Truck Repair: rough idle, vacuum leaks, air control valve

Question
2001 Dodge 2500 4x4 gas 5.9 truck has a little miss when accelerating and mostly won't idle.
does it need a air cleaner to run? because it has a hole in the bottom of cannister.

Answer
Hello David,
Yes, it should have an air cleaner. There is a sensor in the air intake system that measures the amount of air being drawn into the engine, which the computer uses to adjust the amount of fuel. If that is bypassed, the mixture, although running, will not be correct, and drivability will be affected.
If the battery has been drawn down and recharged, disconnect it for a few seconds, and that can often restore the idle.
If that hasn't been a problem, then cleaning the EGR valve, and the idle air control valve are in order.
If it has been operated without an air cleaner, cleaning the airflow sensor may also be needed.
Look for any other signs of vacuum leaks also.

Van