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97 Dakota running problems PLEASE HELP !!!!!

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

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

Messages Page 2 of 4

#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

#11 of 37 warm engine with cold weather problems by nenisi

Dec 10, 2008 (6:11 pm)

The above sounds a lot like my Dodge. I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport, V6, 4X4. When the outside temp falls below 32 degrees I have a problem. Engine starts fine. After 10 or 15 minutes of driving I sometimes cannot go uphill over 15 miles an hour. Downhill is worse, I leave off the gas, the RPM's fluctuate by as much as 1000, it the backfires. I have replaced the cam sensor and the air temp. sensor. If the check engine light comes on, it signifies the cam sensor. HELP!! I'm at my witts end! Do you think it could be the crank sensor or possibly the temp. sensor?

#12 of 37 1997 Dodge Dakota parking brake issues by lope5859

Mar 06, 2009 (6:33 pm)

My parking brake seemed to stick. i was wondering if there could be a problem with the cable or if i would have to adjust it. any help would be great thanks.

#13 of 37 Re: 1997 Dodge Dakota parking brake issues [lope5859] by dustyk

Mar 07, 2009 (6:32 am)

Replying to: lope5859 (Mar 06, 2009 6:33 pm)
On a vehicle that old its probably time to replace the rear parking brake cables.
 
Regards,
Dusty

#14 of 37 1999 dodge dakota idling problems by maddux8848

Mar 16, 2009 (10:13 pm)

dusty,I can tell by your posts that you are very knowledgable about dakotas i would like your input on my idling problem.I have an 1999 dakota with the 3.9 magnum v6.i live in nc where the climate very seldom gets real cold but i just recently purchased this truck from maryland with bad automatic overdrive trans.when i brought this truck home the truck idled rough and check engine light was on.After trans shop rebuilt trans they ran diagnostic check on truck and said that all codes were transmission codes.Since i have gotten the truck back i have had no problems with trans and check engine light has not came back on but I have only driven truck for three weeks.my problem is that truck idles at 1500 rpms at running temp and at 1000 to 1100 when I first crank it up(cold).It will also idle up and down as it sits in park.when it idles at 1500 rpms you can switch truck off and restart and it will go back to 1000 rpm untill you put truck in any gear.i have only had 2 incidents where truck just shut off but crunk right back up with no hesitation.the problems seems to get worse when gas gets below a half of a tank.as trucks go in overdrive at 50mph or above you can fell it surging or skiping.i also had one instance where it would not take gas so I pulled over for a second and truck took off with no problem.what is so wierd about this problem is that it seems to be nonexistant until it gets hot or you drive long distances.problems seems to be getting worse every day and more freqient every day.I would really like your input on this and have spent alot of money on truck with trans rebuild and purchase price and do not want waist any if unecesary.I have been reading other posts but no ones elses problem seems to be exactly like mine.thank alot

#15 of 37 Re: 1999 dodge dakota idling problems [maddux8848] by dustyk

Mar 18, 2009 (1:51 am)

Replying to: maddux8848 (Mar 16, 2009 10:13 pm)
How many miles is on this engine?
 
Regards,
Dusty

#16 of 37 Re: 1999 dodge dakota idling problems [maddux8848] by factman1

Mar 18, 2009 (7:19 pm)

Replying to: maddux8848 (Mar 16, 2009 10:13 pm)
I have the same problem with my 1997 Dodge Dakota Truck. I've replaced the crank sensor, fuel pump, cam position sensor twice, plug wires, plugs, distributor,
coolant temperature sensor etc. There is a 1999 van having the same symptoms and the dealership has not figured it out. When it is cold, it runs well for 10-12 minutes and then bucks and misfires so much it feels like it is ruining the truck. When it is warm, it runs like a top. I need help too Dusty! I have about 155,000 miles on my standard transmission Dakota. Chrysler wants to start throwing wiring harnesses at the van and if it was that would not the vehicle have ongoing problems in any weather? I did not mention my mechanic also put a new computer on the truck to test with all the same results!

Messages Page 2 of 4

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