1999 Dodge Durango trouble keeping started

Tiny
COWBOY2311
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE DURANGO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I posted yesterday about it not starting I got it started finaly late last night but had to drive it home two footed because as soon as I let off of the gas it dies the alternator is fine because my battery is holding a charge just fine and the starter seems to be fine because it wants to start it will crank 3-4 times and start but wont stay started without gas any ideas about that
Thursday, April 9th, 2009 AT 3:51 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Was the battery disconnected or died recently? If it was, minimum throttle must be relearned by the engine computer. Until this is done, the computer doesn't know when you have your foot on the gas pedal and when it must be in control of idle speed.

It knows your foot is off the pedal when you're coasting. The strategy it uses is higher than normal manifold vacuum for seven seconds. High vacuum will occur if you snap the throttle open and closed real fast, but not for seven seconds. You have to coast down from highway speed for the high vacuum to occur for seven seconds or longer.

When these conditions are met, the engine computer looks at the voltage from the throttle position sensor and puts that in memory. The next time it sees that same value, it knows it has to control idle speed.

Most technicians will perform a test drive specifically to prevent this customer complaint after doing any work that requires disconnecting the battery.

Drive on the highway, then coast for seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals.

Caradiodoc
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Friday, April 10th, 2009 AT 6:25 AM

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