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V6 Dakotas
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Daddy-D
*GenIII*
 
10/28/2002
10:09:17
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 Subject: Start/Idle Oddity
IP: Logged
Message:
Last week, I started my Dak to go home from work. It cranked normally, caught after a couple or revs, and I released the starter - it died (I tend to "short crank" the engine). Now, sometimes that happens, it just gets caught between breaths, so I tried again - no start, no warning lights. Tried cranking more (no added throttle) and it just cranked. The battery started straining after a total of maybe 20 seconds of cranking. This time, I tried again with full throttle. After some struggle, it started, but wouldn't idle - damn (at least it had fire). Tried again, would only start at full throttle, but no idle - I mean, it didn't even try to idle.
Aw, man...
So, I kept it running with throttle input - I figured if I could limp home, I would be able to figure what was happening there. I drove 2-footed until I got on the highway (a couple of miles). Once I got off the highway, it idled fine on its own.
Hmmm...
Once in my driveway, I shut it down and tried starting it again - no problem - still no warning lights.
Wierd...
I later went out to run a local errand, and it had the start/idle problem again. This time, (maybe it was still warm), it idled on its own shortly after I got driving. I noticed the battery was really straining to start the truck (not like incorrect timing tho) - so much, it caused the low-voltage cutout to engage (and reset some of my electronics).
Where was NPR?...
I got home and put it on the charger overnight, thinking it was a dying battery (while searching this wonderful site for clues). Many posts pointed to a dying battery, so I headed out next morning to NAPA for a new battery ($$$!). Yes, it started with no problem on the overnight-charged battery. The guy at NAPA tested the battery, but it tested OK (now, I'm really scratching my head!).
Once at work, I tried starting it at lunchtime. No start - same problem!
Geez...
So, I reset the PCM (what else to do?). I tried starting again - it fired right up and idled just like the good ol' Dak I remembered! I let it idle for a while and tried starting again - no problem.
Shoot...
Now, it's been a week - I am convinced my Dak was a cat in a previous life. Ya know, like in "Pee-wee's Big Adventure", where he eats it, big time, on his bike in front of those BMX kids, jumps up on his feet, dusts himself off and says cooly, "I meant to do that". I swear, that scene was written by a cat person! My Dak acts like nothing ever happened and runs fine.
Go figure...
'98 DakSport C/C 3.9 2WD A/T
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DakotaDan
*GenIII*
10/28/2002
12:04:13
|  RE: Start/Idle Oddity
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Message:
Has the TB and/or IAC been cleaned lately ?
Dan
"Can You Hear Me Now"........................................GOOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Daddy-D
*GenIII*
10/28/2002
12:21:43
|  RE: Start/Idle Oddity
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Message:
No to both - but I would think that resetting the PCM would have no effect on those components' function. Yes, I do know about the recommended cleaning ritual (I'm really lazy & holding out for a new TB).
BTW, my Dak has under 46K mi on it.
'98 DakSport C/C 3.9 2WD A/T
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jkw
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/28/2002
13:17:45
| RE: Start/Idle Oddity
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Message:
Just a thought, but I'd try putting in a new coolant temperature sensor. Mine was doing something similar last year. I changed the cts and it fixed it.
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showski
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/29/2002
13:18:55
| RE: Start/Idle Oddity
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Message:
My truck did the same thing, it was just a bad battery. I have no idea why the battery suddenly went dead, it being a 2000 (CC V6 if it matters). Truck wouldn't start, then it would only with gas. Let off the gas, truck dies.
Battery was showing good (green) too...
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showski
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/29/2002
13:19:53
| RE: Start/Idle Oddity
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Message:
Whoops, just re-read the entire thread...sorry!
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