Left work last night and when I started my '96 Dakota it wouldn't stay at idle and just died. It died a couple more times leaving the parking lot, at the next stop light, etc. until I got further down the road and the engine warmed up. Then everything was OK and it idled at about 700 RPM. Did the same thing again this AM when I went to work. My coworker who also has a Dakota said it might be a faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor. It's been unusually cold here in Norfolk the past few days. Can anybody give me some info on the MAF sensor or whatever else might be causing this? I'd like to fix it because my wife is afraid to drive the truck if it stalls out.

 

I would say its a IAC Idle Air Control Valve. These tend to get stuck. Take it off make sure it can turn freely. If you have to replace it. These trucks dont have MAF they have MAP Manifold Air Pressure sensor. Has it ever died not at Idle? When it does die, if you press the gas then does it hold rpms or die?

 

Crazy, thanks for your response. No, it normally idles fine at 700 RPM and I don't have to keep my foot on the gas. Usually I just turn the key and she fires right up. This just started last night and again this AM, I figured it was related to the cold temps we have right now. About 4-5 minutes down the road the problem goes away (engine warms up?) and the idle stays at 700. Where is the Idle Air Control valve located?

 

On the back side of the throttle body. It does sound like the IAC motor. See the FAQ in this section for a pic of location.

 

Thanks Crazy!

 

x2 on the IAC motor