Hi all thanks in advance for any help or light you can shed on this issue. Have had this truck for 2 months and have been constantly working out issues. Almost everything any of us can suggest has been tried. Truck has been to 2 local mechs for diagnostics, but still having same issue.

2004 Dakota 3.7L Crew Cab

At idle which is usually between 800-1000 rpms, truck will drop to around 600 before it "wakes up" to normal idle. Happens every few seconds or so. Other than this, the truck has a bogging or a misfiring at around 40mph. Only have that issue when foot is lightly on pedal trying to maintain speed around 35-40 mph.

I have tried everything and replaced plugs, coils, the usual sensors, cleaned TB, IAC, etc etc. Even replaced the PCM with a refurb unit, which then immed gave me the "camshaft sensor" code. Replaced that and codes are clear, but still having these 2 issues. Hoping some Dodge genius can shed some light for us. Really appreciate the help.

Wes


PS - We did a smoke test and there was no leaks!

 

I'm not sure what commanded idle would be on the 3.7, the pushrod engines is 730 I believe.

The bog/misfire around 40 almost sounds like a fuel trim issue.

I have to wonder what the STFT and LTFT values look like at both times.

 

Tank Filter?

 

You need a shop that can look at all your computer data this will tell you all you need to get an answer.

The days of easy answers are gone computer data is needed especially with the 4.7 and 3.7 the 3.9, 5.2 and 5.9 were old school engines way easy to fix. Simple fix's or tests can still apply just not as much when the computer controls so much now you need to understand what the computer wants.

 

or ultimately, what the computer may be compensating for.

 

So just to post an update, my truck is FINALLY running right!

We have determined that a corroded ground was causing the idle issues, and was most likely related to the misfiring, or camshaft sensor code the new PCM read. Im enclosing a snapshot of all that we did to finally conclude this matter, (hopefully). Again thank you for the responses and helping this Dakota out.

 

That's not a terrible bill at all.

 

Yeah, that whole "No Charge" thing is pretty nice. Wonder what the rest of the bill looks like.

 

I meant the 4 hours for electronic troubleshooting. It's not terribly bloated for what is listed.

 

The diagnostic charge ($75) was paid previously when we determined that the PCM was not picking up obvious codes like misfire, etc. My replacement PCM cost me $170.


-Wes