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CJ
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2005
21:11:49

Subject: Dak misses/sputters.. very inconsistant
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Hello.

I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4x4 w/ the 3.9 V-6, auto, 3.92 rear end. it has 85k miles on it.

Within the last week, my engine started to stumble around a bit. as of right now I will explain what is going on with it.

1) When I start the truck, its fine and idels at normal position ( just below 1k rpm.) But once I put it into gear (drive or reverse) the engine sputters and boggs down ( this occurs whether i keep my brake on the whole time without the truck moving, or whether I accelerate off the line.
2) At stop lights or stop signs ( whenever starting from zero speed) and when I hit the gas ( whether I feather it or punch it) it boggs down, stumbles for about 2 or 3 seconds. then once i get the RPM's up, its fine, and the rest of the shifts/accererations are sily smooth like day one. Once I get the truck moving its perfect, just starting from a stop it boggs.

3) this occured today and only once. when i parked my truck after driving it for about 15 mins, i put the truck in park, and right when it went into park the rpm's dropped all the way to 200rpm! the truck started to shack bad, then on its own ( i didnt touch the gas pedal at all during this) it reved itself up to 1500 rpms, and went back down to normal idling speed again. the thing was so close to staling.

Now This is what I have "heard" could be the cause ( too many thnigs by the way haha)

1) O2 sensors?
2) bad gas/water in gas
3) fuel pump
4) throttle body need cleaning
5) any of the many sensors that could become afu
6) spark plugs, wires, dist block etc.

Thats all i can remember right now.

I am also only 18 and have no mechanical experience. This is the first time I have had any type of engine problem ( even though this sound electrical) since I've had the truck. My dad has been a ford and chevy guy forever, and I sort of convinced him on thsi truck that I wanted to buy. But the dak has had numerous brake, suspension (bushings ball joints etc) problems and it just got out of the shop a few months ago. I cannot afford more repairs, and If i mention this problem to him hes gonna flip and sell the thing I bet and make me buy something else like a ford. Is there anything I could do to check whats going on. It seems to be getting worse, and its very very inconsistant. aka it doesnt matter if its a cold start or its been running for awhile, it could happen anytime. I'm planning on checking the plugs and distributor when it stops raining (seattle area, it might be a bit). Any help would be so much appreciated you wouldnt believe. I have no freakin clue what could be causing this. (all fluids are good and recently replaced such as tranny, oil, diff fluids, radiator fuild, etc so those are all checked up on. thanks)

Sorry for the long post, but it means a lot to me, Ive put alot of $$ and my own custom work on my truck.



cj
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2005
23:09:57

RE: Dak misses/sputters.. very inconsistant
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please anybody?



?
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2005
10:50:07

RE: Dak misses/sputters.. very inconsistant
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If fuel level is below about 1/3 tank when this
happens = more probable fuel pump !
Have you cleaned /or had cleaned the
throttle body and the IAC
Idle Air Control ( on back of throttle body )



93dak4x4
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2005
11:07:44

RE: Dak misses/sputters.. very inconsistant
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does it do it when the truck is cold as well? or only when its warm? i would change your throttle position sensor as well. it may be screwing up in the early part of your throttle leading the computer to interpret really wierd? , its obviously a sensor, so i would start there.



cj
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2005
11:58:11

RE: Dak misses/sputters.. very inconsistant
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Yes thank you guys for your replies. Yes, it occurs whether its warm or cold, and i figured it was a sensor. It started when i had a half of tank of gas. Now I have a Full tank and it didnt change anything. I have not cleaned the throttle body and/or IAC. How would I do that and what shall I clean it with?

What is the throttle positioning sensor (TPS)? And how should I change it. (and where is it). Don't they run about 50 bucks?

Thank you guys for your replies they really do mean a lot.



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