my 2001 Dakota just started backfiring thru the carb/throttle body. It appears to only be happening when the motor is cold, during the first 2-3 miles while driving, and only when accelerating. There are no codes showing, I've had it on a code reader. Just replaced the spark plug wires and distributor cap yesterday but that didn't fix it. I've heard it could be O2 sensor or EGR valve? any other suggestions?

 

never seen an 01 dakota with a carb

 

Looks like a carb but it's not. It's a stock motor.

 

Well, no EGR valve so that's not making it backfire.....

 

What size engine?

 

3.9 L V6. Put 3 different O2 sensors in the dang thing today, found out the first on had the wrong plug, went back and traded that in, the Bosch brand still didn't fix it, made the backfiring and power loss worse, went to the dealer, thought the plug looked right, got home and the plug is exactly backwards. What a day. at a stop until Monday.

 

Typically you won't need to replace O2 sensors unless they throw a code. Also, our trucks do not like generic O2 sensors; you need to get them from the dealer.

 

Your truck is running too rich. It could be the IAC. Remove the IAC from the side of the throttle body. It is probably caked with carbon. Clean it with a toothbrush and throttle body cleaner. Be very gentle with it though. If you want to replace it, they are about $30 at Auto Zone. I would remove the entire throttle body and clean it too.

 

Well, thanks for the idea, unfortunately it didn't fix me problems. Looks like it's gonna end up at the dealer.

 

Let us know what the problem was.