Well, the tires weren't it. The RPM's dropped so low last night coming up to a stop with the clutch pushed in that the truck almost stalled out.

 

Get your charging system checked out the battery also is your belt slipping?

To me it sounds like a charging system problem.

 

My battery is brand new however the belt is older (not sure how old really). Hmmm....I'll swap the belt out and see if that helps.

 

Get the charging system checked the alternator power output and how constant it’s putting out.

Your battery may be new but hows the power being generated?

 

It isn't a charging system problem, the issue is the idle drops so low that the RPMs aren't high enough to turn the alternator fast enough to keep the system charging, hence the dimming lights, dropping voltage and battery discharge. And this only occurs once the truck is warm. Turning on the A/C also raises the idle enough to prevent the discharge condition. It has something to do with the computer and its calculation for the idle, either a bad sensor or vacuum leak or bad computer.

 

It’s a combo of battery and charging system the battery takes over any low alternator output like at start up and idle then at take off the alternator takes over it’s a tit for tat.

What does it hurt to have the charging system checked out?

Most places will check for free like AutoZone at least if you do the check then you know what it is not.

One other thing that could be causing this is something is pulling way to much juice from the system if this was the case that thing should be at melting point or very hot just like on the Dakota so many have the heater fan connection melt its pulling too much juice.

Also if something is pulling too much juice any fuse in that system will/should blow.

 

I agree it is always good to check these things and rule them out as causes. I have had this problem on my truck for years now, no blown fuses or melted components. Truck has always stayed charged and never left me stranded, also have a new battery and belt is tight and in good condition. It is a gremlin that is hard to conquer!!!

 

computer maybe? I remember someone saying they had some upgrade for bad idling from the dealership.

The computer may be glitchy or some glitchy sensor like you said just replace your sensors as time goes by if never replaced they are probably due anyway.

If you have not replaced the MAP I suggest that just replaced my MAP and my Dakota runs great now.

 

I appreciate the info! I did take mine in a few years back and had them do an update to the computer to see if that would do anything, but I am still having the same issue. Going to put in the post-cat O2 Sensor today and I have a new MAP sensor coming in the mail. Will keep you guys posted on any developments.

 

Good luck keep us informed all too many people have weird idle problems on this forum looking for answers.


The MAP seams to be a key sensor and the TPS