I have a 2006 dakota with the 3.7 and the 6 speed manual. I got it with about 55,000 miles on it now it has 76,000. I hadnt driven it on the highway much until 70,000 miles and it seems to get horrible gas mileage, and it seems like it is getting worse every time I drive it. Im getting about 13 mpg in town and 15.5 on the highway. Maybe that is normal but i feel like a V-6 should be doing better. It also seems to not have very much giddy up when I need it to. I'm thinking I should change the fuel filter. Has anyone else had the same problems?

Thanks

 

Welcome to DF. Use the search function to find answers. Reading this thread you will see what other members are getting:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...akota-mpg.html

Its a heavy truck. Some things you may do to help is basic tune up stuff. Along with that fuel filter, you should be changing the oil and filter, air filter, plugs and wires. Make sure your tires are at the proper pressure as well.

 

When was the last time it was tuned up?

 

You can't really change the fuel filter on these trucks, or most newer models anymore. The "filter" is pretty much built-into the pump, and the pump is in the top of the gas tank.

I third the question, when was the last time it was tuned up? The spark plugs on the 3.7L V6, for example, are only designed to go about 30,000 miles. If it wasn't tuned up recently before you acquired the vehicle, and you've now had it for 21,000 miles, it may be time to replace those, among other things (consult your owners manual).

 

I did a basic tune up this weekend when i went home. New spark plugs, air filter, injector/fuel system cleaner, and some gas additive that is supposed to keep the motor running cleaner. I keep the oil changed about every 3 to 5000 miles and the tire pressure is good. I also have a cold air intake on it, a relatively cheap Spectra one. I found a tear in the filter as I was changing plugs so I had to buy a new filter for it.

The first time I took in on the highway after the tune up it got 14 mpg... I was in a hurry so i was driving a little faster than usual but still frustrating. Then the next time I got it on the highway it got 17 mpg at 73mph. I filled up before driving home tonight and by looking at the gas gauge and comparing it to before it seems like I may have gotten almost 20 mpg at 68 to 71mph. I feel like 20 is more like what I should be getting, but i wish that was at 75-80mph with 22-23 at 70mph. Anything else I can do to boost my mileage? or any other problems that the 3.7 has with this?

I put autolight platinums in for plugs.

Thank You

 

that seems more reasonable. Good luck getting any higher mpg

 

Autolite plugs are usually good in Fords... not necessarily the best for our trucks, but they do tend to work.

NGK and Champion brand plugs seem to work the best for Chrysler products.

I am glad they are working for you, but I would not recommend platinum plugs for anything unless the manual calls for them. Platinum is a terrible conductor compared to iridium, let alone copper. Short of gold, copper is the best. Cheap copper plugs will probably work the best in the 3.7.

20 MPG at any speed over 55-60 in a Dakota is fantastic, V6 or V8. These are heavy trucks weighing in at over two tons, and are not meant for great gas mileage.

 

Get a jet preformance chip I get 31 mpg highway its cheap and really easy to instal

 

Wow, you must be the only guy to actually recommend a Jet Chip. I knew there had to be one out there.

 

Throwing the B.S. flag down on that one. No Dakota can touch 31 MPG without heavy modifications (more than just a JET chip), and even then I doubt it.

I would love to see your math/numbers for the 31 MPG claim.



That and the JET chip is terrible when compared to the SCT or Superchips programmers.