1990 Dodge Dakota sputters and accelerates poorly

Tiny
MJOBRIEN10
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 146,000 MILES
When I push lightly on the gas it run okay up to about 40 mph but if I push the gas harder to accelerate quicker the engine sputters and doesn't really accelerate. I changed the fuel filer but it didin't help. Also, I changed the plugs, wires, and distributor a few days before the problem started.
Thursday, May 14th, 2009 AT 8:57 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition coil
Wet plug wires
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Thursday, May 14th, 2009 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
MJOBRIEN10
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Is it possible that one of the spark plugs is not tightened down enough or is too tight?

Thanks, I'll clean the injectors today and see what happens.
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Thursday, May 14th, 2009 AT 9:14 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
If you haven't changed it for a long time. Do so now, however you still got a long way to go if its not it-Troubleshoot the rest I've mentioned don't throw parts at it and keep me posted.
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Thursday, May 14th, 2009 AT 3:46 PM

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