Injectors or fuel pump or vacuum leak?

2000 DODGE DAKOTA
160,000 MILES
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FRANKDEEZY51
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My truck was driving just fine then out of the blue it just lost almost all power. When I tried to give it gas it seemed to just choke it out more. Then after I parked it let it sit and started it back up. It has a rough idle and if I try to give it more gas it chokes out and backfires a little bit. so, I don't know if my fuel pump is bad or my injectors are bad or if it could possibly be a vacuum hose popped off somewhere.
Jan 23, 2022 at 5:28 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

By chance, have you scanned the computer to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored? I ask because this could be several things. It could be fuel-related (too much or too little), it could be a crankshaft position sensor failing, even a partially plugged catalytic converter can be the issue. I question if it's a vacuum leak, but anything is possible.

Take a look through this link first:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-backfires-while-running

Also, I will need to know the engine size. Let me know if that link helps in any way and if you have a scan tool to work with.

Let me know as much as you can so I can better help.

Take care,

Joe
Jan 23, 2022 at 6:34 PM
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FRANKDEEZY51
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It's a V6, and yes, I have recently used the diagnostic reader on it and it said no codes stored.
Jan 23, 2022 at 10:54 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Hi,

If there was a lean or rich fuel mixture, it should have set a code. The same if it was a plugged converter. Does your scan tool have live data? If it does, I need you to check two things.

First, with the engine cold, check the engine coolant temperature sensor reading. Start the engine, allow it to warm up in an open-loop condition, and see what the short-term fuel trims are.

If you don't have a scanner, inspect the wiring at the crankshaft position sensor. The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor is located near the outer edge of the flywheel (starter ring gear). See pic 1 for location. It's right near the exhaust manifold and the wiring takes a lot of heat.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.

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Jan 24, 2022 at 2:48 PM