Truck runs fine but won't accelerate from park without giving it gas

[us3rnotfound]

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 5.2L , auto transmission. The truck overall runs decently, but it's a little annoying how it won't start moving unless I press the gas pedal. For example, backing up out of a parking space, I shift it in reverse and it sits still as if it were in neutral, and when I give it the right amount of gas it backs up fine. Same exact behavior goes with going from stop to moving forward it won't drive idle unless I press the gas pedal. Is there anything I can do or check? Thanks.

 

[boomerang]

Is this behavior a change from prior behavior?

 

[us3rnotfound]

No it's been like this ever since buying it a year ago.

 

[us3rnotfound]

And possibly, it is normal operation. Just wanted to see anyone else's thoughts. My experience with all auto transmission cars is they move to some degree unless I hit the brakes.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

sounds like the torque converter, and automatics moving on their own is called "creep"

 

[ummduh]

Could be any number of things, but by your vague description is sort of hard to track down.

It could be the transmission being low on fluid, filter being dislodged, or plain old slippage.

It also could be some binding in the driveline somewhere, such as hanging brakes..

It also is possible that you have an aftermarket/higher stall torque converter. Generally higher stall converters creep less..

Or, it could be absolutely nothing. You kinda need someone local that has some experience to go for a test drive..

 

[us3rnotfound]

The ATF fluid is a nice red color and if anything is too high. It is a touch above cold max. Is there a risk of too much ATF?

 

[us3rnotfound]

After some research online I'm thinking this could point to the idle air control valve. Will check and clean that later.

 

[boomerang]

Well if the idle is low I guess. I would chalk it up to it being a heavy vehicle that is 17 years old with the commensurate wear on the mechanical's. In other words I would just drive it and quit worrying.

 

[master_shake_]

I agree with stuck brakes.

Jack up each corner pump the brakes and try turning the wheel after releasing them.

 

[Sheep221]

5.2 is quite strong and heavy engine, it needs gas to move, it's intentional to prevent stalling
I drive manual but without gas the car is stalled immediately, I can't move anywhere without pressing gas pedal. So even if you have AT where car moves directly, you should press gas abit, it's there for this reason, you want car to move you must press gas.

 

[ummduh]

The ATF fluid is a nice red color and if anything is too high. It is a touch above cold max. Is there a risk of too much ATF?

Too much fluid is worse than being a little low. It causes the fluid to aerate. Hydraulic systems don't like air, since air is compressible.. Not to mention air does not lubricate.

Like I said we could go round and round on the internet with this, I think your best bet is to get a local professional opinion in this case..