HI, I'm realitively new to Dodge fourms and new to Dodge trucks. I have a 2000 Dakota SLT V-6 auto. I bought this truck used so it has had a few problems. I am currently working on what has been called Wild Vents. Under a load the vent's shift up to the defrost.

I have done quite a bit of research on here and the Internet and I understand the problem is with the vacuum. I have checked all the connections under the hood using Carb cleaner. But instead of tearing the dash apart I figured it would be easier to check for a leak with a vacuum gage. So I took the Cruise Control vacuum hose off the "T" fitting on the fire wall and connected the vacuum gage. Started the engine and got 12" of vacuum. When I took the engine up to about 1500 RPM I got 15" and then back at Idle 12". When I shut the engine off vacuum dropped to 9" and stayed there for about an hour. Also I should note that when i pulled off the Cruise control hose I got a hiss indicating vacuum.

To me if I have a vacuum leak, I should not have been able to hold the vacuum that long. Am I correct in my thinking? If so then I probably need to get a one of those reservoir from a Dealer and hopefully that will correct the problem.

I would like to thank all those who have contributed so much info on the this subject in the numerous threads and to 98DakAZ for a really great website full of pics and info on the Dakota air system. Thanks

 

I don't think you have a leak, as such, more of a bad check valve. At least it's the most common reason for your doors changing position under load.

Near the booster in the line is the check valve for the HVAC. It's easy to replace. Change it out and see what happens.

I've posted a pic.

 

Thanks, I'll check it out tomorrow.