New here! Have a 2000 Dodge Dakota V6 Quad 2wd that we bought less than a year ago used. Literally a month after we bought it the truck started to have problems idling. About half the time the truck starts and drives normally, however, the other half you have to keep your foot on the gas to keep the RPMs up for several minutes and slowly back off the gas or the truck will stall out, it will also stall if you try and drive before it is in a good solid idle. Mechanic first said it was a sensor, now he says it is the fuel pump ($600 ) I have not replaced either as of yet.
Oh and it tends to be worse after fueling up and the next day it will be fine.

Here is what we have done: New battery, had throttle body cleaned, new serpentine belt, full service and inspection, fuel cleaner used at service.

I can do basic part installation, but i dont have a whole lot of tools or experience with trucks.

Any ideas?

 

What sensor did they say? Is your check engine light on?

Has the mechanic measured the fuel pressure or just assuming it's the fuel pump?

By full service do you mean plugs, cap, rotor, and wires?

 

Mechanic has not tested anything yet. I took it elsewhere for the service and it was basically a glorified oil change with a full inspection, said i didn't need spark plugs or anything.

I took it to one mechanic who cleaned the throttle body and truck ran ok for about 2 weeks then problem started again. Spoke with another mechanic who works on my other car and he said it may be the sensor that controls the throttle body...I was going to make an appt and called to discuss the problem again and he now thinks it is the fuel pump.

No engine lights are on. Truck turns over fine, just wont stay running unless you hold the RPMs at 2 and slowly release gas, RPMs do move up and down some while idling and the truck stalls out if you try and drive before it is warmed up some.

Thanks

 

I'm not a mechanic but the physics just does not add up.. if your having to increase throttle to keep it running that sounds more like the IAC valve is not working. The fuel pumps keep certain amounts of pressure; its not like the old manual kinda that increase/decrease with throttle. I'm not saying its not bad or its good; just saying it doesn't sound like it adds up unless you measure the pressure of the fuel line and its not maintaining pressure.

I would honestly have him check the fuel pressure before replacing the pump.. and if it was I i would replace the IAC vavlue (Idle Air Control) and a bad one can screw with your driving as well being it would allow more air than needed while driving throwing your A/F mixtures off. Two screws on the back side of the Throttle body. Something you can do your self.

You can get one for 20 bucks online. I'd start there... see if it cures your problem then move on..

 

Now that I read your reply that you have there while i was still typing.. go get your self an IAC and replace it.. sounds like the issue to me.. not gonna hurt anything even if its not.. just consider preventive maintenance.

 

Thank you! I watched a youtube video on the IAC and that really does seem like it is the culprit, heading down to the parts store now! I will report back later.

I appreciate the tip...it may have saved me $600!

 

Yeah for sure; if not; we'll try and help you through the issue.

 

Ok IAC installed and truck seems to be idling much better, it hangs out around 1 RPMs in R, N, D - no stall out. Hopefully this is the last time I have this problem

Thanks again!

 

once it warms up it should be in the 500-600 range.

 

Buddy of mine got a 5.0 HO mustang today having same problem.. Filter was so clogged up it would not even allow water to pass through it.. removed it and fired right up LOL