1992 Dodge Van cuts off when driving

Tiny
WELEX
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 DODGE VAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,635 MILES
My van starts up fine, I drive down the road and it runs fine. When I brake, or slow down( let off the gas) it cuts off. It cranks up fine, I drive away, and it keeps doing the same thing. As long as I give it gas, it drives fine. I find my self having to drive using the gas and the brakes to get where im going. What could be the problem? Thanks I would donate, but I just lost my job. Im looking for work, but am afraid to continue driving.
Thursday, March 4th, 2010 AT 6:22 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,867 POSTS
Would it appear as though the idle speed is simply too low? If so, was the battery recently disconnected or run dead? If it was, the Engine Computer needs to relearn "minimum throttle" before it will know when it must be in control of idle speed. To meet the conditions that will cause that to happen, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals.

Caradiodoc
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Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
WELEX
  • MEMBER
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Hey caradiodoc I tyied what you said, did not help. So I drilled the cap off the idle scew. I idled it up some. Now van will run without cutting off. This is good, but now after I drive for a while / when I park and then go back to drive someplace else. I have to wait a while before the van will start back up. Its like its not getting the gas to recrank. I got fire at the plugs but I have to wait awhile before it cranks back up. What could it be? This thing is driving me crazy. 1992 dodge van 250, with auto trans, 318 eng. I may have a hit on a new job, but I need to get there. Help would be apreciated. Thanks
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Monday, March 15th, 2010 AT 6:40 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,867 POSTS
Adjusting the idle screw covers up the original problem. The Engine Computer will control idle speed when it sees the learned "minimum throttle" voltage from the throttle position sensor. By adjusting the idle speed screw, it opened the throttle blade and raised the voltage from the sensor. As far as the computer is concerned, you are holding the gas pedal down while cranking the engine. It will have to learn the new minimum throttle value.

Disconnect the battery cable for a minute, then drive it on the highway again. See what happens after the new minimum throttle value is learned.

Caradiodoc
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Monday, March 15th, 2010 AT 6:58 PM

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