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97dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
10:17:00
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 Subject: Lost Performance
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I recently (5 months ago) purchased a 1997 Dakota CC 4x4 5.2L 5 speed. The truck ran great until here about a week ago. Under WOT, the engine will jerk and hesitate, like it is missing. It also does the same thing when going up hills. It used to run great, but now it has lost power. I also noticed that the idle fluctuates up and down by 100 rpm's or so. I dumped in some fuel injector cleaner, but that did not work. So, I pulled the air intake off to clean the throttle body, and I found out that the truck has a Holley 52mm twin throttle body (I had never looked before). I cleaned it with some GumOut TB cleaner, but that also had no affect. My question is has anyone experienced this same problem? Does it sound like it could be my TPS, IAC, MAP, or ECT sensor? Are there any known probems with these throttle bodies? Could it be my timing? Vaccuum leak? This is my first fuel injected vehicle, and I am a little perplexed. Any info would be appreciated.
97dak
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Dakaty
GenIII
2/25/2002
11:13:15
|  RE: Lost Performance
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Could be lots of things...
I would check the plugs, cap and rotor.
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Hersbird
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
11:58:58
| RE: Lost Performance
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You can check obvious stuff, and if the thing has over 50,000 miles you might as well replace the plugs, wires, cap and rotor anyway. I'd just take it to the dealer for troubleshooting. I bet they can find the problem with a mininum shop fee and then if you feel comfortable fixing what they find, just take it home and do it yourself. It is porbably a sensor, if it's a problem at WOT it probably isn't a vaccuum leak, and to tell ya the truth not may sensors do anything at WOT. If it's just when you stap the throttle from a roll or a stop then it could be just about anything. Timing is controlled by the computer but it needs to be set initially withing a certain spec or the computer won't be able to adjust it properly. The timing chain could jump a spot and throw off the cam timing but I haven't ever heard of this problem on a Dakota before. I have heard about the TB's getting pretty dirty but you said you already checked that. Like I said, I'd pay for 1/2 hour worth of dealer time before spending 5 hours of my time trying to figure it out.
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teamfast
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
12:36:13
| RE: Lost Performance
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Message:
Spark plug gap incorrect
Air filter dirty
Fuel filter dirty
ignition timing off
worn cap and rotor
exhaust system plugged (not likely)
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R/Truck
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
12:38:51
| RE: Lost Performance
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Message:
The cap and rotor that dodge puts in are made of Aluminum (I think) and they go bad pretty quick.
With 16000 miles on mine I replaced them and they looked worn out all ready. Go with the copper products for better performance.
Plugs are cheap and will cure a lot of idle problems. You may also have a bad plug wire, so change those out.
Do all the routine stuff first and then you can narrow down your problems by having a mechanic hook it up to a computer.
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Hop
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
14:58:11
|  RE: Lost Performance
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Did the check engine light come on?? Mine was doing the same thing and i had to replace the o2 sensors..
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97dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
15:52:16
|  RE: Lost Performance
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The Check Engine light has never come on. I just replaced the plugs about 2 months ago, but I left the wires alone. So, I just bought new AutoLite plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor. I will replace them tonight and/or tomorrow and see what that does. If that doesn't help, I will test the TPS and check the timing. Thanks for the help.
97dak
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Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
15:56:28
| RE: Lost Performance
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There's two things that I've seen cause that:
Distributor cap/rotor
Fuel filter
Both are reletively cheap and easy.
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97dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
16:49:07
| RE: Lost Performance
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Isn't the fuel filter in the gas tank? I've never checked, but that is what I've heard. I stopped by an auto parts store and they said that it was non-serviceable and that I would have to go to a dealer to get one. How hard is that to change and how much does the filter cost?
97dak
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kevster
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
19:29:26
| RE: Lost Performance
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The filter is in the tank, to get to it, you drop the fuel tank, make sure it is empty or you lift off the bed and go in the top side, some say removing the bed is the better way, I doubt it is the fuel filter, Dodge says 100,000 miles on the fuel filters. and there are two of them in the tank, one is a Primary the other is Secondary. Also look for corrosion at the PCM where the connectors connect to the PCM. And maybe after you do the tune up. check for vacuum leaks..
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cudashoe
Dodge Dakota
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2/25/2002
19:34:17
| RE: Lost Performance
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fuel injectors might be clogged
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97dak
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2002
09:24:27
|  RE: Lost Performance
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I believe I found the culprit, a bad spark plug wire. The metal insert in the boot was pretty corroded. So, I replaced the wires, and now my truck runs better than before. Thanks for all your help. Just one more question: I'm planning on going with a cold air intake. Which is better, K&N or AirRaid? Thanks again.
97dak
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R/Truck
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2002
10:38:55
| RE: Lost Performance
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Message:
They are both about the same, large tube with a K&N filter, just make sure you get some kind of shield between it and the engine.
I have the K&N and it made a big difference in power and also give you a killer sound when you stomp on it.
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Hersbird
Dodge Dakota
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2/26/2002
13:03:23
| RE: Lost Performance
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I think the K&N genII is the best because of it's heat sheild and it replaces to stock airhat.
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jamie
Dodge Dakota
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2/10/2005
13:54:29
| miss at idle
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I have a 97 dakota with a 5.2L v8 it has a steady miss at idle but its not sluggish at take off and i cant feel it miss when im driving I have replaced the cap rotor wires and plugs but did not help it does anyone have any idea what it might be????
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plog
Dodge Dakota
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2/10/2005
13:57:39
| RE: Lost Performance
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three years ago I might have, just kidding. maybe dirty TB or need new spark plugs?
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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2/10/2005
14:42:05
| RE: Lost Performance
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could be a few things. what did the plugs like like when you changed them? nice tan color or black? oily or dry? could be injectors. have you checked compression?
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QC
Dodge Dakota
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2/10/2005
15:38:49
| RE: Lost Performance
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I cant beleive no one has mentioned this yet: Check your FUEL FILTER. My buddy has a GMC and he thought his tranny was going because when he would get on it the thing would feel like it was slipping. He brings it to Ammco and the tell him 2 grand for a new tranny - I go for a ride with him - only does it under heavy foot or up hill. Long story short - I tell him tune the bitch up and make sure to change the FUEL FILTER - sure enough it runs like a charm now...Imagine dumping 2 grand into a tranny and still having the same F-ing problem??
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dsouza
Dodge Dakota
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4/09/2005
22:41:14
| RE: Lost Performance
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Message:
Have a 92 dakota 5.2,it cuts out while cruising but when putting load
to it,it runs smooth. Has a complete tune-up,injectors have been replaced has a new fuel pump.Any ideas would be appreciated.
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