Chrysler Corporation introduced the Dodge Ram in 1981. The 2000 Dodge Ram was produced in a 1500-series, 2500-series, and 3500-series. All three sub-models of the 2000 Ram were available with an optional 5.9-liter V-8. The 5.9-liter engine on the 2000 Ram was a throttle body injected engine. The throttle body system utilizes a throttle position sensor (TPS) for sending information to the engine control computer, in relation to the position of the throttle body. Cleaning a throttle position sensor takes about 1/2-hour, even if you have never done this type of work before.
Raise the hood of the Ram. Remove the lid from the air filter box by hand. Pull the tabs off of the lid and separate it from the air filter box. Remove the small breather tube attached to the air intake tube, about halfway between the engine and air filter lid. Loosen the air intake tube from the throttle body assembly, by loosening the hose clamp around the intake tube. Use a 1/4-inch drive ratchet and socket to loosen the clamp, then pull the tube free by hand.
Remove the throttle position sensor electronic connector from the sensor. Simply pull the connector off of the sensor by hand. Remove the two TPS mounting bolts, using a 1/4-inch drive ratchet and deep well socket. Turn the bolts counterclockwise until they are completely removed from the throttle body and sensor. Pull the TPS off of the side of the throttle body.
Hold the TPS in one hand, and spray the sensor with an aerosol can of dielectric cleaner. Spray the sensor side of the TPS which mounts into the throttle body. Spray the electrical connector end that plugs into the TPS with the dielectric cleaner spray. Allow the parts to sit for no less than two minutes.
Reinstall the throttle position sensor into the mounting hole on the throttle body. Install the two mounting bolts onto the sensor. Tighten the bolts with a 1/4-inch drive ratchet and socket until they are snug, then turn the ratchet 1/4-turn farther. The "snug-and-a-quarter" tightening method is perfect for this piece, in order to tighten the part without damaging the brittle mounting tabs on the sensor. Install the TPS electrical connector onto the sensor by simply pushing it on with your fingers.
Reinstall the air intake tube onto the throttle body, and tighten the hose clamp with a 1/4-inch drive ratchet and socket. Install the air filter box lid at the opposite end of the intake tube. Tighten the air filter lid straps by hand. Install the small breather tube into the intake hose, about halfway between the engine and air filter box lid.
