Hello everyone. Hoping someone can help me out. I have a 98 Dakota 4x4 5.2 auto that just stalls without warning. It happens while i am driving or stopped when my foot is taken off the gas pedal, the idle just drops off to nothing. not even a sputter. Has never thrown a code until today (P0743). The light was only on for 20 minutes. not sure if it was an accurate code as there was no juddering when it stalls. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Pete

 

Have you tried replacing the IAC (idle air controller)? Those are a common thing to freeze up on these engines. Its located at the back of the throttle body and there are 2 torx screws holding it in place.

If thats not it, it could be that your TC clutch is locked up, but like you mentioned, that would likely cause shuddering before it stalled.

 

have tried anything yet. not sure where to begin. no hesitation or studdering just idles down to nothing.

 

.

english?

 

lol sorry about that "have not tried anything yet"

 

Well the IAC is definately a good starting point. Cheap and easy to install.

 

wouldn't it throw a code?

 

No it wouldn't. The only things that throw codes are dead sensors or sensors reading outside their accepted values for extended periods of time. The IAC is not actually a sensor, it is a motor driven valve. They are notorious for freezing up in these engines.

 

thank you so much. I will give it a try.

 

lol, yes, they tend to freeze. just replaced mine a month ago and now is acting again. specially on cool weather.