Hi All. I have a very loud crackling noise that started today coming from under my 99 Dakota sport V6 it got louder after 3 miles so I turned around and brought him home! Anyone have have an idea what it might be? I live in the "boonies" and don't want to drive my truck if it should be towed to my mechanic instead. :-(

 

Where is the Crackling coming from?
front (wheels, engine, etc)
mid / cab (transmission, catalytic, body, etc)
rear (exhaust, fuel tank, muffler, etc)

it could be anything...

 

The sound seems to be coming from under the cab(mid) sounds like a playing card wrapped in cellophane stuck in a wheel spoke or a fan.

 

Is there anything loose under there? check rusted spots, check bolts... check exhaust flange, any holes in the exhaust pipe? did you have any power loss? Could be the honeycomb inside the Cat has burst?

Anyone else got any ideas?