Hey all, i recently purchased a 95 dakota 4x4 5.2 with 270k and i love it but man has it been a headache (mechanics nightmare) i managed to get most of the probs fixed but im having a problem with the engine stalling....it happens when the engine is at running temp and i turn the engine off. If i turn start the truck again and put it in gear it dies and sometimes it wont start at all or it will start but barely. I just changed the iac valve and totally cleaned the throttle body...also re-spliced the main power line at pdc. I have a new distributor and rotor and plugs to install still but any help to save my sanity would be greatly appreciated!!.....the dude abides man, the dude abides.

 

Give more info! Does it just die? Stubble then die? Does the starter turn it good? Are you getting good fuel pressure? Are you getting spark? Is the computer getting power at the computer plug? You can also check the FAQ for service manuals and for more info on starting problems.

 

Everything is good with spark, fuel etc....the truck starts like a champ the first time but if i run it to temperature say 1/2 hour drive and then park...if i try to start it again, the engine just turns and will eventually fire up after about 10 seconds of turning and when i put it into gear it drops in rpms until it just dies almost instantly...

 

When you put it in gear can you hold on the gas and keep it from dying? To me it kinda sounds like a fuel problem. Have you checked the fuel pressure?

 

nope, givin it gas doesnt help it still dies.....but it only happens after its at running temp and is shut off and started again. It never hesitates or stalls out at red lights once its running. If i let it cool down for a cuple of hours it starts no prob and wont stall or hesitate when i put it in gear. I did manage to figure out the check engine code was that the engine coolant temp sensor is "out of range"..not sure if that would cause this but i guess its next on the list to be replaced....now if i replace that do i also hafta put in a new thermostat??

 

Ya if you are getting the coolant sensor replace it. No you don't have to put in a new thermostat. But it is cheep insurance. Just replace it. Just remember these engines have 2 coolant sensors. One with 2 wires for the computer. One with 1 wire for the guage.

 

Yep, sounds like a bad ECT.

And to a fellow Lebowksi fan.
"Also, Dude, chinaman is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please."

 

Ok, a cuple of new sensors and a thermostat and im sure that will tie the room together....i will keep u posted with the results...thanx for all ur help fellas....cheers