Intermittent sputtering and backfiring when attempting to start it

2001 DODGE DAKOTA
134,324 MILES • 3.9L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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Z0113BROWN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Okay, so when i turn the truck on there are sometimes it fires right up with no problem and sometimes it likes to sputter go below 900 RPMs and then backfires. i have also let it idle and when it's warm you can hear a misfire from the exhaust. i have replaced just about everything i think it is and nothing has fixed it.
Jan 22, 2021 at 10:28 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked fuel pressure? High pressure due to a faulty pressure regulator can cause this. Also, does the check engine light stay on when the engine is running? If so, the computer should be scanned. Most parts stores will do it free of charge. Here is how it's done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

If you do that, let me know what codes are found. One other thought is a faulty engine coolant temp sensor (ECT). If the sensor is inaccurate, it could cause the air fuel mixture to be off and cause problems. You will need a live data scan tool to check the signal from the ECT to see if it is off.

Here is a link you may find of interest as well. Take a look through it and see if there is anything that seems to mirror what you experience.

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

Let me know.

Joe
Jan 22, 2021 at 7:39 PM
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