# 2002 Dodge Dakota Sputter after sitting for short time then restarted **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** dodge\ **Created:** [December 17, 2014, 12:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-dodge-dakota-sputter-after-sitting-for-short-time-then-restarted/88394 "2014-12-17T00:14:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![genx13](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ea666f/32.png) [@genx13](https://community.cartalk.com/u/genx13)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 12:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-dodge-dakota-sputter-after-sitting-for-short-time-then-restarted/88394/1 "2014-12-17T00:14:38Z")
After I drive my truck and park it for any period of time and then restart the truck it will sputter and backfire rpms do not go over 1500-2000. If I put it in neutral and rev the engine this will help but not always correct the issue. Eventually if I just push through it after 2 or 3 min it will go back to normal. I replaced the spark plugs, wiring and distributor cap. I have also changed the O2 sensors nothing seems to help though. ---
**Author:** ![jesmed1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jesmed1/32/2097_2.png) [@jesmed1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jesmed1)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-dodge-dakota-sputter-after-sitting-for-short-time-then-restarted/88394/2 "2014-12-17T00:52:19Z")
You might want to try cleaning or replacing the idle air control valve (IACV). ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 6:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-dodge-dakota-sputter-after-sitting-for-short-time-then-restarted/88394/3 "2014-12-17T06:17:14Z")
If cleaning the IACV does not help…try replacing the TPS (throttle control sensor). I owned a 2002 model and that turned out to be the problem with mine. Once the engine heated up…the TPS would go wonky after it was shutdown and then restarted. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 6:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-dodge-dakota-sputter-after-sitting-for-short-time-then-restarted/88394/4 "2014-12-17T06:30:13Z")
Backfiring occurs b/c gasoline makes it way to the exhaust pipe. Which means the mixture is on the rich side. The O2 sensor/ECM feedback loop is supposed to prevent that, but unfortunately the O2 sensor doesn’t work until the engine is warmed up. If the above ideas don’t help, might be a good idea to get a fuel pressure test. You may have an injector leaking into the intake manifold a little. ---
**Author:** ![genx13](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ea666f/32.png) [@genx13](https://community.cartalk.com/u/genx13)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2014, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-dodge-dakota-sputter-after-sitting-for-short-time-then-restarted/88394/5 "2014-12-17T21:30:10Z")
Thanks so much Guys ill look into this with the holidays not sure how soon. When I do ill let you know what worked or didn’t. I really appreciate the advice. ---
**Author:** ![genx13](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ea666f/32.png) [@genx13](https://community.cartalk.com/u/genx13)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2015, 7:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-dodge-dakota-sputter-after-sitting-for-short-time-then-restarted/88394/6 "2015-02-27T19:20:40Z")
I replaced both the IACV and the TPS its not doing it as much and runs smoother in general but it is still happening, any other suggestions? I thinking maybe the Computer. ---
**Author:** ![jesmed1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jesmed1/32/2097_2.png) [@jesmed1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jesmed1)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2015, 7:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-dodge-dakota-sputter-after-sitting-for-short-time-then-restarted/88394/7 "2015-03-02T19:30:42Z")
I think George is on the right track with the idea of a leaking injector.