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Dakota_Gurrl
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
08:53:53
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 Subject: Winter starting problems
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Message:
Last year I could start my truck in any temperature, go in the house, and let it idle till it was warm enough to sit in. This year, she won't start without my foot on the gas, and she won't idle at all. It's like -15 here and I really don't want to sit in the truck with my foot on the gas (1000+ rpms) for 8 minutes (I timed it). I've tried driving after 2-3 mins (2 feet), but she just stalls as soon as I hit a red light/stop sign. When I got an oil change (2wks ago), they said I need a new air filter, I was in a hurry, so I said no...was this a big mistake? About 2 months ago I had the throttle plates cleaned due to a similar problem, and all was well till it got below freezing temps. If it's 0 or above she starts fine. Could it be the air filter, or does it sound like something else? I have 0 car knowledge, so I don't even know if the air filter relates to any of this. Is it just a winter thing, and I'm the only retard on the block who gets to sit in a cold truck to warm it up. Please help, -15 in Canadian winters is considered warm, it's getting worse from here on in. Thanx guys! :)
'97 Kota 3.9-6 2WD (booooo!) ~Sandy~
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indydak
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2005
13:18:19
|  RE: Winter starting problems
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no the air filter will not cause that to happen but if it's dirty change it cause that will give you bad gas milage. as far as it not wanting to stay running could be a sensor somewhere telling the computer not to keep it running. but then again if it's -15 below the hell with going outside, call in sick lol.
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GB2000
GenIII
12/10/2005
16:53:52
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
I'd be willing to bet it's because your battery is getting a bit weak...and cold temps weaken a battery big time. My battery is strong on a warm day, but when it's really cold, it barely produces enough power to crank the engine over. It's been really bad this winter too so i'll be replacing it soon. One of the number one signs of a weak/dying battery involves idle problems.
Josh Blackshire - Founder, OhioDakotas.NET
Red 98 Dakota Sport - Check it out!
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Dune_Op1
Dodge Dakota
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12/11/2005
12:36:40
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
Hey Sandy, what part of Canada are you in where it's -15 right now? I'm in Alberta and it's warm here right now.
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toolfan
GenIII
12/11/2005
14:11:12
|  RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
that is most likely a battery. you have to rev it to get the alternator to spin fast enough to produce a charge. that is why you are having to rev it at (1000rpm) you can have the battery tested at an auto parts like pep boys-autozone-ect if you haven't replace the battery in 3years than it is most likely died!
!new signature!
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Dakota_Gurrl
Dodge Dakota
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12/12/2005
08:09:42
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
Hey guys, thanx for the help. I was on my way to Crappy Tire to have the battery changed, and she died in the middle of the road. Seeing as the majority of the human race is ignorant, people drove by and wouldn't even help me move it out of the way...so I put my hazards on and left it! F*** them, now they can drive around it. I walked home (3 blocks) with my frozen son, and am now waiting for a cab to take me to Crappy Tire...again! Oh well, hopefully a neighbor will install it for me...maybe...if I cry...lol! Anyways, thanx again...you guys are swell! :)
Dune_Op1: I'm in Ontario, we've hit -50 w/ windchill. What's Alberta like? Saskatchewan is worse than here...poor them!! Have a good one!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS GUYS!!! :)
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imgreen
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2005
14:26:36
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
what about after the truck warms up, does it idle ok? I have a simular issue.
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Dakota_Gurrl
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2005
21:00:42
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
If I warm it up for 8-10 mins it idles great, but I'm just trying to avoid sitting in it while I warm it up...it's cold out! I changed my battery (after it died in the middle of the road), but I apparently didn't buy the right amperage for cold cranks cuz the problem is still there...unless it's 0 degs. or above. How's your heater doing...mine works when it's wants to!
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shdow
Dodge Dakota
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12/19/2005
23:48:12
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
damn
I would have given you a ride in the back since my dogs ride shotgun
just kidding (too far away)
damn it's cold in the north
we get nice winters and lousy summers here
got whipped by hurricanes Rita/Katrina/Wilma
Happy Holidays All
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toolfan
GenIII
12/20/2005
01:13:47
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
huh i thought we were having global warming?
yeah my heaters got the seasons confuse too. in ca you don't need a heater, unless in the mountains.
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blue340mopar
Dodge Dakota
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12/20/2005
17:15:52
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
If you have a new battery and it still won't idle, there is something else wrong. The size of CCA won't matter as long as it turns it over and it is new so I would look elsewhere unless the new battery wasn't fully charged at time of installation.
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imgreen2
Dodge Dakota
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12/20/2005
20:10:29
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
I had a simular issue, though it sounds like you have multiple problems. For the cold idle issue check the IAC (Idle Air Control). It is a small stepper motor mounted on the back side of the TB (throttle body) 2 torqes screws and it pulls out. I cleaned it up and it idles really good in cold weather now.
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Dakota_Gurrl
Dodge Dakota
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12/21/2005
08:12:40
| RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
My throttle plates were cleaned and all adaptives were reset back in November. The truck wont turn over, or idle unassisted (only happens in the early morning, or late late night). Yesturday when I drove it (after it warmed up), it made it about 1/2 a block then died as soon as I took my foot off the gas. It took about 15 mins before the bugger would start again, and when it did, it was running like there was nothing wrong (damn thing's bi-polar). Could it maybe be some kind of sensor that controls the flow of fuel, or maybe a dirty fuel something? It seems like it has something todo with the gas. Every 2nd or 3rd tank I put the injector cleaner in (some red crap), have been for almost 2 yrs, is that too much of a good thing or not enough...this truck is causing me more stress than Christmas shopping, lol! I can't wait til the holidays are over so my truck can get fixed and live a normal life. Thanx for the help guys. :) ~Sandy~
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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imgreen2
Dodge Dakota
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12/21/2005
11:49:56
|  RE: Winter starting problems
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Message:
Yeah adding injector cleaner every 2 or 3 tanks is a bit much. I recommend you get a repair manual for your truck and spend a saturday going through it. Cost about $17.00 at your local parts store. Having your throttle plates cleaned and or replaced will not fix the idle issue. I have a post "Cold idle issues" and it was recommended that I check out the IAC. After reading up on what the Idle Air controller is, it does make good sense to at least inspect it. When ever you are not applying gas the computer is monitoring the engine load,(ie, fans, AC, etc). When the engine is cold it takes more air to idle(the IAC acts like a choke). If the IAC is dirty it will stall at idle when cold, or when the engine is under load and gas is removed (when decelerating to stop) The IAC can not be cleaned with out removal. All told it takes 20 minutes to remove , clean and replace. I don't remember the torqes bit size, but it should say in the repair manual. You should be able to pick up the tool at the auto parts store too for only a couple of dollars.
I am also assuming alot here, if your mechanic cleaned or replaced the throttle plates, then they had to be pretty dirty, this would also lead me to believe the IAC must be caked with carbon and dirt. (use carb cleaner to remove carbon and dirt from IAC). I also think you are dealing with several different issues on your Dak, which makes it difficult to diagnose. It becomes a process of ellimination.
Good Luck and stay warm.
Mike
Note: When cleaning the IAC do not pull or twist the shaft of the IAC. I used a small wire brush and a cotton rag with carb cleaner to remove debris.
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