I have an idle issue that I cant get to go away, how can I fix it

Tiny
JCBSMITH23
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 160 MILES
I have a 94 dodge Dakota with a v6 magnum motor, I had an idle issue with it. The issue was it started rough and would idle rough and died. Or if I sit at a light it will idle down and die. So I changed the spark plugs wires distributor cap and rotor. That some what fixed the issue for a little over a week. Now the the issue is back and worse than before. When I turn the truck on sometimes it idle high then slowly goes down or it barley starts up and idles really rough. I also changed the idle positioning sensor. What do I need to change now? Also I dont have the power I should. When I go down the road the idle will jump as well.
Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 7:53 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Vacuum leaks, throttle body, idle air control motor failure, map sensor. Any of these could cause the issue but need to be vrified before throwing parts at it.

Idle sensor?

Roy
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
JCBSMITH23
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I looked for vacuum leaks already and found none, and yes it was the ips sensor? Its on the throttle body, there is three sensors there.
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Ok, you mean the throttle position sensor.

I would look at the idle air control

Roy
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
JCBSMITH23
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It wasnt the throttle position sensor there was another one, I changed it because the guy at oreilys said it could fix it and it was only $30. Where is the idle air control located?
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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On the throttle body. It controls the idle conditions.

Roy
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
JCBSMITH23
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Ok could that account for my idle sometimes being high and other times being low when I start the truck? When I changed my plugs and all that it fixed the problem but it came back.
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 9:33 PM
Tiny
JCBSMITH23
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I was also told I could change my coil out
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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No, coils, plugs have nothing to do with the issue.

Look at the idle control motor

Roy
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
JCBSMITH23
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Alright, wouldnt I have a check engine light come on though?
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 10:42 PM
Tiny
JCBSMITH23
  • MEMBER
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http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/Idle+Air+Control+Valve/02169/C0018.oap?keyword=idle+control+motor&year=1994&make=Dodge&model=Dakota&vi=1087578 one of these?? i changed this out already this is the "sensor" i was referring too. the wiring harness is in good shape as well
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 10:48 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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It is not a sensor. It is a motor. No, it may not throw a code if it is performing its job.

You may have throttle body issues here. I think you need help from a shop. I cannot verify anything here with out me touching it.

Roy
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 11:01 PM
Tiny
JCBSMITH23
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Ok ill just spend the $60 for them to look at it. Thank you, ill be back on the site again im sure, its been very helpful. What kinda throttle body issue could I have though?
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Monday, July 16th, 2012 AT 11:09 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Internal vacuum leak cusing erratic, high, unstable idle

Roy
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Tuesday, July 17th, 2012 AT 12:33 AM

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