I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota pickup, V6 (3.9)and just today it started to bog down everytime I give it gas. It idles fine but if I try to give it gas it barely reveves up with strong bogging and is not drivable unless it idling.Any idea's, has anyone eles had this?
Thanks, Kevin

 

Sounds like a clogged cat converter, probably caused by a failing o2 sensor. But that's just my guess.

 

my first thought was exhaust blockage as well. do you get a engine trouble code or is your check engine light on?

 

Thanks for the replies. You know I have had a rattling coming from the cat. I thought it was the heat shield on the cat so I didn't worry about it. After checking the rattling it is coming from the inside of the cat and has been making that noise for 3 months. I also checked all around my intake manifold, connections, air box, hoses, everything seems to be fine. I do not have any computer test equipment. Also, I do not have any warning lights on. The cat is original 1998 with 108K miles.

I think this might be it. I guess I should replace the cat LOL
Where would be a low cost place to get it done?

Thank you much for your advice.

 

any local muffler shop sould be able to take care of that for you. i paid $120 to get one (single) done on my mustang a few years ago. i think it really should have thrown some sort of trouble code though..

 

I herd that my 98' Dakota has an "OBD2" cat and they run around $400. just for the cat. I was told if you try to put a cheaper cat on the O2 sensor with detect it and give you a warning light. Also in California the smog inspector will do a visual check to make sure you have the OBD2 cat. I guess this is more money than I thought.

 

bummer but it makes sence. your dakota, as well as all vehicles sold in the USA after 1997, is an OBD2 vehicle. the mustang i did it on was a 1987 and only used one o2 sensor before the cat. for that much money i would definately confirm it was the cat before i bought one. did you check your exhaust for obstructions like tennis ***** or a potato?

 

Hey kurbycar32,

I just had a new cat installed. The Truck runs great and no more rattling. Yes I did confirm the old cat was plugged-up. The inside of the cat was loose and rattling around in there and it finally moved forward the pipe outlet and started to seal against the outlet. Lucky we caught it in time before in came apart and went into the rest of the exhaust.

I also found the cat for $350. at Warner's Mufflers in Oceanside, Ca.
I guess it comes with a 3 year 36k warranty.

Thank you very much for your help. This is the first time for me on this site
I will have to check in more often. Pictures of my truck at www.kevingerard.net
I am thinking about selling it and getting the same one, but with an extended cab.

Thanks again.

 

bummer. Sorry I didn't reply sooner.

Summitracing has a Magnaflow "California" 43000 series cat for $180

Then you'd just have to get a muffler shop (or whoever) to cut the old one out and weld the new one in, usually another $50 or so.