1997 Dodge Dakota Starting

JGSLIM2000

MEMBER
1997 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
82,000 MILES

On random days it won't start. Thought it had to do with it getting wet, but the last two times it has been dry. At stops it chugs and has a hard time when I start to move again. I've changed the plugs, plug wires, along with the cap and rotar. I've come to a stop, please help.
Jesse

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,794 POSTS

Have you checked fuel pump pressure? Has the check engine light come on? Have you checked the catalytic converter to see if it is plugging? Finally, have you checked for vacuum leaks?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 AT 10:26 AM

JGSLIM2000

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The check engine light did come on. I brought it to a shop and they deleted the error codes on accident so now I'm just waiting for it to come back on, if it will. I don't understand what you mean when you say "plugging". I'm not really an auto guy, I try and do stuff myself when I can, otherwise it goes to the shop. Kind of stuck now. I'll check the vacuum for leaks now. Thank you so much for your help !

Jesse

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Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 AT 12:48 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,794 POSTS

First, sorry for the delay in getting back. I lost a family member and am trying to get back on track.

As far as the plugging, the catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system, an emissions component. Many times they will begin to melt down internally. When that happens, exhause can't exit the engine properly and causes all types of problems.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Friday, October 1st, 2010 AT 7:30 AM