my motor will not idle

37 chief · Jul 8, 2023

I removed the battery in my 96 Dodge V10. I needed it for something else. I reinstalled it, now my motor will not idle. Did the truck computer
lose information? Stan

BarnyardEngineering · Jul 8, 2023

It may have forgotten how to run best, but even if it did it will have a "base tune" that will get the engine running, and from there it will "learn" how to run at best efficiency from the sensor readings.

It should at least idle. Unfortunately I have no idea what is wrong or where to start looking. Might be a bad ECU. Might be a bad sensor.

geok · Jul 8, 2023

We had vehicles do strange things. We disconnected the positive cable from the battery for about 20 minutes then strike the cable to the battery post three times before reconnecting. This even turn off engine check lights on wife's dodge car. Even BIL got his transmission to work right during this. Can't explain what it does.

glennster · Jul 8, 2023

what kind of battery voltage do you have? if the battery was weak the idle air control motor memory may be corrupted. it may re set itself or may need be reflashed

wore out · Jul 8, 2023

Have you driven it yet?

If NOT, take it for a 20-minute drive at varying speeds including highway speed before digging any deeper or throwing parts at it.

If that doesn't correct it, scan for trouble codes.

4play · Jul 8, 2023

Removing power resets the computer, and now it thinks the engine is brand new again. When the engine doesn't want to idle after a reset, there is probably gunk on the throttle plates, throttle body and idle air control passages. It wouldn't hurt to clean those.

Idle speed is controlled with bypass air through the throttle body, controlled by the idle air control valve (IAC). Gunk collects restricting this air flow, and idle speed. You might try slightly pushing the throttle to raise idle speed above normal, then slowly let off to see if the computer takes over, then let it idle on it's own for several minutes to relearn.

M-MAN · Jul 9, 2023

It happens. Some vehicles have an idle re learn procedure. I've had to do it on my granddaughters Subaru Forrester a couple times.

Google idle re learn for your truck.

caterpillar guy · Jul 9, 2023

Da's dodge V10 will not idle for a few minutes if you need to jump it for a dead battery if it sets for a week or so. I just hold the throttle open while unhooking things and it will usually idle or have to hold for a bit. If not dead for only and over night type deal it will idle. Don't know and don't care if it stays running is fine.

dhermesc · Jul 9, 2023

I remember when engines didn't need to learn to idle - it was set with a screw that unless messed with stayed in the same spot.

my motor will not idle

37 chief

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BarnyardEngineering

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geok

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glennster

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wore out

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4play

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M-MAN

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caterpillar guy

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dhermesc

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