I have a 2004 durango and occasionaly when started up it will idle up to about 1000 and then drop down to 500 rpm. And it will keep doing this even when warm. Then sometimes it dont at all. It also has a ticking noise. The exhaust manifold does have a leak but this is a different ticking. We just replaced the shifter cable yesyerday due to it getting broke. And this morning I started it and it died and did not want to start agin. It was cranking but not starting. I let it sit for a few and then went out and it started right up. I tried shutting it off and starting it again several times on my way to work. And it started fine. But when at work (about an hour away) I shut it off and it didnt start. There has been a few times where it just dies while driving like sitting at a light or waiting to turn. Any suggestions for what this might be? Before i have to take it to a shop.

 

Try to change the plugs and clean the throttle body or a complete tune up. Your TBS sensor may be the cause,
FF

 

Yup I agree. Changing plugs at the recommended interval is very important. So is cleaning the throttle body. A dirty TB can cause the engine to shut off. There are a lot of threads on this.