Have a 95 dakota sport 2.5, 5-speed. Alternator belt is screeching, but i just replaced the alternator maybe 2 months ago. So my thoughts are that the belt is either bad or loose. But my question is that, while this screeching only happens when the engine is cold, and only if i have the blower motor engaged, is it possible that a slipping alternator belt could cause periodic engine power loss while driving at low rpms. and what i mean by periodic engine power loss, is that sometimes it runs fine with no issues, sometimes its just a little weak as though there is a vaccuum leak or something, but occasionally ill be driving at 25 or 30 and its almost as though the engine floods out, and i have to let of the gas, push in the clutch and then give it some gas to get the power back.....i know its a mess, but anyone got any ideas?

 

It could be the belt loose or just slipping due to age. You may need to replace the belt. I'm not sure if it is has an automatic tensioner, but if it does it may need to be replaced. Or if it is a manual adjuster it will need to be tightened up.

When you say blower, is the AC on? If so maybe it is the AC compressor or another pulley making the squeak. Try spraying WD40 on one pulley at a time and see which one stops.

I will move this to the 1st Gen. Dakota sub forum.

 

i just had the same thing happen to me, i was told it was happening because of a bad temp sensor, and because the sensor was bad i was not getting the correct amount of fuel from the injectors, i dont know if this helps at all but im just throwing it out there

 

crazy 4x4- i have no belt on the compressor so i know its the alternator. I have a manual tensioner, and when i took my ac belt off i loosened the tensioner for some stupid reason, and for got to make the correct adjustment, so im thinking that im on the right path there. I was just curious if it would explain my engine power loss.

But the hillbilly makes a good point. I have had trouble with my temp gage lately, it occasionally fluctuates, but i really didnt even consider it as being related.

Thanks for the help gentlemen. Im going to get to work on her tonight. I post what i find.