| From | Message |
Mikeyb0y
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/02/2008
22:19:38
|
 Subject: ambient temp sensor
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 02 dakota that has a hard time starting when its colder out. Last winter I had a local shop replace the plugs and wires but I'm in the same boat again this winter.
When starting the truck it seems to be running rich and will die out if you do not keep on the gas. The second i take my foot off the gas the truck will die. If i keep it revved up for awhile (5mintues) it will be fine. A local shop said to replace the ambient temp sensor however no where in the repair book do i see the location of this sensor.
Any help would be appreciated.
|
Forseti
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/03/2008
17:26:31
| RE: ambient temp sensor
IP: Logged
Message:
The shop must be talking about the Intake air temp sensor.
|
mikeyb0y
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/03/2008
17:53:42
| RE: ambient temp sensor
IP: Logged
Message:
yup, i replaced both the air temp and coolant sensors with no luck.
|
Jimmy9190
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/03/2008
19:59:56
| RE: ambient temp sensor
IP: Logged
Message:
The ambient temp sensor is located on a bracket on the right side of the radiator yoke behind the radiator grille and in front of the engine. I don't see how the sensor could cause the truck not to start when cold, though. It is used to help the climate control work at the correct selected temperature.
Are there any trouble codes stored from the PCM? You can turn the ignition on and off 3 times then on and leave it on and any stored codes will display in the odometer.
This sounds like it could be the Throttle Position Sensor. A good test is when it won't start, push the gas pedal all the way to the floor and start the truck. If it starts that way it can be a good indication the TPS is bad. They don't cost much to replace. If you need it get a good one at Dodge or Napa.
The bad idle and running rich could be an idication the O2 is either bad or just lazy giving a weak signal which can cause the IAC to malfunction, resulting in a rough idle and then the engine stalls out. A weak O2 may or may not store a trouble code. What is the mileage on the truck and what is the MPG like? Has it gone down recently? You may need to replace the IAC and, depending on the mileage of the truck, replace both upstream O2's and do a hard reset on the PCM.
There could be other causes here too. If there are codes they can help you figure it out. A TPS may not cause a stored code though.
Let us know what you come up with.
Jimmy
|
Forseti
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/04/2008
13:49:50
| RE: ambient temp sensor
IP: Logged
Message:
The next thing I would check is the Idle Air Control Motor. On a 3.9,5.2,and 5.9 engine it is located behind the throttle body and on the 3.7,4.7 it is located on the right side of the throttle body just under the TPS sensor. What you might need to do is to clean any carbon buildup off of it and the port in the throttle body. When you clean it DO NOT TRY AND TWIST THE PLUNGER !!! YOU WILL DAMAGE IT !! Just spray it off with carb cleaner and wipe it off gentle and spray out the port and clean it with a lint free cloth. And just for the extra info the Ambient Air Temp sensor is only for the overhead trip computer... it has nothing to do with the A/C system or the engine.
|
Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/04/2008
14:24:45
| RE: ambient temp sensor
IP: Logged
Message:
the oxygen sensor is not used until the truck is warmed up. Did you pay attention to the truck temp? Is it normal operating temp when you can stop giving it gas and it will idle? If so, that is not an O2 sensor issue.
- Dan M
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
