I just bought a 2002 Durango rt. The first couple of times I started it , it started fine. Then when I would go to start it it wouldn't start. If I gave it some gas it started but once I took my foot off the gas pedal it just died. it wont idle. After about 15 times it started and then would start perfectly normal, and after another 6 or 7 times of it being good it would start doing it again and not idle wen I started it and died. Is anyone else having this problem or would know wat it might be? im a student and cant really afford to take it in to get looked at

 

It has to be either fuel, air, or spark.
Seriously though check the fuel pressure first, should be between 46 and 52lb I believe if memory serves me. If not you could have a failing fuel pump or less likely a plugged fuel filter which is part of the fuel pump and both are located in the tank. Are you getting a check engine light? Have you hooked up a scan tool to find out if you have any stored codes? Autozone might be willing to hook up a scantool to check for codes for you, at least they do where I live as they want to sell sensors and such.

 

To me it sounds like either the TPS, the IAC, or a bad battery/battery connections. I'd start off by cleaning the battery connections both at the battery and inside the PDC and see if that makes a difference. If the PCM isn't getting the proper power it can cause it to stall if you don't stay on the gas and all kinds of other weird things (been there done that). If that is the problem it's a fairly easy fix. If your battery is more than a couple years old I'd look into replacing it since it might be getting weak.

 

So do i have to replace the pcm yout think or is it either the tps or iac? thanks for the feed back i appreciate it

 

No you shouldn't have to replace the pcm, low power isn't going to hurt it, it just won't function properly when it has low power. I'd check the battery and battery connections, then move on to the IAC, then TPS.

 

Well hopefully you can afford a bus pass! Bummer, dude.

That said - IAC but it's good practice to replace both IAC and TPS at the same time.

 

Sorry mis-placed this posting. Edited and let me offer my advice on this issue...


IAC first and as the other gent said might as well do the TPS at the same time - though not required. I have 2 Durango's 1 is a 2000 5.9 R/T - Idle issue - resolved with new IAC. 2. 2001 4.7 SLT - Idle issue - solved with IAC.


I have a different transmission issue currently but the issue you have with it not being able to hold an idle should be the "Idle Air Control" This is REAL easy to fix for anyone who can turn a screwdriver. Take the top of the air intake cover off the plastic thing dead center top of the engine, this is not required sometimes but is best for being able to see the IAC. It has 1 plastic connector with wires and 2 TORX size 25 screws. The screws will be a little tight to take off due to repeated heating. The plastic part has a little locking clip on one side - don't break it when removing it the connector has some ribbing rubber portion that helps it seal into place against moisture so it makes a bit of suction when taking it off.


This is a 5 minute fix I can do in my nice work clothes and NO I am not a mechanic I am in I.T. and a motor-head since 1986.


PM/Email me if I can help more - pics etc....


Coog.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback and will try it in Thursday and post the results

 

If you wish to be more complete, you can pull the TB and clean it. You might find you don't need a new IAC, just a clean one with a clean operation pathway for it.

 

changed the iac and it worked!!!! thanks guys. My other issue is my park break light wont go off, I read on other posts and posted myself and found most of the time its the rear wheel speed sensor, I changed that but no luck, any ideas, any help would be much appreciated. oh, ive also topped up brake fluid, checked and bled the breaks