1992 Dodge Dakota hard starting/miss/backfire

Hi:
A stuck EGR valve can cause the type of problems you described. Remove it and make sure it is functioning properly and there is no carbon build-up under it.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Hi Again:
You could try the O2 sensor, but it could also deal with the map sensor, knock sensor. I hate to say it, but you may have to take it to a mechanic, or you will end up replacing part after part until you hit the right one. It may get expensive.

Ok:
This is a tough one. Have you checked for vacuum leaks? Also, make sure the throttle body is tight to the intake.

As far as email, I'm on the site at least once a day to check mail, so I'm here for your questions and responses. If you're on tonight, I'll be here for about another hour. It's 8:00 in Pittsburgh.

Joe

I would tend to feel that an injector would be all of the time. It wouldn't hurt to check the fuel pressure. You can rent a tool at most nationally recognized parts stores. Also, it could even be a weak coil.

I hate throwing all this at you because I can't be 100% sure, and I don't want you to spend money on parts that don't need replaced.

I'm going to email this problem to a friend that is a tech here. He worked for a chrysler / jeep dealership and is a great mechanic. Let me see if he has ideas.

Joe

Let me ask when was the last time a complete tune-up was done meaning plugs, cap, rotor, wires also having timming checked

Ok now pull distributor cap off and have someone crank engine and see if rotor turns if so the check ingition module on bottom of distributor

Ok do a compression test and let us know what you get on all cylinders and your code 21 TPS voltage was above 2.5 volts for 8 seconds when the MAP sensor signal showed manifold vacuum to be 15 pounds or more. and the code 32 EGR open command did not change the fuel mixture when the command was given during off idle operation. EGR opening should cause the mixture to be slightly richer because of the low oxygen content of exhaust gas. but do compression test also check the firing order is as follows
Firing order 1-6-5-4-3-2

| 2 4 6 |
front | |
| |
| | 1 ||
| |2 6||
of | |3 5||
| | 4 ||
| |
vehicle | |
| 1 3 5 |

Distributor rotates clockwise
Inspect the ignition coil for arcing while the engine is running. If the engine will not start, this can be performed while the engine is cranked by either an assistant or a remote starter. Look at the coil in dim or low light to aid visibility of any arcing.
Arcing at the tower will carbonize the wire boot, which, if it is connected to a new ignition coil, will cause the coil to fail. In such cases, clean all the carbonization away or replace the components as necessary.

Fuel pressure should be 37-41 PSI(Pounds per Square Inch) compression should be 100 psi +or- 8% 92 min. And 108 max. I would look into checking the fuel filter and or pump