hey guys, im new to the forum and i just purchased a 97 dakota. The body is in really bad shape but the engine sounds healthy and no CEL and it was basically given to me. Well my problem is that sometimes when i go to start it up it wants to stall but i give it alittle gas and it will then idle normally. also when i put it in neutral the rpms drop and wants to turn off. Another problem that i have is that sometimes it wont crank from park. i put it in neutral and it starts right up. it has done it a couple times.
thanks guys

 

the start and idle problem is either the iac or tps sensor or both on the throttle body
the start problem could be the neutral safety switch on the transmission get an intermittent signal or the shifter linkage is out of adjustment

 

could they be bad and not show a CEL?

 

yes and the aren't to expensive