# '97 Dakota Stalls while Idling in Drive, but NOT Neutral or Park

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/97-dakota-stalls-while-idling-in-drive-but-not-neutral-or-park/65477>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** stalling, dakota, dodge\
**Created:** [June 15, 2011, 8:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/97-dakota-stalls-while-idling-in-drive-but-not-neutral-or-park/65477 "2011-06-15T20:37:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![johnvt84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3be4f8/32.png) [@johnvt84](https://community.cartalk.com/u/johnvt84)\
**Post date:** [June 15, 2011, 8:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/97-dakota-stalls-while-idling-in-drive-but-not-neutral-or-park/65477/1 "2011-06-15T20:37:25Z")

</div>

Hey, I have a 1997 Dodge Dakota V8 (automatic) with about 140k and live in Vermont. Recently, my truck will konk out while I am sitting at a red light. As I’m sitting there, the RPM’s keep going down below 700, until finally stalling out completely. When I shift into Park/Neutral then turn ignition, it will start right back up again. To get around this, I have been shifting into Neutral while I wait at the light, then back into Drive when it turns green. I have recently installed a new battery and exhaust system. I am wondering if this is occuring because of worn plugs, a dirty air filter, cracked vaccum hose, or bad alternator? Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated. This truck is in great shape otherwise, and I hope I can fix this problem fast and cheap!! Thanks!  
John

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [June 15, 2011, 10:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/97-dakota-stalls-while-idling-in-drive-but-not-neutral-or-park/65477/2 "2011-06-15T22:50:54Z")

</div>

I’d vote for the Idle Air Control Valve.  
[http://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-idle-air-control-valve-works](http://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-idle-air-control-valve-works)

Got codes?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![johnvt84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3be4f8/32.png) [@johnvt84](https://community.cartalk.com/u/johnvt84)\
**Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 3:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/97-dakota-stalls-while-idling-in-drive-but-not-neutral-or-park/65477/3 "2011-06-23T15:11:14Z")

</div>

I fixed the problem! Total Cost $15.00 Here’s what I did, and the stalling STOPPED:

-Used Carb Cleaner to clean out IAC Valve & “Butterfly” Valve  
-Put in a new air filter  
-Used steel wool to clean off battery terminals

Now it runs smooth! Thanks for the tip!