Help with 1999 Dakota Limp Mode (Unique)
 

OK, I'm new to the site and have been searching for a long time for my problem. Everyone here seems to be very helpful and I need that. Haha. So what I am dealing with is my 1999 V8 5.2L Dakota is going into limp mode. I know there are a lot of threads about this but I can't find one specific to me. It bewilders me because it will work fine for a while then just one day decide to flip. It has been out of limp mode for the last 7 months then just yesterday it flipped into it. Sometimes if I turn off the truck or disconnect battery cable it will reset and be fine, other times it just goes back into it. It's very frustrating to say the least. These are the things I have done to try and fix it,

-Replaced solenoids A and B (It is throwing a solenoid A code)
-Replaced speed sensor
-Had a mechanic check the shift pressure, while it was having the limp mode problem, and he said it was 0-1 psi. However once I drove away, it shifted fine for about 4 months before going back to limp mode.

All done last fall. At that time I also,

-Replaced Radiator
-Replaced Heater core

Things I did right before it went back into limp mode,

-Replaced Thermostat
-Refilled anti-freeze
-Changed oil

The limp mode thing is really frustrating, I am totally at a loss. One thing the truck does as well is, if I turn sharp left, jumps rpm to about 5000 if I try and take a quick corner. My father in law has a 98 V6, which does the same rpm jump but doesn't have the same issues with the limp mode. Any help is appreciated. Sorry if I rambled but just wanted to get the most accurate answers the quickest. Thanks!

I dont know but others may
 

My Guess is

1 the PCM has a cracked connection that’s an on off kind of problem.

2 The map sensor needs replacing post here
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/201947-poor-gas-mileage-and-loss-of-power-solved.html

3 check all emission controls lines tubs sensors so on.

4 you have an intermittent fuel problem these seem to be common.

The others with V8 knowledge will be with you soon.

Thanks a lot! Will look into it.

don't know if this will help or not but here goes.

had a 198? mazda 626. rack-n-pinion steering. there was a sensor on the power steering pump that increased the rpm to help when cutting sharp turns at low speeds (pulling in parking spaces). my problem was 5000 rpm and almost hitting the car in front of me.

fix - pull wires off sensor.

kilgore

Could a map sensor be the cause of there limp mode and rpm jump issues? How would I test it? I'd like to know prior to buying a $100 part that may not fix it.

map sensor may cause the rpm but don't think it would cause the limp.
but i could be wrong.

kilgore

we try to help
 

What you’re talking about is the ghost in the machine these on off problems can be the hardest to find and fix.

Tossing money at parts is all to common an approach with no results at all and ends up being something so obvious you yell OOH that’s the problem how stupid could I be.

A forum will help but we are not in front of the car and that is the best way to find and fix a problem but we try to help.

:icon_lolsign:Can someone explain to me exactly what "Limp mode" means..:icon_lolsign:

Limp mode is when the vehicle has, or thinks it has something wrong with transmission and won't allow shifting. Basically my truck is in second gear all the time at all speeds. If anyone is in Spokane Washington area I'll pay to have it looked at.

Scan it. Even without the check-engine-light on you
should be able to read what's going on while in limp mode.