2001 Dodge Dakota idle problems

You can try a self-diagnostic test. To activate self diagnostic program:

With the ignition switch in the OFF position, depress the TRIP and RESET buttons.
While holding the TRIP and RESET button turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Continue to hold the TRIP and RESET buttons until the word CODE appears in the odometer windows (about five seconds ) then release the buttons. If a problem exists, the system will display Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's). If no problem exists, the code 999 (End Test) will momentarily appear. Post up any codes that appear.

Either try this and post two digit codes that may show up, or have them read at autozone, they di it free, then post result. Turn the key from off to on three times, on the fourth one leave it in the on position, count the flasshes.22 would flash as 2 blinks, then a short puase, then 2 more blinks. If several codes are stored, the pause is longer between codes, code 55 will be the last code. Do this and post all codes found.

Description Camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor signals are monitored while engine is cranking or running. Camshaft position sensor may be referred to as CMP sensor and crankshaft position sensor may be referred to as CKP sensor. DTC may be stored in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) when failure counter is at 20 for 2 consecutive trips. Possible causes are: distributor improperly positioned (2.5L, 3.9L and 5.9L), defective camshaft position sensor, defective crankshaft position sensor, defective tone wheel (4.7L), defective pulse ring (2.5L, 3.9L and 5.9L), defective flexplate/flywheel (2.5L, 3.9L and 5.9L), or defective connectors or wiring. Testing 1. Turn ignition on with engine off. Using scan tool, check for DTCs. On 4.7L, if DTC SPECIFIC GOOD TRIP counter is displayed and equal to zero, go to step 3. On 2.5L, 3.9L and 5.9L, if DTC SPECIFIC GOOD TRIP counter is displayed and equal to zero, go to next step. On all models, if DTC SPECIFIC GOOD TRIP counter is not displayed and equal to zero, go to step 12. 2. Using scan tool in MISC. MENU , choose SET SYNC SIGNAL. The SET SYNC SIGNAL will indicate position of distributor for fuel synchronization, not the ignition timing, as ignition timing is controlled by PCM. Follow instructions on scan tool and start engine. Warm engine to normal operating temperature and note display on scan tool with engine idling. If IN RANGE, shut engine off. Go to next step. If IN RANGE is not displayed, distributor must be repositioned. Loosen distributor clamp retaining bolt. Rotate distributor until IN RANGE is displayed on scan tool. Tighten distributor clamp bolt to 16 ft. lbs. (22 N.m). Perform TEST VER-5 . 3. Ensure ignition is off. Note location of camshaft position sensor. On 2.5L, 3.9L and 5.9L, camshaft position sensor is located inside distributor. See Fig. 44 . On 4.7L, camshaft position sensor is located on front corner of passenger's side cylinder head. See Fig. 45 . On all models, using lab scope and Probe (6801), backprobe camshaft position sensor connector terminal No. 1 (Tan/Yellow wire). Start engine and allow engine to idle. Observe camshaft position sensor voltage signals on lab scope. If camshaft position sensor voltage signals are missing from lab scope pattern, go to next step. If camshaft position sensor voltage signals are not missing from lab scope pattern, go to step 6. 4. Shut engine off. Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect camshaft position sensor connector and PCM connectors. PCM is located at passenger's side front corner of engine compartment on inner fender panel. Inspect camshaft position sensor connector and PCM connectors for corroded, pushed out, miswired or damaged terminals. Ensure camshaft position sensor connector has a tight fit. Inspect wiring harness between camshaft position sensor and PCM for any possible intermittent problems. Also, check for related Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). If terminals are not corroded, pushed out or damaged and wiring harness is okay, go to next step. If terminals are corroded, pushed out or damaged, or wiring harness is damaged, repair as necessary. Perform TEST VER-5 . 5. On 4.7L, remove camshaft position sensor. Inspect tone wheel for looseness or damage. Tone wheel is located on front of passenger's side camshaft, directly behind the camshaft sprocket. If tone wheel is okay, replace camshaft position sensor. Perform TEST VER-5 . If tone wheel is loose or damaged, repair or replace components as necessary. Perform TEST VER-5 . On 2.5L, 3.9L and 5.9L, remove camshaft position sensor from distributor. Inspect pulse ring for looseness or damage. Pulse ring is located in the distributor below camshaft position sensor. (Tan/Yellow wire). Start engine and allow engine to idle. Observe camshaft position sensor voltage signals on lab scope while wiggling wiring harness and connectors between PCM and camshaft position sensor. If no irregularities exist in camshaft position sensor voltage signals while wiggling wiring harness and connectors, test is complete. If irregularities exist in camshaft position sensor voltage signals while wiggling wiring harness and connectors, repair wiring or connectors as necessary. Perform TEST VER-5 . 12. Turn ignition off. Using lab scope and Probe (6801), backprobe PCM connector C1 terminal No. 18 (Tan/Yellow wire). PCM is located at passenger's side front corner of engine compartment on inner fender panel. Start engine and allow engine to idle. Observe camshaft position sensor voltage signals on lab scope while wiggling wiring harness and connectors between PCM and camshaft position sensor. On 2.5L, 3.9L and 5.9L, camshaft position sensor is located inside distributor. See Fig. 44 . On 4.7L, camshaft position sensor is located on front corner of passenger's side cylinder head. See Fig. 45 . On all models, if no irregularities exist in camshaft position sensor voltage signals while wiggling wiring harness and connectors, go to next step. If irregularities exist in camshaft position sensor voltage signals while wiggling wiring harness and connectors, inspect wiring harness and connectors between PCM and camshaft position sensor. If wiring harness or connectors are defective, repair as necessary. Perform TEST VER-5 . If wiring harness and connectors are okay, go to next step. 13. Shut engine off. Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect camshaft position sensor connector and PCM connectors. Inspect camshaft position sensor connector and PCM connectors for corroded, pushed out, miswired or damaged terminals. Inspect wiring harness between camshaft position sensor and PCM for any possible intermittent problems. Also, check for related Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). If terminals are not corroded, pushed out or damaged and wiring harness is okay, reinstall connectors and go to next step. If terminals are corroded, pushed out or damaged, or wiring harness is damaged, repair as necessary. Perform TEST VER-5 . 14. Ensure ignition is off. Using lab scope and probe, backprobe PCM connector C1 terminal No. 8 (Gray/Black wire). Start engine and allow engine to idle. Observe crankshaft position sensor voltage signals on lab scope while wiggling wiring harness and connectors between PCM and crankshaft position sensor. On 2.5L, crankshaft position sensor is located on driver's side of bellhousing. See Fig. 41 . On 3.9L and 5.9L, crankshaft position sensor is located on passenger's side of engine, just above the flywheel. See Fig. 42 . On 4.7L, crankshaft position sensor is located on passenger's side of cylinder block, behind the starter. See Fig. 43 . On all models, if no irregularities exist in crankshaft position sensor voltage signals while wiggling wiring harness and connectors, test is complete. If irregularities exist in crankshaft position sensor voltage signals while wiggling wiring harness and connectors, inspect wiring harness and connectors between PCM and crankshaft position sensor. If wiring harness or connectors are defective, repair as necessary. Perform TEST VER-5 . If wiring harness and connectors are okay, replace crankshaft position sensor. Perform TEST VER-5 .