2000 Dodge Dakota.
Engine size = 3.9l V6
Question = I recently had the oil changed, fuel injectors cleaned,
radiator flushed, and the transmission fluid changed. The truck has
179,000 miles. It has mild oil leak but not smoking. It does idle a bit
rough. After the last service, it started jerking or bucking while
accelerating sometimes occasionally at the start but usually around
50 mph. Just wanted your opinion on where to start or if I need to
rush it to a mechanic.
Engine size = 3.9l V6
Question = I recently had the oil changed, fuel injectors cleaned,
radiator flushed, and the transmission fluid changed. The truck has
179,000 miles. It has mild oil leak but not smoking. It does idle a bit
rough. After the last service, it started jerking or bucking while
accelerating sometimes occasionally at the start but usually around
50 mph. Just wanted your opinion on where to start or if I need to
rush it to a mechanic.
Answer: What you are describing is an engine misfire. The way that it
is happening to your truck- while accelerating, especially at 50 mph
and more, tells me this is an ignition problem. When you accelerate
from a higher speed, you are putting a heavy electrical load on the
ignition system. This causes a faulty part to act up, when it may not at
lower speeds or less hard acceleration. Most common is a bad spark
plug wire, spark plug, distributor cap and rotor or ignition coil. What is
happening is referred to as the component is "Breaking Down". Would
suggest doing a full tune up including spark plugs, plug wires, cap
and rotor. Look closely at the ignition coil for signs of burnt areas. Or
you could even spray these components with a water spray bottle with
the engine running. This may cause the spark to "Jump", and you
would be able to hear and see it.
is happening to your truck- while accelerating, especially at 50 mph
and more, tells me this is an ignition problem. When you accelerate
from a higher speed, you are putting a heavy electrical load on the
ignition system. This causes a faulty part to act up, when it may not at
lower speeds or less hard acceleration. Most common is a bad spark
plug wire, spark plug, distributor cap and rotor or ignition coil. What is
happening is referred to as the component is "Breaking Down". Would
suggest doing a full tune up including spark plugs, plug wires, cap
and rotor. Look closely at the ignition coil for signs of burnt areas. Or
you could even spray these components with a water spray bottle with
the engine running. This may cause the spark to "Jump", and you
would be able to hear and see it.
