OT 93 Dodge Van stalling out OT

[Olddaddy]

I'm hoping someone here has advanced knowledge of Dodge Magnum V8s. My 93 Van has the magnum 318. It began stalling out today when I would take my foot off the gas and brake coming to a stop. I noticed that it would also stall when I accelerated from a stop if I backed off the throttle. Starts fine and runs great so long as I keep the revs up. Local Mopar Gurus have suggested everything from Idle Air Controller to Throttle Position Sensor to some other Alphabet Soup Options.....anyone here care to guess?

I know Tim Adams will know the answer, but his email is bouncing when I contact him directly...............

[Niel Hoback]

Use the ignition key to get codes so you'll know where to start.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Charlie..I would look in two places immediately..first off the simple..check the main vacuum lines from the manifold for cracked or actually in cases collasped lines..second would be go to the idle pseed controller...remover this puppy and clean real good..there is a way to check this but I don't have my manual with me at work. These unit if my emory servies me correct will not set a code at all times if you have a seating problem due to carbon buildup as the circuit is tested electronically and if opering will not set the code. Only if the loop circuit fails test is a code set..and it will be a very low number code alerting you to a higher order of change..

Last controller I cleaned was on a V6 and it was gummed a bit but found the vacuum lines to be more a problem due to hardened and cracked with age. Be sure when checking the vacuum lines in the manifold that there is not a build up of hardened oil mist here preventing your engine and various controls from getting a good source of vacuum. Stick a drill bit in and verify it to be open.

Charlie, one more thing...did you update my e-mail from alltel.net to the windstream.net I think that was the problem last time..

if you need more info drop me a PM here and a time to call you..will ring you up and we can go over the system....I have the factory 93 book at the house.

[Reg Evans]

Charlie,

Here's a photo of the culprit (center of photo) that gets gummed up on my 97 Dakota Magnum V8 making it idle poorly and stalling the engine eventually. The photo was taken from the drivers side of the rear of the throttle body. Remove it and clean the plunger and seat and see if that does the trick. This works for my 97 Dakota and my wifes 99 Durango 360.

[Olddaddy]

Thanks all, the consensus of Idle Air Control proved correct. I did try the key trick, but this truck does not show a code it only flashes the check engine light. The part was totally gummed up with carbon and I replaced it rather than clean it and all is well. Many thanks as always!

Tim,

I did update your email, but for whatever reason your server rejects me......I will pm when the need arises in future, or simply call the way we used to do in a simpler time.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Charlie..up through 1996 on the Chrysler products..key on, key off, key on, key off, key on initiates the start of the codes..codes are a series of check engine light flashes...one flash and short pause then 2 flases is a code 12 throw out code 12...its a nothing code...fix lowest code first..each code is a series of flashes short pause series of flashes..long pause before next two digit code...when it reads 5 flashes pause 5 flashes..(55) all test complete..if you have no codes other than twelve and then 55 you have no electrical controller probs...the idle motor as I said earlier will not set a code as it is a poor seating condition ans is mechanical in nature and cannot be tested electronically..if the idle speed motor failed to change states then it would set a code..

the key on and off still works except now the codes are letter number codes on the odo display..you still have to know how thing work in order to make call for if it is a combination electro-mechanical circuit..as in the scenario above, the mechanical can fail but electronic pass..

Edited August 25, 2011 by Tim Adams