AF newbie shares idle problem

[pjb67]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and was searching Google for answers when I stumbled upon automotiveforums.com. I thought about signing up to share my problem with my 98 Dakota 3.9L. That was this morning, but now my truck starts and idles perfectly!

Here is what happened:

Went to start my Dakota this morning and it acted like it was but as soon as my foot left the gas, it stalled, immediately. I tried turning it over again, nothing. I gave it some gas, something I was told never to do on F.I. vehicles, but it spit and sputtered and came to life and as long as my foot was on the gas it was OK. I could hear the fuel pump click on and off when I turned the ignition so I knew that was OK. I thought maybe fuel filter or throttle control of some sort. I disconnected the throttle sensor on the side of the intake (I believe it's a throttle position sensor), turned the ignition and nothing. I reconnected the sensor and it turned over and it idled beautifully. Now, did the computer reset itself after I disconnected/reconnected the sensor between cranks? I don't really know, but its possible. This was plain good luck and a lot of troubleshooting experience but mostly in the computer technology field. Now I'm not sure if the sensor is bad or the connector was unseated slightly. I'm gonna have to get a manual before I buy a new sensor, but I think they are inexpensive anyway. Just thought I should share with you all my first problem with my 98 Dakota.

Pete