1996 Dodge Dakota Extremely Fast Idle

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1996 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
194,000 MILES

After an oil-change at exactly 194,000mi, my engine began to idle extremely high - 2,000~3,000 revs depending on its mood.

I've thoroughly checked the throttle body and cleaned it, the throttle linkage itself is fine, the idle hasn't been changed from its factory setting - all of the cables are fine and the pedal is free and clear from obstruction.

The only things I've yet to check are the fuse panels in-cab and underneath the hood, and they're about to be next (covering all my bases) but I'm left scratching my head as to what could be wrong.

That leaves the TPS among other things - but, before I consider hauling it off to the mechanic, I'd like to keep working on it myself.

Any gurus with any good guesses would be very appreciated right about now. I'm about to pull my hair out. >=)

3 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hello, are there any codes? If you block the mouth of the throttle-body, does it have any effect on the idle, It should.

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Thursday, July 9th, 2009 AT 12:29 PM

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The CEL is on, so it's throwing a code for sure - but it's not exactly safe to drive down to the shop to have them have a look at it.

I tried blocking off the throttle body - it had zero effect on the revs whatsoever, and I know I had a tight seal on the mouth of the TB.

I know that's not right.

. So where does that put me?

Also: thanks for the reply.

EDIT/CORRECTION: Okay, so I WASN'T getting a good seal.

After really jamming my hand in there and completely blocking off the air flow, it reduced the engine speed back to its normal idle. After breaking the seal, it's remained at the proper idle - but I don't know how long it'll stay that way.

It seemed to magically "fix" itself earlier this morning, but upon taking it out for a test drive, the problem with the high revs and "stuck throttle" revealed itself after about the first quarter mile.