Hello,

I own a 1996 Dakota Sport it has a 3.9L w/mpfi, it has the 42re auto tranny. The truck has 137,000 miles on it. The problem started with the MIL indicator showing a 14, 21, 24, 45 code. Okay so i replaced the upstream o2 sensor, the MAP sensor and the TPS. I also replaced the Air Charge sensor because the resistance was too high when I ohmed it out with the VOM meter. The truck will start ok and idle ok until it reaches operating temperature. It has a 185 degree tstat in it. It then surges while being driven at a constant speed and backfires in the exhaust. The truck starts blowing black smoke and of course idles at 2-400 rpm then dies , especially if you are turning. It usual idles at 600 rpm. I would greatly appreciatte your help as I am at my wits end and really dont desire to ride my motorcycle for the winter to come. I believe it may be an internal engine issue or a bad computer (which i think would throw a 53 ? ). Anyway I look forward to hearing what ideas and suggestions you all may have.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

how is the basic tune up part of the engine? any vacuum leaks going to anything? sounds like it could be a bad puter too me too with the way it is acting.