Dakota Barely Runs, Very Rough Idle, Backfires
 

My wife was driving my Dakota the other day when it died on her twice. She was able to get it home. The next morning I attempted to start it. It started, but barely. It runs extremely rough, and backfires. Its a 2000 Dakota with the 3.9 V6. 206,000 miles. The check engine light is not on. Any idea on where I should start to diagnose the problem?

Thanks

When is the last time it had a tuneup? Does this just come on all at once, or did it get worse over time? Does it run ok when cold? (for a couple minutes?)

Happened suddenly, was running fine before this started. Its been a few years since a tune up. I'm going to check the distributor cap and spark plugs as a place to start.

Thanks.

Checked plugs, they looked good, as did the dist.cap. Probably start replacing sensors now, I've never replaced a single one since I've owned it (I'm the only owner).

For crank and cam sensors, only buy from Mopar. I think the cam sensor is near EOL but crank is still made. The V6 is particularly finicky with crank sensors.