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97 Dakota running problems PLEASE HELP !!!!!

37 messages,  Last post on Apr 10, 2013 at 4:10 PM

You are in the Dodge Dakota-2010 and older Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Dakota, Dodge, Fuel System, Truck

Messages Page 1 of 4

#1 of 37 97 Dakota running problems PLEASE HELP !!!!! by Tdpkid

Nov 29, 2008 (11:24 am)

I have a 97 Dakota that is having issues. When i drive down the road it acts like it isnt getting enoughgas. When i stop at a traffic light it will go dead and takes about 20 mins b4 it wll crank back up? Where do i start to try and figure this out. I am poor and cant afford to take it to a mechanic. Thanx Tommy

#2 of 37 Re: 97 Dakota running problems PLEASE HELP !!!!! [Tdpkid] by dustyk

Nov 29, 2008 (4:09 pm)

Replying to: Tdpkid (Nov 29, 2008 11:24 am)
Tommy,
 
You need to do some diagnostic work first, there are many things that could cause this symptom.
 
First, how many miles on this vehicle, what engine and what transmission do you have?
 
Regards,
Dusty

#3 of 37 97 Dakota help by Tdpkid

Nov 30, 2008 (11:36 am)

Dusty The vehicle has about 180,000 miles on it. It has a 4 cylinder 2.5 engine and manual transmission.

#4 of 37 Re: 97 Dakota help [Tdpkid] by dustyk

Nov 30, 2008 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: Tdpkid (Nov 30, 2008 11:36 am)
Okay. This configuration is rare, but okay!
 
First, you need to determine if you have spark and fuel.
 
Remove a spark plug from the cylinder head. Reconnect the plug wire to the spark plug and place the spark plug on the engine at a location that allows you to view the electrode. Have someone crank the engine and observe if a spark jumps across the electrode. If it does, you have secondary ignition power. If not, we know where to start troubleshooting.
 
If you've verified that you have spark, perform the following:
 
1. Disconnect the air clearner housing from the top of the Throttle Body Assembly. You must be able to see the throttle plate.
 
2. With an assistant holding the gas pedal to the floor, pour approximately one tablespoon full of gasoline into the throttle body.
 
3. Crank the engine for approximately 15 seconds.
 
If the engine attempted to start (then stalled) you likely have a fuel delivery problem.
 
Let me know how this worked out. I will monitor for a response until 11:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time.
 
Regards,
Dusty

#5 of 37 95 Dakota Driver Door Latch doesn't open door by 95_Dakota_Joe

Dec 02, 2008 (7:31 am)

Have a 95 Dakota and when you left the driver door latch the door doesn't open. Put in the shop and they say the plastic clip that holds the rod in place has completely broke up. To fix this issue they will need to remove the driver side window first. To do this they will need to drill out the pop rivets that hold the window in place. Does this sound correct?

#7 of 37 Re: 95 Dakota Driver Door Latch doesn't open door [95_Dakota_Joe] by dustyk

Dec 03, 2008 (7:39 pm)

Replying to: 95_Dakota_Joe (Dec 02, 2008 7:31 am)
Off hand, no! Unless they can't get the window glass into the fully raised position.
 
Dusty

#8 of 37 97 Dakota Will Not Idle by stevem1961

Dec 05, 2008 (3:52 am)

My 97 Dodge Dakota just rolled past 200K miles and decided to stop idling. It seems to run good when I'm cruising but it will not idle especially when I restart it after its fully warmed up. This happened yesterday when my daughter borrowed my truck and I had to drive it back home by putting it in neutral when I stopped at lights to keep it revved up so it wouldn't die. This morning its idling? I'm not sure where to start?

#9 of 37 Premature Posting by stevem1961

Dec 05, 2008 (7:31 am)

Replying to: stevem1961 (Dec 05, 2008 3:52 am)
I posted a message earlier about my 97 Dakota not idling. I've driven my truck to work and back today making several stops with no idling problems at all. Go Figure?

#10 of 37 Re: Premature Posting [stevem1961] by dustyk

Dec 07, 2008 (11:42 am)

Replying to: stevem1961 (Dec 05, 2008 7:31 am)
There are a number of things that could cause this problem. I recommend performing some relatively simple checks:
 
*PCV valve - A sticking PCV will cause this problem, and will be especially noticeable in colder weather. If the PCV valve plunger sticks in the closed position, the manifold air flow is effectively reduced. This has the same effect as closing the throttle plate, hence, the engine essentially stalls. In colder weather moisture build up in the motor oil will gravitate to the PCV. In freezing temperatures the moisture around the PCV valve plunger solidifies and cuts off air flow. Look for any signs of moisture in the oil and change it out if necessary.
 
On a vehicle that old and mileage, I would also suggest checking the vacuum hose that goes to the PCV valve. I've seen these get gummed up to the point they no longer flow much vacuum.
 
*Vacuum hoses - Vehicles of this age typically by now have dry, brittle, and cracked vacuum hoses and causing leaks. This may not show up much at higher RPMS or road speeds...although it usually causes slight hesitation or surging...but will definitely cause idling problems.
 
*Sticking Idle Speed Motor - On Throttlebody equiped vehicles, the idle speed is regulated by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) based on various inputs (sensors) in the system. The PCM then modulates the Idle Speed Motor to open a plunger-type valve that allows more or less air into the manifold to adjust the idle speed. This area is prone to carbon and gum deposits, especially with cheaper fuels. The Idle Speed Motor should be checked and cleaned, especially if you've never done is on this truck before. The Idle Speed Motor is easily removed on Dodge truck motors.
 
*Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) - This is essentially a non-linear potentiometer and can cause idling problems if the voltage is interupted across the terminals. This is caused by a corroded or dirty contact in the sensor. You can check this with a volt-ohm meter, preferably an analog type, by measuring DC resistance across the tap (slider) contact and rotating the TPS shaft. Erratic meter movement indicates a dirty or scratchy resistor. However, because of the miles, I would just change it.
 
*General engine tune - Of course, things like worn spark plugs, old spark plug wires, carbon tracked distributor cap and rotor, clogged air filter, will have a deleterious effect on engine performance and idle quality that may not have been noticeable in the warmer weather.
 
Good luck.
 
Best regards,
Dusty

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