my dakota wont stay running, if i start it it shuts right down, if i start it and press the gas around 2k it will ostay running for a little bit. the battery and alternator were tested and the charging system works great, and the fuel pump kicks on when its supposed to............. any ideas??

 

check the ASD for proper voltage. if that checks out, then check the computer for codes

 

the ASD only really applies to the 1st generation dakotas. my truck is doing the same thing. its probably either the TPS or IAC sensors. I changed the TPS the other day and it didnt help anything, so now I'm betting its the IAC.

 

Like wink said, sounds like the IAC (idle air controller, it's on the back of the throttle body and controls idle speed), or TPS (throttle position sensor, its on the side of the throttle body and detects how "open" the throttle is).
You can try removing and cleaning the IAC (and where it fits into the throttle body) and see if that helps.

 

thank you everybody for your feedback! I solved the problem. it was the IAC valve. i took it out, cleaned all the gunk off it and put it back in, now it runs great, thanks again