Backfiring and stuttering 2002 Dakota 3.9
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Joined: Oct 2009
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It appears I spoke too soon! It happened again tonight and it was about the worst episode yet. I will check the sensor again tomorrow to make sure the plug has not come loose or something.
I will also need to figure out how to test the crankshaft position sensor, as recommended by corpusfisherman (I don't have a scan tool). The CPS is about $75, so I want to make sure it is bad before replacing it. How do you make sure it is good?
Beyond those things, I have no clue what to try next. I am getting really frustrated with this! (Part of my frustration is due to my limited knowledge of any automotive device with a computer! LOL)
Any additional ideas?
Thanks,
Don
I will also need to figure out how to test the crankshaft position sensor, as recommended by corpusfisherman (I don't have a scan tool). The CPS is about $75, so I want to make sure it is bad before replacing it. How do you make sure it is good?
Beyond those things, I have no clue what to try next. I am getting really frustrated with this! (Part of my frustration is due to my limited knowledge of any automotive device with a computer! LOL)
Any additional ideas?
Thanks,
Don
I have heard from others that these trucks are very picky about the o2 sensors, so if you don't have new, Denso, o2 sensors, I would seriously consider replacing them before doing additional work. Rock Auto has the sensors for a very reasonable price.
Typically, when the crank position sensor fails - the truck won't start.
The only other sensor (that I can think of) that could cause these problems would be the cam position sensor, sometimes called a hall effect sensor, which is located in the distributor, under the cap and rotor. I replaced the cam position sensor early in my trials, and later the entire distributor assembly, with no change. Not saying your truck will be identical, but those were my results.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Same problem
Have the same problem with my 2002 Dakota 3.9. Have replaced all sensors except the temp sensor and camshaft senser, if it has one. How about the downstream 02 sensors. Could they be causing this problem? I did have a PO422 for awhile. Come on fellas, someone out there must have a fix for this common problem.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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change the crankshaft position sensor and don't look back.....yes its 70 bucks, but at the end of the day, its' two bolts and one snap connection....
the snap connection is by the distributor in the back of the motor....if I remember right, mine was blue and white....un-do the connection and push it down along the bulkhead...this will help you find the sensor....two bolts, think they were 10mm....near the flywheel....
new one, snap on the connector, drop the sensor down, put the bolts back in....
if you're around the coast or live somewhere where the salt the roads, that's likely your issue.....
good luck!
CF
the snap connection is by the distributor in the back of the motor....if I remember right, mine was blue and white....un-do the connection and push it down along the bulkhead...this will help you find the sensor....two bolts, think they were 10mm....near the flywheel....
new one, snap on the connector, drop the sensor down, put the bolts back in....
if you're around the coast or live somewhere where the salt the roads, that's likely your issue.....
good luck!
CF
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4
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Tried the temp sensor and it did not fix the problem. I had put in new 02 sensors 6 months ago, but they weren't Denso. Went ahead and ordered new Denso 02 sensors and it runs perfect now. I guess the old maxim "you get what you pay for" is true.