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Dakota - stalling out and running erratic


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slade25
User

Nov 26, 2010, 9:59 AM

Post #1 of 5 (1392 views)
Dakota - stalling out and running erratic Sign In

1997 Dakota 2wd 3.9L auto (115k miles)

Problem - during initial starts/driving (until approx 10 min afterwards) the truck is running erratic. By that I mean I have reduced power on an upgrade, it wants to stall out initially and it's running a little ragged. Almost sounds like it is missing on a cylinder as well. Once it warms up it seems to settle out. Occasionally though, it will stall out while idling or when moving in slow traffic cylces.

Diagnostic capability not working (this is a pain in the ass). Had electrical tech fault find and he thinks the PCM module is bad. While it was working, I had a PO 132 and a PO783 fault). I'm very much hoping the 3/4 tx shift malfunction, has not degraded worse. Doesn't appear to be that avaenue yet.

If this stall out problem is an ignition related problem - what should I verify/eliminate ? (maint - plugs replaced 12mths ago. wires 24 mths ago)
If it is a fuel related problem, same question. (maint - fuel filter, air filters replaced, fuel injection cleaned)

I've tried to listen for and eyeball an vacuum type leak, not luck so far. (replace pcv valve and visually inspected other hoses, nothing noticeable).


I know I need to get the diagnostics working, but until I can do that, I'd certainly like to eliminate all that I can.
btw, is it possible/doable to scan the PCM from the input i.e. at the connector itself, vice the OBD II port inside the vehicle ??


thanks in advance,
Steve


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Nov 26, 2010, 10:18 AM

Post #2 of 5 (1388 views)
Re: Dakota - stalling out and running erratic Sign In

Trying to diagnose all your issues without the benefit of all the sensor data and codes is like trying to work with both hands tied behind your back. You need to be twice as talented as you would have been with that info. You also have no idea what else the PCM itself could be effecting.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



slade25
User

Nov 26, 2010, 12:53 PM

Post #3 of 5 (1383 views)
Re: Dakota - stalling out and running erratic Sign In

maybe a little too much info

is this facebook site one you're recommending to tackle my problem(s) ?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Nov 26, 2010, 2:26 PM

Post #4 of 5 (1376 views)
Re: Dakota - stalling out and running erratic Sign In

The Facebook link is my own shop and it automatically appears in my signature.

The car has a lot of issues and it would take some time to sort them all out.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Elise Car Tech
User

Nov 26, 2010, 2:44 PM

Post #5 of 5 (1371 views)
Re: Dakota - stalling out and running erratic Sign In

Hi Steve,

There’s really a lot you can do until you get the diagnostics working and PO132 PO783 resolved.

Use an engine vacuum pressure tester to rule out any engine vacuum leaks. You can even use the same vacuum pressure tester to rule out an excessive exhaust back pressure issue.

Use a “Noid Light” to confirm all the injectors are firing.

Use an “Inline Spark Tester” to confirm spark is reaching all the plugs.

Use a fuel system pressure tester to rule out an issue with fuel pressure and volume. I’m posting the fuel pressure stats for you below.

The system pressure with and without the vacuum hose connected to the fuel pressure regulator should be 44-54 psi

Since recalls are free, have you done the one below?

link deleted.............. not allowed












(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Nov 26, 2010, 3:49 PM)






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