I've been having a rough idle condition pretty much since I got the truck. Pretty much assumed it was the nature of the beast, as the V6 isn't the smoothest, but last weekend it stalled twice while moving around a parking lot at the local NAPA. So when I got back I started checking sensors and looking for voltage drop at various connections. Computer body to Battery Neg was 4.5V. Now I assume the computer is grounded via it's own ground wire, (I've yet to find where that goes, but I'm thinking it's corroded). However, cleaning up the mounting and running a wire to a solid ground has reduced the voltage drop to zero, and improved idle substantially, and thus far, no more stalling. Never threw a code either.

 

grounds and batteries are two places that many will forget to look at when troubleshooting bizzare issues. it's funny how many times you'll see someone asking for help and getting a "check your battery" response but the grounds are just as important. Before the dealership practically made me trade mine in (long story telling me i abused my truck taking the repair out of warranty when i did nothing of the sort) i was actually about to replace all the ground straps with 4 gauge wire and making the grounds that much better. I was also just about to do a e-fan swap as my clutch fan was starting to fail anyways.

I do miss my Dakota, but the dealer forced my hand and they have never even tried to get back in touch with me even 6 years later to try and regain my trust. To be honest, i would go back for the sales guy, but until they replace their service manager i'm not setting foot in that dealership. The next closest one is 45 minutes away and i'm not doing that drive for non-DIY service.