89 High Idle Problems

My 89 dakota is stuck at a very high idle speed. I've turned the idle screw in all the way to fix this problem and now it idles low... but i need to keep the gas down in the mornings. Hmm i wonder why :P
Basicallly its a computer problem and somethings causing it to think the engines cold.

I'm thinking the problem is the temperature sensor or the idle speed control actuator.

i have a check engine light and i have the following codes.

12 : memory standby power lost
33 : A/C clutch cutout relay circuit
35 : Idle switch circuit or radiator fan control solenoid circuits
55

i'm going to replace the temperature sensor tomorrow, but if the problem persists what else should i check? Also how do i fix the code 33?

I'm new to the whole mechanic scene but i'm mechanically inclined.

check the "screw" you turned. Is it a throttle kicker solenoid/motor?
it's probably bad.

33 Air conditioning clutch relay circuit open or shorted (may be in the wide-open-throttle cutoff circuit)

Your kicker solenoid or idle relay is bad.

Slantsixness

Thanks! i replaced the temperature sensor... but i haven't had any cold weather so i don't know if its fixed... i'll turn up the screw to see if it is, if not i'll replace that solenoid.

You probably shouldn't be messing with screws. Eveything is set properly to begin with, and if it goes wierd when you go to start it when it's cold outside, it's not like the truck turned the screws by itself, so you shouldn't be adjusting anything. Just think about it. If something goes wrong, it's just a part that needs replacing, unless someone went and played with your settings when you didn't know about it...

Yeah i kinda realized that its set up a certain way... i need to restore the previous settings by hooking a tachometer up and set the idle speed back to 1500-1800 rpm. After restoring my settings the idle speed is back to normal; therefore, a faulty temperature sensor was my problem.

Idle at 1500-1800 rpm? What? This confuses me...

under the distributer cap, you can adjust the timing up or down, adjust it down and the idle will go down. Set the idle screw back up

Idle at 1500-1800 rpm? What? This confuses me...


Me too :biggrin:

somebody's smokin somethin..... :smokin:

How did you read the codes? Do you have to take it some place to be read or is there a trick like on some cars and the flashing check engine light?

My 89 dakota is stuck at a very high idle speed. I've turned the idle screw in all the way to fix this problem and now it idles low... but i need to keep the gas down in the mornings. Hmm i wonder why :P
Basicallly its a computer problem and somethings causing it to think the engines cold.

I'm thinking the problem is the temperature sensor or the idle speed control actuator.

i have a check engine light and i have the following codes.

12 : memory standby power lost
33 : A/C clutch cutout relay circuit
35 : Idle switch circuit or radiator fan control solenoid circuits
55

i'm going to replace the temperature sensor tomorrow, but if the problem persists what else should i check? Also how do i fix the code 33?

I'm new to the whole mechanic scene but i'm mechanically inclined.

How did you read the codes? Do you have to take it some place to be read or is there a trick like on some cars and the flashing check engine light?

Turn your ignition key on/off 3xs ending in the "on" position. The check engine light will flash; for example if the light flashes twice then pauses and flashes another 4xs, that's a code 24. When it's done, it'll flash a code 55 for "End of Message Code".

Got it! Thanks! What does a code 33 mean? The truck stalls at intersections and sometimes will not start for hours after. When cold, no problems,but give it 15 minutes and then the problem comes back.

Turn your ignition key on/off 3xs ending in the "on" position. The check engine light will flash; for example if the light flashes twice then pauses and flashes another 4xs, that's a code 24. When it's done, it'll flash a code 55 for "End of Message Code".

check out this post that I made on the Intrepid forum page; it applies to most Chrysler vehicles prior to 96: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=355082