Car won't idle (stay running) it stalls at idle.

Tiny
BIGGDADDY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
HI there. I have a 2003 Dodge Durang w/ 95,000 miles on it. It has been running great until yesterday. I couldn't get it to turn over at first. I hooked up jumper cables from wifes car and was able to get it to start. It would not stay running? The only way I could get it to idle after starting it was pumping the gas. As soon as I stop the car dies. Dead battery? Alternator? I'm terrible with cars, ugh!
Saturday, February 6th, 2010 AT 1:29 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Here are three guides that will help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls-idles-too-high-low-after-dead-or-replaced-battery

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Saturday, February 6th, 2010 AT 1:34 PM
Tiny
PETERMARCUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I had the same issue with my 2001 Durango -- it would start after a jump, but would die when idle. Ended up being a bad battery. It was a Die-Hard and it ended up testing bad at Sears (I got a new one).

Advance Auto Parts and a few other places will test battery, alternator, and starter for free, too.
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Monday, February 8th, 2010 AT 4:31 PM
Tiny
YAHYAHBWUY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 2001 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 173,000 MILES
My 2001 4.7 durango lost power and started slowing down on the freeway. After I pulled over the car would not restart. Now when I try to start it backfires through the throttle body. I have to keep gasing it for it to run(very rough)untill it stops responding to the gas pedal and stalls, it will not idle and no check engine light is on. Another symptom is low oil pressure indicated on the dash. Whats causing these problems?
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+1
Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
It sounds like the fuel pump when out or the IAC motor is not working but to be sure lets run down these guides to help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
YAHYAHBWUY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I already checked the fuel pressure but I'm not sure how to interpret the reading. With key on engine off the gauge pops up to 50 psi for the two seconds that the pump runs and when the pump stops it pops down to 46 psi and holds but the specs on the pump is 47.2. While running and I'm holding down the gas pedal(because that's the only way to make it run a little before it stalls) the pressure bounces up and down between 45 and 50 psi.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check and test the idle air control motor, throttle position and manifold absolute pressure sensors
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
YAHYAHBWUY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I checked the map sensor going by the directions in my chilton manual but I'm confused because it says I should get 5v when I connect a volt meter to the two outer pins of the map sensor connector with the key on. I am only getting about twenty millivolts.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
YAHYAHBWUY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I unplugged the the map sensor and the truck start up and run (very rough up and down idle) for a couple minuets then it stalled, so I am thinking the map sensor is bad. Also, I got a P0108 code after is stalled.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 2001 DODGE DURANGO
  • 170,000 MILES
Idle problem and dies when I'm at a complete stop.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Was the battery 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.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DUCKMAN1175
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 DODGE DURANGO
2000 dodge durango sport 2wd 170k miles, 4.7 v8, my truck starts but will only stay running if gas is pressed down it will not idle, it dies.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Check for vacuum leaks. Sounds like there is a big one. Is the check engine light on? If it is, have it scanned for codes, could also be an inoperative IAC motor
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MICHAEL DUNN2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 DODGE DURANGO
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 240,000 MILES
Overheated bad. I changed spark plugs, ignition coils, PCV valve, but wont idle.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

It sounds like you might be having an issue with the idle air control motor.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-idle-speed-control-motor-iac

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

I've attached a picture below of its location on your Durango. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
This car does not have an IAC so the throttle body must be dirty and need service or you have a vacuum leak. these guides will help us fix it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 11:42 AM (Merged)

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