Hi:

I am looking for ideas and clues to address the missing and sputtering my 06 V8 dakota has been doing for some time. I get no codes.
At first, and still, it is usually most noticed upon cold start. Now it does it more regular. I am an amuteur mechanic.. (maybe I shouldn't use the term Mechanic, so as not to insult the real mechanics..)

I have over 158000 miles.
I have owned and maintained the truck from day one.
It uses no oil in between changes
I recently changed the plugs, fuel injectors, and even checked the fuel pressure with a gauge (It came out within specs)

I am on fairly low income now and I am scared of taking it to a shop. (I have a strong fear of being raped$$$$$$$$$$$)

I am curious if it could be a coil, sticking valve, or something else I have not thought of.

I still get fairly good speed and performance on the highway. Occaisionally, it will kill at a stop sign with the ac running. I live in Phoenix now, but this started when I was in below freezing tempratures...

Anyway, I would sure appreciate some advice for what possibilities to look into to address this.

Thanks

 

welcome to the forum. are you getting any codes?

 

Welcome to DF!

I'm moving this to the main 3g Dakota section since this is a technical question, you'll get more eyes on the thread here.

 

Thank you for your help. I am not getting any codes

 

Did you ever take off the throttle body and clean it?

 

Hi, GOOD ADVICE, not for over a year and a half. It did look like it was really clean when I last saw it changing plugs. I'll give it a try this weekend. Thanks again

 

Also check for vacuum leaks

 

Thanks, I will try to check that out when I do the throttle body. Now that I think more about it, that throttle body makes sense....

 

when you changed out the plugs, was one alittle different color, could be a slightly leaking head gasket, also properly gapping the plugs is a plus

 

Thanks, it was doing the missing/sputtering thing before I changed plugs, and still is. When I changed them, I looked at each one. I also took careful note of the gaps. I appreciate your wise suggestion though.