Hey you guys . Got a 97 dakota . V6 magnum. Had some check engine lights . On and off. Only code is p0132 which is upstream sensor. Noticed weird idling and not a lot of power above 80 km... Had trouble starting it a few times and it seemed like starter . But that's fine . Then I'm thinking spark plugs and by leads but I'm unsure where to start . Usually it's something setting off the sensor . Any help would be great

 

I'm reluctant to spend money right now cuz the truck was only 1600x I just wanna cancel some options out before I start buying parts . Currently the truck is running well but it's got no ***** and hills take a lot of Gas to maintain speed

 

Well, first off, routine maintenance.

Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, filters, PCV valve.

Due to the age, it's not a bad idea to swap the upstream O2s. But while they're out, drive around the block and see if it's still "gutless" - you may have a plugged cat or exhaust system.

I'd also suggest a can or two of either Seafoam, Techron, or my old time fave, Berryman B12 Chemtool in the gas to help flush the fuel system out.

None of those are all that expensive - even the O2s, the good ones, are under $65 each at RockAuto (Mopar) or the NTK (the OEM for Chrysler, IIRC) are about $32 for the upstream. Check the service manual and see if you have one or two upstream O2s, if two, replace both.

After that, it's time to troubleshoot. But not until the routine maintenance has been done.

RwP