2000 2.4l Caravan runs great except has a weak idle and dies when put in gear (automatic)

STEVE87

MEMBER
2000 DODGE CARAVAN

Timing belt snapped on highway, so I pulled the head to check for bent valves. No evidence of any internal damage, so I reassembled everything and lined up timing marks according to repair manual.(Intake mark half notch above exhaust mark). Now engine runs great everywhere except has weak idle and dies at stops unless put in neutral and foot kept on gas pedal. But engine has good power and pickup otherwise.

Monday, December 12th, 2011 AT 5:02 PM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

Sounds like the battery might have been disconnected or run dead recently. (That's obvious, but is part of my standard copy and paste reply). 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.

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Monday, December 12th, 2011 AT 10:21 PM