I have a 98 Dakota 4x4 3.9 v6 which has recently begun giving me a TON of problems.


I'm not handy with the tools so I rely on friends.


We've changed my alternator, my cap, my plugs, we are going to change out my tensioner pulley because she's a tad bent.


Today my baby started chugging and backfiring on deceleration. Only when I release the gas does she pop.


What do I do?


I don't want to get screwed by a mechanic who sees I'm a female without a clue so help me out guys, please???

 

Any check engine light on?

 

well at the moment my dash cluster is dead so all of my lights are on and none of my gauges work.

 

I'd still get it scanned for codes. That will usually tell you the problem. Could be any number of things. Clogged cat, blown plenum (I believe the 3.9 has the same plenum issue as the 5.2/5.9L), bad O2 sensor, bad temperature sensor, etc. Now, to eliminate the obvious: You replaced cap and plugs, are the wires good? Air filter good? Coolant and oil levels good? Any throttle body services been performed? (cleaned) How many miles on the truck? What do you mean by "Only when I release the gas does she pop"?

 

I'd start here and point to the PCM/comms buss.

 

did they put the wires back on the cap in the right positions