Hey folks, first time posting on here but I ran into a problem I could use some help with. I have a 2000 Dakota 4.7 4wd. It has been running perfectly fine until this evening when i went to start it. First it would not idle unless i was giving it some gas. The problem went away for a little bit but died on the way to the store with the same problem.

I did some quick googling and found this to be a problem with a dirt/defective IAC or possibly a low battery. I pulled the IAC, cleaned it with carb cleaner and reinstalled. I also disconnected and cleaned the battery terminals that were pretty corroded.

I started the truck again but ran into the same idle problems. I disconnected the battery again and cleaned it once more. This time when i reconnected the battery cables, my dash lights and corner markers came on as they would if i had the key in the ignition, but i did not. For ****s and giggles i fired up the truck and got it to idle correctly. Once i turned the key to the off position, the truck stayed started! Luckily it killed itself when i turned the starter again and i haven't started it since. Anyone have any ideas on what would be causing either (hopefully both) of these problems? I assume it's 1 thing causing both since I haven't had any problems whatsoever until today. I have the battery charging right now in hopes it's just throwing a fit because it's low. Thanks.


-Mike

 

Update: So I have a theory. I just turned the key to the on position and disconnect/reconnected the battery, then turned the key off and it seemed to work. Is it possible I have the key to the "acc" when i first disconnected the battery to clean it and maybe confused the computer when i reconnected it with the key in the off position? This seems kinda ridiculous, but it's about the only thing that makes sense to me right now. Going to go run it around town and see if either problem returns.

 

did it fix itself

 

something about this post is making my brain SCREAM Crankshaft Position sensor, but its a 4.7L not a 3.9 or 5.9.. so it could be a different problem. but from what you described, it definatly seems like Crankshaft Position Sensor issue. refer to your FSM (Factory Service Manual) for details on how to change it. you can find the FSM here.... -->https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/70233-200
0-factory-service-manual-pfd-download.html

let us know how it went. also is it THROWING A CEL (Check Engine Light) or P Code? post up the codes here..

to retrive P codes with out scanner, (electronic instrument cluster only) cycle the key from off to on 3 times. in the odometer it will flash p codes, EX. p0420 (cat conv.) if you have codes, if you DO NOT have codes, it will say P done..

 

The computer does not control the parking lights on a 2000 Dakota. It's all through the headlight switch. I'd look closely at the wiring around the throttle body as Wes may be on to something. You may have a cross short.

Good luck.

 

Hey guys thanks for the responses. It seems it has fixed itself or something. I believe cleaning the IAC fixed the idle problem. As far as the ignition problem, i have no idea haha, it hasn't happened since! Dan, my truck has full time running headlights on when the trucks started, regardless of headlight switch, which reminds me... i need to look up disabling that!