Engine not running properly

2008 DODGE DAKOTA
238,000 MILES • 3.7L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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CARLSP
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
My truck starts up fine and idles fine. When I am at a complete stop and accelerate normally the engine chugs and sputters and there is no power. I keep trying to feather the gas pedal it will eventually get up and go. But if I am at a complete stop and stomp the gas to the floor the engine runs fine. She takes off with a quickness, no sputtering or chugging. Also while I am driving down the road, say at 55 MPH, the engine will suddenly lose power and sputter and chug for about 30 or so seconds. If I keep feathering the gas pedal it will suddenly be fine again and take off. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
May 26, 2021 at 11:29 PM
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DANNY L
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

The first thing I suggest is to perform a fuel pressure test. It sounds like you may have a weak or failing fuel pump that might not be providing adequate fuel pressure when under power. Here is a tutorial showing how to perform a fuel pressure test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

The fuel pressure specification for your truck is 58 PSI. After performing this get back to us with the results and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
May 27, 2021 at 12:47 AM
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