1992 Dodge Dakota Starting intermittantly in sluggish mode

MARKHIGGY

MEMBER
1992 DODGE DAKOTA
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

The truck will start in a wierd bogging mode and eventually dies. Thought it was the O2 censer. Nope. Thought it was the throttle control senser. Nope. Now my mech. Says its the computer. Replaced it not too long ago. What do you think. By the way even when the truck starts up ok, it seems to backfire a little and hesitate too. The gas has been checked and cleared by my mech. No problems there. I just spent my morgage $ on this truck and I still have this starting problem. Unrelated; I just replaced the altinator, fan belt, rpg valve, transmission, crank senser, oil changed, radiator hoses, power steering hose, front brake hub bolt was missing and one partially out. The list goes on. I just need help and have run out of money, can you all help. Please. I can probably donate in January. Im broke now. Thanks Mark

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,858 POSTS

Mark:

I need you to check something. We need to check for trouble codes and also fuel pump pressure.

To check for trouble codes, you do the following:

NOTE: DO NOT START THE ENGINE

Cycle the ignition key from off to the run position 3 times. The 3rd time, leave it in the run position. Wait a few seconds and the check engine light should start to flash. Now, the trouble codes are 2 digit numbers. For example, 12, 23, 46... The check engine light fill flash the first number, have a slight delay then the second number. Count each one so you can keep track of the codes. The last code will be a 55. That indicates the system is finished. Let me know what codes you find.

To be honest, it sounds like a map sensor, but I can't be sure without the codes.

Now for fuel pressure. Here is a how to video for you to review with directions.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Let me know about the codes first before going to the trouble of the fuel pressure. That way I can tell you if it needs checked.

Joe