I have a 2006 Dakota SLT, it has been experiencing random power loss after start up. No codes, no CEL. Mash the accelerator and after about 3-4 seconds it clears up and takes off. Most often there will be no other instances. Until the next times we turn it off and back on. Does not happen with every start up. Of course it did not happen at any of the 3 different mechanics that have worked on it this year.

Has brand new motor (separate issue water pump went out and the engine locked up). Brand new transmission. Also brand new computer. Problem existed before all these items were replaced.

Any ideas?

 

So what's still on there that's involved with running the engine, that DIDN'T get changed? TPS? If it's an electronic throttle body, Pedal Position Sensor?

 

I would say yes to all three of those. Of course we can toss all three on there and see which one fixes it. I'm surprised by the lack of CEL. When my 2004 Acura had the TPS and throttle body go bad, each threw a code and forced limp mode and required a restart. This just clears itself and takes off.

 

btw, I'm new to the forum and have no idea where that user name came from. Is it possible to change it? I looked thru all the user options and control panel menus, but didn't see it.

 

I suspect I have the ability to change it.

I would be tempted to acquire a scanner, and see if you can catch what it going on. Log TPS and APPS while driving, when it screws up, check the logs, see if either of them is doing anything strange.

What would you like your username changed to?

 

Teo132

 

There ya go.

 

Thank you very much. Now I guess I get to buy a better code scanner. I have a basic one but no logging features. Just reads CEL codes.

 

The 2006 has a cable driven throttle body, it wasn't until 2008 that they moved over to electronic throttle control. Most code readers can only read powertrain "P" codes as those are what typically trigger the engine light (MIL). A higher end scanner or computer software with a usb-obd cable can get more codes from different modules (B, C, P, T & U). The free factory service manual at the top of the forum has a list of codes and diagnostic checks to figure out exactly what needs to be fixed. If you are good with computers, I would recommend the software approach, otherwise the dedicated scanner is the simple option.