Stalling, not starting

1998 DODGE CARAVAN
169,750 MILES
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DCHERISMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Sometimes my van won't stay running after I start it unless I rev up on the gas peddle, as well as sometimes when Im in drive but stopped with my foot on the brake(like if I was at a curb waiting for someone) when I let off the brake to pull away it will stall out, also sometimes stalls out or acts like it wants to stall out when I put it in reverse and start to back up, as well as it sometimes stalls out or acts like it wants to stall out when I put it in drive and start to take off, and lastly sometimes I have to put the gas peddle to the floor to get it to start. I wanted to know what the problem is and how to fix it, thanks.
May 7, 2013 at 7:07 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,309 POSTS
Sounds like the battery might have been disconnected or run dead recently. If so, the Engine Computer lost its memory and has to relearn "minimum throttle" before it will know when it must be in control of idle speed. It also might not give you the normal "idle flare-up" to 1500 rpm when you start the engine. To meet the conditions for the relearn to take place, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals.
May 7, 2013 at 6:37 PM
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