Hello people!

I'm new to the sight and new to chrysler. I have a 2003 t&c with the 3.8 engine and it has 150 K miles. I bought this in the summer so I never noticed that there is no fast idle or cold idle. Every auto I've owned idles faster when it's cold then drops to normal. This does not! At about 35 degrees it idles at 650 - 700 rpm's and stays there. After 15 minutes the temp gauge is still only half way to normal.

Would someone give me some Ideas of where to start and what to look for?

THANKS!!!!

 

any suggestions?????

 

The engine temp sensor (ECT) tells the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) the engine is cold. The PCM tells the engine to richen the mixture and commands the Idle Air Control Valve (IAC) to open creating a high idle rpm. Something is amiss in that string. Is the temp gauge working ok? Does the idle increase or at least maintain 700 rpm when you turn on the A/C? Might start with a good throttle body cleaning.

 

The temp guage is working. The AC does not work do to a leak at the condenser. I checked it this morning and at startup the engine briefly jumped to 1100 rpm's then quickly settled to 850 to 900. Current outside temperature is 55.

I cleaned the throttle body this summer after I bought it. It was pretty dirty! I see a black ring starting to form at the throttle plate again. Think it's worth cleaning again so soon? I did have to replace an IAC O-ring this summer.

Would the engine thermostat have anything to do with it? I think the engine takes to long to get to normal temp. Wondering if it's bad/going bad.

Thanks for the help!!!

 

Any other suggestions? I replaced the thermostat and hope to replace the IAC unit today.

Does your T&C have a faster idle at startup???

 

all cars do to a point

 

Hi Guys,
Does this engine not have a Temperature sensor for the ECU and a Temperature sensor for the Gauge like other cars...
Gordy...

 

Ditto...

 

No. One sensor for both. The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor.

 

So if my gauge works fine and the new thermostat did not change anything, I should be looking at the IAC. Anyone agree/disagree????

Thanks for the replies! They keep me from scratching my head to much.