Steve, I have a '95, but I still have the same sensors as you. (1)--have
the TPS(throttle position sensor replaced). I might be not good enough to
work but good enough to not throw a code and will lead to scratching of the
head and headaches. The pinging will be from the sensors also, in that it
tells the computer how much fuel to give the engine. At least have all the
throttle body sensors checked to determine which one isn't within tolerance
of a certain voltage. The TPS sensor should be on the side of the TB and
there's a AIS(don't remember the name of this sensor, but it's on the back
side of the TB and it ALWAYS gets gummed up with carbon that needs to be
cleaned out and there's the MAP sensor on the front of the TB that's is
vaccuum and voltage operated. Have these sensors checked out--you'll
probably find your problem.
2)--Cats aren't suppose to smell at all. Having the engine running bad is
what is causing the problem. You might have to have the cat replaced,
because it's probably going through melt-down. If it smells like rotten
eggs--definitely needs replacing.
3) adjusting the throttle kick-down wire to the tranny will ease up on the
banging in reverse. Sometimes Mopars have a curse with this problem. It
doesn't hurt the tranny, I've had a problem with the same banging in an old
'68 barracuda. Hasn't hurt the tranny yet. I think that the problem lies
inside the tranny itself--by having a larger hole drilled in the reversing
side of valve body and with a good working tranny pump it has more pressure.
Anyway try the wire adjustment.
4)--can't help with the brakes--maybe could be that the calipers or rear
brake wheel cylinders aren't releasing all the way. Could also be the wheel
porportiting valve isn't adjusted correct.
Tim R.
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Preston <steve318@webtv.net>
To: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2000 10:34 PM
Subject: DML: My Dakota,by Steve P.
> O.K. I promised myself and others that I would not bring up my truck`s
> problems anymore.Well,I need to.If anyone has answers for any symptom
> listed below,please post or directly e-mail me.I`ve had this truck to
> two dealerships,and either my truck does not have the problems I`m
> seeing,or they don`t see the problems I`m having.I drove it a couple
> hundred miles today,and it did nothing but utterly tee me off,and yes,I
> am aware that those are strong words.We are talking about a 99 Dakota
> Sport,automatic 3.9 4x4 RC with 3.92 gears.8500 miles.Problems are
> listed in order of frustration level unless otherwise noted: 1)Power
> loss.Usually when it really runs bad,you can feel the pulsations in the
> body of the truck,almost like you`re running over a bumpy road.Feels
> like the engine loses power from one or more cylinders
> intermittently.Seems to be engine,not transmission related.It also seems
> like a rough section of road makes the problem get better or worse,like
> something is loose.And the engine surges wildly driving up a gravel
> driveway.RRRrrrRRRrrrRRRrrrRRR.Tach goes up and down several hundred
> rpm. 2)Pings.Had the intake plenum pan gasket replaced about a month
> ago after a severe bout of pinging,and it seemed to take care of 95% of
> it.Now it`s back as bad as ever,most noticeable in overdrive with very
> light throttle.Have not replaced the thermostat with a 180 deg. because
> I have seen it ping badly with the engine not fully hot,about 170 deg.or
> so.Also,the belly pan thing confuses me too.If the gasket fixed the
> problem for a month,I have to assume it`s bad again,right?
> 3)Cat smells bad.I`ve been told it`s normal.No way.And I can`t see it
> being the converter`s fault either.Seems like only an engine problem
> could cause one to fail at low miles.
> 4)Truck BANGS into reverse,even at idle.Does this about 50% of the
> time.Parked on level ground,not due to torque loading the transmission.
> 5)When brakes are wet,I about go through the windshield if I barely
> touch `em.I would assume that a cheap set of pads will cure this?Happens
> usually after sitting overnight in the rain or snow.
> Help me out,folks!! Thanks!! Steve P.
>
>
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