i got a 02 dakota and it idles weird and feels like it wants to stall in reverse sometimes and it has stalled like once before and i am wondering if i clean out the IAC it will help. but i can't find it. i looked but it's too much crap in the way. i see the dizzy caps where the spark plug wires go but that's it

 

It's on the back side of the throttle body. It's easier to remove and is easier to clean the IAC orifice and the TB itself if you remove the throttle body from the manifold. Reinstall the TB with a new gasket, less than $2.00 at the parts store. Do not drop the IAC or handle it roughly, or you will need a new one.

Jimmy

 

 

how do i remove the whole thottle body? is it hard?

 

Remove the air cleaner box and air cleaner hat off the top of the TB.
Disconnect the throttle cable connector (and TV cable and cruise control cable conncectors, if you have them) from the throttle linkage on the right side of the TB.
Unplug the vacuum line at the front of the TB, unplug the MAP sensor, Throttle Position Sensor and IAC.
Remove the thin circle-shaped rubber gasket from the top of the TB, set it aside where it won't get lost or damaged.
Remove the 4 bolts from the top of the TB and lift the TB off the manifold.

Reinstallation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to use a new gasket when re-installing the TB. This is also a good time to look down the TB opening into the manifold with a flashlight and check for belly pan leaks while the TB is off the manifold.

Jimmy

 

I see if anyone had a guide with pics that would be awesome but if i end up taking mine off to clean it. do you think it will help with my little problem?

and if i do take off the thottle body i'll take pics and make a guide or something.

 

You might also want to check for any vacuum leaks, as that will also cause an irratic idle and cause the truck to die. Also, don't forget to disconnect the battery before you start to let the computer reset as it will need to relearn for the clean throttle body and iac

 

yeah vaccum leaks suck!! i seen a vaccum plug thing on the passengers side of the throttle body and the plug off looked a little cracked..i will should replace the plug and see if that helps any.

 

well guys i took off the thottle body and cleaned it and i did the same with the IAC. i didn't know how to remove the thottle cables so i just cleaned it with them hooked on lol. but it was realllllly dirty and i took some carb cleaner and cleaned it good. the iac was coated with carb deposits and gunk and like grease..it is fresh now! i removed the negative terminal and let it reset, and i start it up and runs good. i drove around and threw it in reserve and seems to be idling higher! which is good (normally idled at less than 500rpm in reverse for some reason which caused it to stall at times) but right now it idles at 700-900 rpm which is good..thanks for the help! i have a few pics i'll put up in a little bit if it helps anyone else.

and i replaced the vacuum plug thing on the pasengers side of the intake manifold just in case it was leaking from there. but i'll have to do some more running around and keep ya posted. i noticed 2 vacuum hoses going to a little sensor thing right beside the battery and fuse box in between both near headlight. those are cracked and i put a little windex but doesn't seem to be leaking any, but i'll most likely replace them soon but it's a pita! because of the fuse box. i tried removing the fuse box but i gave up lol..i'll just pull them from where ever they hook up and run new hose..

 

If your fuse box is like mine, you will need to remove the bolt closest to the cab, and the 2 clips, next to the battery, you pust them in towards the fust box with a small flathead screwdriver and it will lift up. Glad to hear you got it running better.