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Nate Bargmann
Dodge Dakota
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5/30/2005
00:16:15
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 Subject: Sputtering, cutting out and carrying on.
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I have a '97 Dakota 4x4 with a Magnum 318 that I bought used three years ago. The first two years must have been the honeymoon because it was flawless, except for a battery which died of old age. It had about 115k on it when I bought it and I've put about 15k on it since (it's my "good" vehicle and lives in the garage most of the time). A bit over a year ago I had to replace the water pump and then in January of this year the current problem(s) began.
I noticed it first on a very cold morning in early January after allowing it to warm up for about 20 minutes and then I drove it about seven miles before the sputtering and cutting out began. I drove it a few more miles and shut it off for several minutes before driving a couple more miles to my dad's place. Once there I borrowed a bottle of HEET since I thought I might have some ice in the system. Later in the day I drove back home (about 12 miles) with no more problems.
A week later I took it on a 200+ mile round trip with no problems and the week after that drove it to church (about 15 miles) without issue. On the way home it began to sputter and cut out without actually dying and I managed to limp home. I took it on a couple of short in-town trips, less than a mile in duration, and each time it would begin to sputter and carry on.
Another week went by (now early February) before my mechanic could work it in and he was able to duplicate the problem. He changed the spark plugs and checked the wires and the fuel filter(s) and verified the fuel pressure was good. It had him stumped so he consulted a couple other mechanics and one suggested he check the catalytic converter which indeed appeared to be plugged. After replacing it, the truck ran great and I got it back in mid-February.
Since then I've put about 500 miles on it including a 150 mile round trip on Easter--all without issue until today. Once again I drove it to church (about 15 miles) without a hint of trouble. On the way back I made it about 5 miles before the sputtering and lack of power returned. I could floor the gas pedal and it would still accelerate hard, but once I tried to maintain a constant speed it sputtered and lost speed and wouldn't respond to a gentle increase of throttle. In fact, when I let off the gas completely it would briefly rev up. It never died (thankfully) and once I got home and parked in the garage it seemed to be hunting for an idle speed.
I know this is long as I wanted to describe my experience in as great of detail as possible. What might I look for or have my mechanic look for? Could it be as simple as a faulty O2 sensor or do I need to be ready to fork over the big bucks? I don't have a Dodge dealer nearby as the local one lost their dealership at the end of last year and their service department (or lack of) is why (so I was told).
Thanks!
Nate
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Kev
Dodge Dakota
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5/30/2005
20:48:20
|  Sputtering, cutting out and carrying on.
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Hey Nate!
My parents had very similar problems with their Cherokee! I know its not a Dakota but its still a mopar. None the less they had the exact same problems you are descibing... Check the "Crank Shaft Sensor" In the end the sensor wasn't that expensive and was quite easy to replace!
I hope this Helps.
Cheerz
Kev - Calgary Alberta, Canada
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Nate Bargmann
Dodge Dakota
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5/30/2005
21:59:40
| RE: Sputtering, cutting out and carrying on.
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Thanks Kev. That gives me something to go on. Off hand, do you know where on the engine it's located?
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Nate Bargmann
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/12/2005
23:02:03
| RE: Sputtering, cutting out and carrying on.
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Message:
Just an update.
Everyone probably knows that the crankshaft sensor is located behind the right hand head in the bell housing.
After having the crankshaft sensor replaced about six weeks ago, I'm happy to say that so far my problems have not returned. Acceleration is smooth and I've found that it idles smoother than it did before the replacement.
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