My truck is doing the exact same thing. I went to the dealer about 6 times
before they decided what the problem is. The 99 computers have bad
programming in them, even the performance computers. The computer has to be
"flashed" to correct the problem. The problem is the computer has advanced
the timing to much. Unfortunatly the "flash" for this problem is still not
out. I actually got the 100,000 mile warranty for free because of this
problem <hint hint>. I keep running a high octane gas which helps the
"ping".
Check out my site to see if my problems sound like yours
http://members.xoom.com/MsBavior/dakota
click on the truck pic to go to specs, then click on "problems I have had".
It hasn't been updated in awhile, but most of it should still be there.
The pinging sucks doesn't it!
Erika
>From: nc-ghost@geocities.com
>Reply-To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
>To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
>Subject: DML: '99 Dakota with Spark Knock, advise needed!!
>Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1999 14:09:57 -0400
>
>I have a '99 Dodge Dakota, V6, extended cab, shortbed. Ever since 7k it
>developed a slight ping, by 11k it had already been to the dealer twice.
>The first time they said a intake cover or something was not sealed
>correctly, driving home I still heard it. The second time they re-routed
>the spark plug wires, driving home I still heard it. Decided to wait a
>little while before taking it back, thinking it was too quiet for them to
>hear until it got louder. While waiting I discovered plus gas made a big
>difference, after about 2-3 months I decided to try a tank of regular. Big
>Mistake, it's still there and it is loud. It drove me crazy. I now have
>an
>appointment for Wednesday after Labor Day to get them to look at it again.
>It got so bad that 2 days later when I had only 1/2 tank of gas I filled up
>with the highest octane I could fins, 93. By doing that the spark knock
>went away. I feel that since the manual states to use regular unleaded gas
>they should fix it to run on regular gas.
>
>The reason for this post is to see what others think may be happening.
>What
>does it say by plus or premium gas stopping the knock? What tips can be
>relayed to the local Dodge service department?, they don't have a clue.
>Can
>driving habits cause spark knock? Like heavy on acceleration, quick stops,
>etc.
>
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