1999 Dodge Durango Engine Performance Issues

BRIANDSAXON

MEMBER
1999 DODGE DURANGO
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
82,000 MILES

We are experiencing a problem with the durango that we own. When you start the vehicle, you have to put your foot on the gas for the car not to die. Sometimes the car runs perfect, and other times it will just suddenly die. The vehicle will restart a short time period after, and then happens repeatedly. We have replaced the battery, what else could the problem be?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,723 POSTS

Why would you replace a battery for a stalling problem? If it stalls while driving, that needs to be diagnosed first. If a battery is strong enough to crank the engine, it will not cause a stalling problem, but you introduced a new problem by replacing it. While it was disconnected, the memory was lost in all the computers on the vehicle. The stored fuel trim data in the engine computer will be relearned as soon as you drive the vehicle, but specific conditions must be met to relearn "minimum throttle" before it will idle on its own.

The engine computer doesn't know when you have your foot on the gas pedal and when it has to be in control of idle speed. To relearn minimum throttle, drive at highway speed, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals. The computer will record the voltage on the throttle position sensor. From then on, whenever it sees that same voltage, it knows it must control idle speed. You will have to do this procedure again anytime the battery is disconnected or run dead.

Caradiodoc