Definitely sounds like the cat is plugged/broke.
You can use a CarSound High-Flow as they are the least expensive and do last
quite some time - depending on your area...about $100-$150 for the cat +
labor to put it in.
On getting the codes from the cluster, have a local parts store run their
code scanner (much easier and it's FREE).
- Bernd
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net] On Behalf Of Joseph Orsini
Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 3:37 PM
To: Dodge Dakota
Subject: DML: '99 Dakota running like ka-ka
Hey Guys,
Just joined the list and am having problems with my '99. 5.2, 5spd,
reg cab, short box no A/C. Anyway it will not pull hard and absolutely will
not rev good over 3k under load. First off that cat is shot and needs to be
replaced, but I don't know if that could be causing these problems. I canot
get it to spit trouble codes at me, I tried what was listed on the web site
but all it does is say CHEC then lights up the trip display then makes what
looks like a little ball rolling from right to left, never saying any codes.
At first I thought it could be ignition related as it almost feels like it
is not firing on a cyclinder or two, I replaced the plugs, wires, cap,
rotor, and coil. no better. I can also hear a sucking sound over the
rattling cat when I drive it, almost sounds like a blow off valve on a turbo
or something when you up shift. After changing the ignition stuff I drove
it and it felt the same except the one time I got on her hard in third she
pulled sluggish then for about 500 RPM (maybe 300-3500) she kicked in and
pulled like normal, but then back to sluggish, I could not get it to repeat
that again. The old ignition parts were all less than a year old and all
looked good, plugs loked like they were normal, will have to check them
again but looked good. I have no idea what the truck is doing but now the
check engine light flashes at me every once in a awhile and I don't know
what to check next, spark seems good, maybe fuel delivery? I Should get the
cat replaced next week along with the o2 sensor, maybe that will help...
Any suggestions on an affordable cat? The local carquest was around
$280, looked at summit but they did't have one listed for Dakota's with the
8.
Thanks,
-Joe
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