I'm working on a 2001 dodge dakota 3.9L V6. When I start it and it does not matter what time of day, it does not hardly want to run when you put it in gear. At first it idles poorly then when I put it in gear and step on throttle, it spits, sputters, and will back fire through intake. Now once I push pedal to floor, it comes out of it and will run fine usually. It does not do it everyday, but somedays are worse than others. Fuel pump pressure is good, it does not leak down. It has new plugs, wires, cap and rotor, new coil, and IAC motor. It has no vaccum leaks that I can find. I also checked for leaks around intake and did not find any. It also does not throw any codes when it starts running like crap. Is there something that I am overlooking, and could somebody point me in another direction, please? Thanks

 

have you ckecked your battery? and fuel pressure?

 

I have the same problem on my v6 and have posted to this site just below. I've changed all the same things plus a new water temp sensor, removed and cleaned throttle body and pluged vent on dist. I'm not sure what to try next. If I do find a solution I will post to you the answer. I have spoke to a freind that has a shop and he said he would look at it but at this time I dont have the money. He did say something about a new factory post about updating the computer program. I'll try to keep and eye on your post to see if you get it fixed it really is a hard to live with problem.. Good Luck and hope we find the answer!!

 

are you in a high moisture area? if so you need to check if moisture is getting in to the dist cap. it has a vent between the center tower and the the outer tower. this vent ALL ways needs to be plugged, with JB-weld.

 

Hey I got mine fixed. If you read O2 sensor swap or v6 backfires nee help you will read what I did. I had replaced a bad O2 sensor with a Bosch and the code went away but the backfire started. I changed the Bosch O2 sensor and the problem when away. I tried alot of things but I'm sold on Bosch O2 sensor no good for Dodge. Please read my two other post and I think you will get the idea on what to try. Good luck