I am having trouble with my 1997 Dakota 2.5L engine. I have recently replaced the Crankshaft Position Senor and still having issues with stalling, backfiring and running rough. No fault codes at this time other than Code 12. Need help with this one!

 

Sometimes you just get a bad new part

I would also take a good look at your job you may have it twisted or off by a little take it out look at it then install it again.

Plugs wires so on good?

No wires on the wrong terminal?

Gas fuel pressure ok?

Cat not plugged up?

Throttle body clean?

 

New Part is good. Checked Plug wires and Firing Order, all OK. Fuel Pressure is good. Removed Cat due to running slow up hill, replaced with straight pipe. Throttle Body is clean.

Would I have a Timing issue, maybe?

 

Have you checked the coil or the Distributor Pickup Coil under the cap roter looks like this below check and clean it up look at the connector to it.

 

I have replaced the coil and Distributor Cap and Button before the Crankshft Position Sensor. I will check out the Distributor Pickup Coil tonight, Thanks.

 

Clear all codes if the Code 12 comes back then its still the crank sensor

Are your sensor wires chewed up is the connector in good shape no corrosion?

Its possible you have a poor ground to the engine.

If all fails check your cylinder compression.... blown head?


You should have listed everything you tried in the beginning so I'm not wasting my time playing... can you guess?

 

Sensor wires are are in good shape and not chewed up. Rechecked Ground to the engine and its good. I cleaned the Distributor Pickup Coil and still have the same condition as before. I'll have the Cylinder compression checked to see if head is blown. Sorry you feel I was playing a guessing game, but I've been just as fustrated with this condition for over a month now. I will get back to this Forum once I have results of Cylinder Compression test.

 

Blown Head Gasket!

 

Did it get over heated?


The head is not hard to remove DIY everything is easy to get at take your time an get it done I think most shops charge $150 to R/R your head.


I’ve been considering an R/R of my head to get some power back some good clean valve seals would do wonders.

 

Yes it overheated. I think it happened back when the radiator blew its plastic cap off while sitting traffic. I replaced it and soon after that is when I replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor. I think that is when the Head Gasket Blew. I know I could do it myself, but money is tight for now. I'll put it on the back burner for now. Thanks for all your Help.