first.
 

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