Idle problem

Tiny
BRIAN.P9034
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,000 MILES
I have this vehicle it was running great when I first got it then one day I was driving home and it just quit running. At first I thought it was the battery, but then it would turn over but not start. So I towed it home and thought about the fuel pump. So I tested that and it’s great. So I changed the idle air control valve the O2 sensors and the fuel injectors and it’s still the same problem. I cleaned the jets on the intake. I have tried everything I can think of. Does anyone know what the problem may be? Help would be greatly appreciated!
Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 AT 10:25 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Okay, you said it is getting fuel. Have you checked if there is spark to the plugs? Follow this link to check.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

If you find there is no spark, my first suspect is the crankshaft position sensor. The easiest way to check it is with a live data scanner. When cranking, you should have an RPM signal to the scanner. If you don't have a scanner, you can remove the sensor and check for resistance.

Here are a few links that discuss the sensor, symptoms of a bad one, and in general how one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement
__________________________________

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement.

See Picture 1

REMOVAL
The sensor is bolted to the top of the cylinder block near the rear of right cylinder head. The sensor is accessed by removing the right front fender liner.
1. Remove right front tire and right front wheelhouse liner.
2. Disconnect crankshaft position sensor pigtail harness from main wiring harness.
3. Remove two sensor (recessed hex head) mounting bolts.
4. Remove sensor from engine.

INSTALLATION
1. Position crankshaft position sensor to engine.
2. Install mounting bolts and tighten to 8 Nm (70 in. lbs.) torque.
3. Connect main harness electrical connector to sensor.
4. Install right front tire and right front wheelhouse liner.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
BRIAN.P9034
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I checked the spark plugs and they are all fouled and have either no or very weak sparks. I’m going to change them and hopefully that works. Thanks for the advice I will be back to try something new if it doesn’t and if it does I will let you know.
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Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 AT 12:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome back:

You're welcome. Let me know if that takes care of the problem.

Joe
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Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 AT 5:48 PM

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