97 dakota 5.2 starts, idles fine,but...

[davida6302]

I have a 97 dakota 4x4 5.2L it was cold 13* one day, I went to work and came out that night and saw I left the interior lights on...oops. As one would figure it wouldn't start, so I got a jump start, it started fine, then as I was pulling away it died. I started it back up, which it did fine, and in gear then it died again. I did get it home, my wife noticed it seemed to "smoke" actually it was condensation. So here's the kicker, it still starts fine, will idle fine (750rpm) while in park I give it some gas and it does fine, then it comes back down and dies, then I start it up just fine again, and bingo, the same...What do Ya THINK?

[davida6302]

Tried the spray carb trick, so far so good. Still have the symptom of idle surge and drop but not dying, for now....Thanks for the post about this simple fix, will wait til warmer weather to disassemble the throttlebody to give through cleaning.

[BleedDodge]

It might not make it until warmer weather, just wait and see when it leaves you stranded.

It might be either that throttle position sensor or the idle air control valve, or both. You can take that valve out and clean it and put it back, or just quickly replace it, but usually when that throttle sensor starts giving problems it's finished. Best of luck.

[theFREAKnasty82]

the idle stop screw, which is preset from the factory could be wearing out and every time the throttle is opened and closed it could cause the motor to stall out b/c of not allowing sufficient air to go past the throttle plate. Since it's kinda hard to adjust the bypass screw, I'd suggest getting a new throttle body and seeing what goes from there.

[davida6302]

so,far no problems, been cold as a bears butt around here and it still purrs for the 2nd day....(fingers crossed) thanks for the suggestions