Does a 1997 dodge ram van 2500 have an idle screw and where is it?

No, a 1997 Dodge Ram Van 2500 (assuming it has the common 5.2L or 5.9L V8 engine) does not have a traditional idle speed screw in the way older carburetted engines did. The idle speed is controlled electronically by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) through the throttle position sensor and other inputs.

While you might find screws on the throttle body, adjusting them will likely do nothing beneficial and could damage your engine's computer system. Attempting to adjust idle speed this way will not work and could seriously harm your vehicle.

If you are experiencing idle problems, the issue lies within the electronic control system, not a mechanical idle adjustment. You should diagnose the problem using a code reader (to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes - DTCs) and possibly consult a mechanic. Common causes of idle problems include:

* Dirty throttle body: Cleaning it can often resolve issues.

* Faulty IAC (Idle Air Control) valve: This is a common component in electronic idle control systems.

* Vacuum leaks: These can disrupt the engine's air/fuel mixture.

* Problems with sensors: Various sensors feed information to the PCM. A malfunctioning sensor can cause erratic idling.

* PCM issues: In rare cases, the PCM itself might be faulty.

Trying to manually adjust the idle will likely result in more problems and possibly damage your engine's control system.