1997 Dodge Dakota seems like it's running out of fuel

181,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
CAPTAIN RON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Checked the fuel pump pressure and it was running on the low side, 47 lbs, and would drop below 45 when the problem occured.
Changed the fuel pump assembly, and the problem continues, and, seems to be getting increasingly frequent. The vehical runs good and then for no apparent reason it acts as if it's running out of fuel. If I increase throttle, it just stays flat or i get some stumble out of the motor. Usually I just back off the throttle and it comes back after a short while and all is good again. I'm thinking maybe TPS or a faulty coil??? Maybe it's time for some injectors??? I dunno, I was hoping to get a little more life out of this truck...new ones are out of the question.

Thanks in advance for your time

Ron D'Itri
Jan 3, 2010 at 8:12 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 POSTS
Check the fuel pressure when the engine is under load. The pressure should go up when manifold vacuum goes down. If it doesn't, look at the pressure regulator. The MAP sensor measures manifold vacuum and is the biggest contributor to fuel calculations.

caradiodoc
Jan 4, 2010 at 8:08 PM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle