Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSDODGE AND RAM1990DAKOTA LE, 2D PICKUP, 3.9 X, 4WD, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ENGINE PERFORMANCETESTING & DIAGNOSISENGINE CONTROLS - BASIC TESTING - V6IDLE RPM TEST
1990 Dodge and Ram Dakota LE, 2D Pickup, 3.9 X, 4WD, Automatic
Idle Rpm Test
1990 Dodge and Ram Dakota LE, 2D Pickup, 3.9 X, 4WD, AutomaticSECTION Idle Rpm Test
NOTE:
Engine idle set RPM should be tested and recorded when vehicle is first brought into shop for testing. This will assist in diagnosing complaints of engine stalling, creeping, and hard shifting on vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
- Using a tachometer, connect Red tachometer lead to negative terminal of coil and Black lead to ground.
- Turn selector switch to appropriate cylinder position of engine being tested. Start engine and warm to operating temperature.
- Turn tachometer RPM switch to 1000 RPM position.
- With engine at operating temperature, momentarily open throttle and release to ensure there is no binding in linkage and throttle lever is fully against its stop.
- Note engine RPM. See CURB IDLE SPEED table. If engine RPM is not within specification, see appropriate G - TESTS W/ CODES article.
CURB IDLE SPEED (RPM)
| Application | Man. Trans. | Auto. Trans. |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L | - - - | 700 |
| 3.3L | - - - | 750 |
| 3.9L | N/A | N/A |
NOTE:
On 3.3L engine, basic ignition timing is fixed. Adjustment is not possible.
IGNITION TIMING (Degrees BTDC @ RPM)
| Application | Man. Trans. | Auto. Trans. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L | - - | 10-14 @ 700 | ||
| 3.3L | - - - | 14-18 @ 750 | ||
| 3.9L | (1) | (1) | ||
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.