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General Dakota Board
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Dem
Dodge Dakota
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12/23/2003
10:07:39
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 Subject: 5.2L power loss/shake @ hi speeds- HELP!
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Hi,
I had this post in the "V8 Dakotas" section originally, but I thought I'd put it here too to maybe reach more people.
I have a 1995 5.2L Dakota Sport. I was driving back to school (about 75 miles) last night, and about 7-8 miles from school (still on freeway) I started to lose power when pressing the accelerator. I pulled off, turned the engine off, let it cool, and tried again, but still no luck. In Park or Neutral the engine sounds nice and smooth when I tap the accelerator, but in gear it accelerates rough and shakes. I top out at about 45-50 mph before it starts to shake bad and I seem to lose power again (note that this tapers off when I let off the gas). I also heard a backfire-like "pop" or two when moving at a higher speeds.
I made it to school, and checked Transmission fluid. Level seems fine, couldn't check consistency because it was too dark (even with the under-hood light). I plan on checking that plus the spark plugs today.
Any ideas? I'm thinking transmission or dirty fuel system. I've had momentary rough idles in the past (at stoplights, etc) and was considering getting a fuel system cleaning at the dealership after the holidays. Has anyone had this problem before? If so, what was it and, um, how much did it cost to fix? (I'm a rather broke college kid).
I'm only here at school today, and hope to make it back home tonight or tomorrow at some point, provided my Dakota has it in it. Any help, insight, or temporary fixes that can get me home to have it looked at would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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mikeb
Dodge Dakota
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12/23/2003
10:21:58
|  RE: 5.2L power loss/shake @ hi speeds- HELP!
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I like your fuel system thought. A clogged fuel filter could create the problem you are having. When was the last time you replaced your fuel filter?
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Dem
Dodge Dakota
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12/23/2003
16:30:00
|  RE: 5.2L power loss/shake @ hi speeds- HELP!
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Hey mikeb, thanks for the input! I still plan on having the fuel system blasted after the new year. Not sure when the last time the fuel filter was replaced, but when I have the system done, I will at least have it looked at (at your suggestion) if not replaced.
I just got back from the shop though, and it appears (at least to them) that the problem is not the fuel system or transmission (Thank God), but rather that the two rear wheels had lost a belt and had become 'out of round' (slightly oval-shaped as it was explained to me). That is what they said was was responsible for the shaking at higher speeds. They think that one becoming out of round (about 6-7 miles from campus, when the problems started), caused an imbalance that caused it's mate on the axle to do the same thing. As for the power loss and popping noise, I'm hoping that was a result of the irregular load cause by the off-balance wheels, which was placed on the engine (which has a less-than-immaculate fuel system). I drove my truck at speeds up to 45 mph today with no major problems (though I was hesitant to try the highway). The tires were ordered, and come in on Friday. I guess we'll see whether or not that fixes the problem. I'll post the results on this thread. Wish me luck!
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azf100
Dodge Dakota
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12/23/2003
17:13:46
| RE: 5.2L power loss/shake @ hi speeds- HELP!
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I have read that a clogged cat can lead to power loss at higher RMPS.
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mikeb
Dodge Dakota
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12/23/2003
17:32:59
| RE: 5.2L power loss/shake @ hi speeds- HELP!
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Wow, you learn something new every day. I did a little searching to avoid giving bad advice and found this interesting thread:
http://www.dodgedakota.net/boards/v8/3302.html
So it looks like it's probably not something you want to mess with unless absolutely necessary. Anyway, good luck with the new tires and I know you're thinking this so I'll just say it:
"Why do these kind of things always happen during the holidays!"
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Dem
Dodge Dakota
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12/23/2003
19:33:33
| RE: 5.2L power loss/shake @ hi speeds- HELP!
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Amen mikeb. Amen.
I had also just heard what you mentioned, azf100. I figure I'll give that a whirl too. That seems rather DIY from what I hear.
If the fuel system cleaning doesn't help as much as I'm thinking it should, I'll inquire about a new fuel filter/pump as well.
Thanks guys for all the help. I'll follow up with how everything turns out. Happy Holidays!
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Dem
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2003
16:22:54
| RE: 5.2L power loss/shake @ hi speeds- HELP!
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Well, here we go. I just finished a round of repairs, and here's what was found out/done:
Friday 12/26:
AM: Took truck to dealership for fuel system inspection cleaning. Mechanic looked at it for almost 2 hrs, couldn't find anything wrong. Checked engine, hooked truck up to diagnostics computer, monitored engine, took a fuel sample, didn't find anything out of ordinary. Thought the fuel pump may be starting to go bad (cost to fix: $500.00), causing a loss in fuel pressure, but couldn't say that for sure. Computer showed constant fuel pressure throughout test, so he couldn't diagnose anything for sure. Didn't recommend the fuel system cleaning, as it doesnt do much as a repair and is more of a "preventative maintenance" thing. Total cost: $0.00  (which, for a dealership is unbelievable, I know- I'm countin' my blessings, trust me)
PM: Had all four tires replaced to correct out-of-round problem @ Belle Tire. Also found front end to be slightly out of alignment. This was corrected. Old Tires: BF Goodrich Radial T/A's, New Tires: Kelly Safari SUV's. Found front brakes to be in bad shape, recommended brake service. Total Cost of tires and front end alignment (Less 10% Student Discount): $430.00
I was finally able to drive the approx. 75 miles home after this with no major problems.
Saturday, 12/27:
Took truck in for the brake problems diagnosed Friday. Went to the Belle Tire near home. Found bad front rotors (needing replacement) and pads. Needed rear axle service as well (15% of pad face remaining). Had brakes serviced. Also found that parking brake cable was frozen in the engaged position on rear axle. Unable to repair due to lack of parts. Not able to free either, though pressure was loosened on the rear axle to a near negligible state. I'm thinking this may have been a major contributor (if not the culprit) of the performance problems that led up to my major problem. Not the fuel system. Total Cost of Brake Service (Less 10% AAA Discount): $385.00
We'll see how this works out, and I'll probably post one last follow up in a week or two to note if this seems to have solved the problem or if anything else has come up. Thanks again to everyone who replied to this post for their help.
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