Idle problems

1998 DODGE DAKOTA
150,000 MILES • 3.9L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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STARLORD1976
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When I start my car the idle it will rev up and down and if I touch gas pedal and let off it will rev up real high by itself. Already changed IAC valve, TPS, and MAP sensor. Cleaned carburetor. Cannot find anything sucking in air. What might be going on here?
Jan 21, 2018 at 7:13 PM
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STRAILER
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Lets start by running the codes because it sounds like you my have a MAF that is out of range. Here is a guide to help us get started:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Also, lets check the engine for vacuum leaks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
Jan 23, 2018 at 10:22 AM
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STARLORD1976
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Only code I have is fuel injector circuit open, will that cause it?
Jan 23, 2018 at 10:27 AM
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STRAILER
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Yes, that will cause it, it sounds like you have a shorted fuel injector. Here is a guide to help you test the injector:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

Jan 24, 2018 at 10:03 AM
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STARLORD1976
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I am sorry, but I read that code wrong, there are no codes showing up.
Apr 11, 2018 at 5:11 PM
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STRAILER
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I have seen where the distributor timing being off will cause this. If that is okay it sounds like the computer is having a problem but to be sure lets test the engine computer wiring to confirm the failure. Check ground and power wires as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Here are the engine wiring diagrams and PCM location. Check out the diagrams (below).

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
Apr 11, 2018 at 7:06 PM
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STARLORD1976
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I took my truck to the shop and they said they could not find what was causing the idle problem. They said they ran a diagnostic on it and nothing showed up either. If i had a messed up PCM would that show up. Not sure what to do now.
Apr 16, 2018 at 8:30 PM
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STRAILER
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Yes, a bad PCM can cause the problem and to find out for sure you must send it to a re-builder to be checked out. I would try a used one plug and play.

Apr 18, 2018 at 11:30 AM
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STARLORD1976
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I have one more question. I noticed the middle plug that goes to the PCM is not original, it has been added. Is it possible it can be in the plug or plug wires and how can I find out?
Apr 18, 2018 at 11:39 AM
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STRAILER
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Can you upload a picture of the connector so I can see what you are talking about?
Apr 18, 2018 at 11:42 AM
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STARLORD1976
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The old connector is cut off and there is a new one wired and taped up in its place.
Apr 18, 2018 at 11:46 AM
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STEVE W.
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That could cause it if a single strand of wire managed to create a short, if it was on one of the control feeds to the IAC it could cause it to move and not show as a code.
Was the shop using a DRB3 or an aftermarket (Snap-on, OTC,Launch) type scan tool?
Some do not play well with Chrysler's and may miss things the DRB will find.
Apr 18, 2018 at 2:03 PM
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STARLORD1976
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He just said his big machine is all I know.
Apr 18, 2018 at 5:04 PM
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STRAILER
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I would go back to checking the wiring pin to pin and then to ground. Make sure the wiring is in good shape and that none of the strands are touching. Refer to the post above.
Apr 19, 2018 at 10:01 AM
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STEVE W.
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Like Ken says, go over the place where the wiring was spliced. It is possible that the connector was off a different model as well and they just matched color for color. The catch to that would be if there is a pin that was different between the two.
Apr 19, 2018 at 11:11 AM