| From | Message |
Paithar
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/30/2007
12:06:07
|
 Subject: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok. I have a 94 Dakota Club Cab, 4x4 automatic trans. I got it when it had 100,000 miles on it and it now has about 190,000 miles on it. It is my main vehicle to get me to work since I drive 75 miles one way to work every day.
Here are the problems I'm having (I haven't done any mods yet because I didn't really even know about them until I recently searched the internet).
Usually after sitting for a while it will start right up with no problems, however after warming up if I stop at a stop light or stop sign or whatever, it idles really low, like between 400 and 500 rpm's and then when I try to go it will either die on me or barely putter along for a few seconds before it finally starts going. Even after it starts going it takes it a while to really get up to speed.
Another problem is that it just seems to have no power anymore. When I first got it, it seemed to have plenty of power (relatively speaking that is) but lately it takes me flooring the gas pedal when I enter the interstate just to get up to 70mph. It takes it a while to get up to that speed. I've even had times when I go from a stop and turn up a hill that even if I floor the gas pedal I get no power and barely make it up the hill.
I have no idea if this truck has ever had a tuneup or anything like that but I know that it hasn't had anything done to it since I've had it except to get the fuel pump replaced and new battery.
I've been reading about the K&N air filters and cold air intakes and I do plan on trying these out when I get paid next but can anyone suggest anything else that I might check out and/or replace? I've never been much of a mechanic (being a computer guy by profession) but I'm very willing to learn.
|
Paithar
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/30/2007
12:16:08
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
I forgot to mention that my engine is the 3.9 V6.
|
ES
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/31/2007
14:52:39
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
Could be a clogged cat.
Thats some of the symptoms showing that your cat may be clogged.
Most exhaust places will be able to check exhaust pressure and tell u if it is clogged or not. Also if u smack the cat with your hand and it makes sound like rocks are in it, it needs replaced.Another way to check is if you have a vacuum gauge just plug it in and watch vacuum. If the vacuum gradually drops at an idle instead of staying where its at chances are your cats plugged or something in the exhaust is causing a major restriction.
|
Paithar
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/31/2007
15:01:07
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks ES for that reply. Unfortunately I don't have a vacuum gauge but I do have a friend that is a mechanic so maybe he can help me out there. I'll see if he can check that out for me.
|
dakota49
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/31/2007
19:35:10
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
A good tune up would also probably help it run better as well. One problem area is the IAC Idle air control, its on the throttle body, remove it (very carefully) spray it down with carb. cleaner and the throttle body then replace. Be sure to spray plenty into the hole where the IAC goes. With 190,000 miles I'ld say you are doing good.
Good Luck
Dakota49
1988 3.9 5speed 4X4
|
Paithar
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/01/2007
13:41:44
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
Here's another question. Always before I never really put much thought into an oil change. I just figured that for the most part one oil was as good as another.
Since doing some research on my dakota it seems a lot of people really like to go with the higher end oils and some especially like the Royal Purple oil. Is the higher end oil really that much better than something like Valvoline?
My truck does need an oil change and I figure if it would really seem to help I might just go ahead and get the more expensive oil.
|
daddio
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/01/2007
14:40:03
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
i'll probably get flamed for this but i've got my asbestos drawers on anyway.
i have been using Valvoline for some 25 yrs and it has given me great service. if i were to use a syn it would either be RP or Supertech. yes that's right Supertech. i've raised many a vehicle on Valvoline though so i stick with it.
just make sure to use a decent filter. i like to use Wix from my local O'Reillys or AC Delco but i'm sure there are others just as good or better.
|
jayb
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/03/2007
00:37:16
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
my 93 v8 did the same exact thing. Its probably the coil. the reason it starts fine in the morning is because the coil is ice cold. when they get worn, the heat effects them more. being that dodge put them basically right on the exhaust manifold, they dont last as long as they should. it also explains many ignition problems with the magnum engines. If i were you, i would do a good tune up. plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and coil. At the very least its going to do you some good.
Now with the coil, what its doing is sending spark to some cylinders, and not others. thats why your truck is running like that. it also means your not burning gas in the other cylinders and in turn, washing the lube off the cylinders. this will wear them out fast and you will lose compression. so i strongly suggest replacing the coil as soon as possible. I'm surprised your truck is running at all when it gets hot.
Also when my coil went out like this, it took out the computer too. the only way i knew this is because it blew out the coil again after 60 miles of highway driving. the computer and everything would function perfectly, but for some reason it sent too much voltage to the coil, after the coil went bad from the heat from the exhaust manifold. It's a big chain reaction. The coil goes bad, screws up the computer, then the computer keeps blowing out coils from that point forward. I learned this all because i was stranded out in butt f*ck east for an entire week doing the diagnostic work till i finally figured it out.
|
Paithar
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/09/2007
08:58:15
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok then. Here's a question for you guys then. Since I'm not really much of a mechanic, if I had a manual of some sort and the proper tools (whatever they might be) could I change the plugs, wires, cap, rotor and coil myself? I mean, is changing these things really all that hard to do?
Also, if I do this myself, are there certain brands of plugs and what not that you would recommend that would work better?
|
KCWW
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/09/2007
13:30:50
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a '99 3.9 and I recently did a tune up on mine. It's not hard to change these things at all. The hardest part to doing this job, at least for me, was bending over the engine bay to take all of the plugs out and change the distributor cap/rotor button. I have lower back issues anyway so it might not affect you as much.
You can pick up a Haynes manual at Autozone, Advanced Auto, etc. It will show you how to do this tune up although you could do it without one. I went with a tune up kit from Summit racing...ordered it from their website. It included 8.0mm plug wires, brass distributor cap and brass rotor button. I ordered NGK brand FR5 spark plugs from ngk.com. If you replace your PCV valve, get a new one from the dealer vs. AutoZone, etc. I learned after buying one from Autozone and from asking questions on this site that the aftermarket valves don't work well in our trucks. My truck runs MUCH better now that it's tuned up...stronger and quicker.
I didn't change my coil since it was working fine but it wouldn't be hard to change...just a couple of bolts. You might do some more searching on this site to see what brands others like.
Good luck!
|
becky
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/08/2010
12:27:05
|  RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
cranks but missing pops through the exhaust......just started suddendly yesterday....i had to get towed home. all i have done so far is check fuel lines it got dark on me thanks
|
dakota49
Gen I
7/11/2010
16:24:15
| RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
Becky, what year is your truck? How many miles? Just taking a wild guess, I'ld say it jumped time, that could cause it to fire late and going through the exhaust. Again, that's just a guess. Another thing, it could have a weak or broken exhaust spring, that could let the exh. valve stay open thus causing the exh. to blow right past the valve.
Again it could be something simple.
Good Luck
Dakota49
dakota49
|
andy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/17/2010
23:06:55
|  RE: 94 Dakota with some problems
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey i got a question or two... My 94 extended cab 4x4 dakota does the same thing. Not all the time, but most of the time, like, it idles really weird, real low, then my chekc engine lite comes on, and it dies. if i keep on the gas for a min or so, it stops wanting to die. ive changed the oil. and filter, it just really seems that it does not have the power that it should have. im thinking about doing a tune up, new plugs, wires exc... please e mail me becasue i doubt ill get back on this site, to see all the posts and comments. thanks.
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
