2001 Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6 stall problem 

Here I am 3 years later with the same truck and have not have a single problem with it after I gutted the catalytic converters. My problem was caused by clogged cats. A simple test to see if it will help you is to remove the bolts from the exhaust manifolds to the cats and create an exhaust leak to relieve the pressure and try the test. If it still has a bad stall problem you will have to try something else. If it cures the problem then gut the cats. Its worth a shot. Also for 3 years I have not had cats or O2 sensors and the truck has not given me problems as a daily driver with 180K miles. My state does not perform emission tests so I can drive without cats. Hope it helps.

I'll throw in my hat if it helps. Mine is an 01 Dakota 3.9 V6 as well, 100,000 miles. I had a misfire on 1 and 3, and misfire on multiple cylinders. I changed the throttle position sensor, IAC sensor (I didn't do the MAF sensor yet), crankshaft position sensor, replaced spark plugs, spark plug wires, air filter, checked compression, checked for spark, and anything and everything else I could think of, and everything worked good, and after 2 years it was still no help.What finally fixed it for me was changing the two upper O2 sensors. And I just happened on that by mistake. I had been meaning to change them out just because I knew they were old. The two lower ones were tight, so I never got those off. So I replaced one of the upper ones, and the truck ran 1/2 better. I then replaced the other, and boom, all good.I know everyone is throwing a ton of ideas out there, BUT everyone's ideas are ALL legit. I mean, the whole process from air intake to combustion to exhaust all needs to work right. And if something along the line fails, it can cause a misfire. If you want to try a cheap trick, remove or disconnect the upper O2 sensors and drive it around (This will probably throw an O2 code, but big whoop). If it doesn't misfire, you might have your diagnosis. I figured my O2's were clogged up and thus sending bad info to the computer, which in turn was sending bad info to the other sensors responsible for combustion.

I have the same problem with my truck let me know. What fixed it

When I purchased the truck ten or so years ago, it began to have this problem, mostly during a U turn. I lived with it, One day, I left the lights on at a well lit mall and drained the battery. I happend to have a new battery from my shop in the bed, dropped it in, and the truck never stalled again. Seven years later, it is stalling again. I cleaned the IAC valve, and it works. Just like last time, the battery tested O.K., ,it is seven years old, so I know it's time for a new one. M1M

8 years latter!!! am still having this same problem I already change like $1500 dls maybe more on parts (Map, Tpc, IAC 7x, Spark plugs, Wires,(O2 sensors 3x), you name the rest!!) but I hevent trie your trick! lets see what happens, my truck only has 70000 miles only owner.

Change the pick up coil and get an OEM crank sensor. I have a 98 dakota 3.9L same issue. Both are very simple to replace. Pick up coil is under the distributor cap and the crank sensor is on the passanger side trans bell housing. There are videos on here with step by step instructions as well.

Andrew have u fixed the problem my dakotas doing the same thing please reply

Well, i changed the crank position sensor the next day, still had the problem. I figured out that my cats were clogged enough to choke out the motor and stall at the low rpm. The other thing that doesnt help is my transmission governor sensor and sileniod need replaced so drive starts in 2nd gear until i reach 2k rpm and it downshifts back to first. So that doesnt help things either. Riped the cats out and it doesnt stall unless i try to make it stall, probably because its in 2nd :P

Same issue with my 2001 dakota 4.7 V8 changed just about everything you did still sits at about 600 rpm and dies every now and then getting worse. Very annoying to say the least.

So 1997 Ram Excellent condition low milage 70,000 miles......Same syptoms as video......Took Negative lead off for 2 minutes 💙💛 Fixed it.....

Not going into detail since this is an old post but check AT fluid, yes this can cause stalling, not enough fluid to keep TCC unlocked can cause stalling, this is for the people who are trying to figure out whats wrong, just check the fluid, even half quart low can cause this, even if its not the problem what can checking and topping off transfluid hurt?

Well when this truck came up for sale i couldn't resist. Almost everything new and just 120,000 miles. My first run with the truck it idled about 30 minutes and wouldn't stall. I was about to not buy it when it did stall. The 98 Dodge Dakota is now home. Fuel pressure was low so I figured i would replace it before digging in with further diagnostics. I am now going to check the coolant sensors. There are two. One for the dash and one for the computer. If i am right the one for the computer is bad. Probably reporting an overheat and activating the auto stop relay.

Andrew I had the same issue with my truck same year everything I want to know what you found out what the actual problem was? I have people to tell me that I have to change a fuel pump in the tank thanks

In April 2011 I inherited my mother's 01 Dakota Quad Cab 2WD with the 3.9L V6 and just 29,650 miles on it. Having been a former MOPAR fan, I am NOT impressed with this Dodge at all! It looks nice. The body seems well built and the interior is comfortable and laid out well. And other than a woefully inadequate turning radius, it handles and rides fine. (cont...)

God Lord people ! I've seen every thing except changing out the turn signal fluid or muffler bearing in this thread!

If its your fuel pump try royal purple. Its a fuel injector and gas cleaner. Over where im at they sell it at pepboys. But you can check to see if your local automotive store sells it. Just pour the entire bottle and then take it for a test drive. My truck would do the same and its since stopped and its been about 8 months. Hope it helps!

Like wtf people give a right answer instead of saying its a million thing's . i still not solved my issue because all youtube does is give u a million sensors to replace

Just changing the idler pully fixed my problem for several years. Not sure why that did the trick, it did work though.

I got same just when u put git in gear I did 02 sensor, maf, idle air, tps, starter, alternator, water temp sensor,camshaft sensor, and still kills when hit lor rpm will start right back up. On cold days takes a few turns I was told it might be the lack up solenoid in transmission or the torque converter lock up. Idk tho

Coolant temp sensor? It definitely would cause this problem if it has one. But I wanna say fuel issues but you would be getting cylinder misfire codes if you had low compression in cylinders from low fuel pressure or faulty or clogged injectors. I’m assuming thou😮

If your truck has more than 120,000 miles, more than likely it's the catalytic converter.

It only stalls when i am in 2nd gear and under a load at a stop. Hopefully can get the governer sensor/solenoid replaced soon so that Drive starts out in 1st. Havent stalled since i ripped cats out and put in strait pipe, but drive still starts in 2nd.

Hey i know this is old i have an 2001 gmc savana 1500 i just got it this Tuesday Dec 1 2015 i drove it from Hawley P.A To New Jersey It dose the same thing But When i Put It On Netural And Pressing The Gas She Wont Stall Out BUT when i turn Or reverse it will shut off even if i leave it on drive at time she wont stall when i dont put it on put the Neutral but when it starts is when the light on dash turns on saying CHECK GAUGES so thats when i throw it back on neutral a press on the gas or just put it on neutral and when its time to go ill throw it on drive What You Guys Think???

I didn't have this problem, but an intake bolt head broke off mine (indicated by leaking coolant). If extra air enters that is not recorded by the sensors, this may cause this same problem. When I found my bolt broke, I found other discussion threads online with the same truck (2001 Dakota 3.9) with broken bolt heads at about the same mileage (160,000kms or 100,000 miles)

For future reference, I have a 1996 dodge ram 1500 5.2L that had this exact same problem. Changed out every sensor in the book. Later down the road I found out it was a bad oil pump. And from the looks of your oil pressure that may be the case.

For one thing, your oil pressure looks kinda low for 30,000 miles. Get that checked out first IMO and see if whatever is causing the pressure drop. My 03 with 160,000+ miles on it (3.9 engine) has the oil pressure in the middle and a little to the right

What about the intake plenum, misfire issues maybe. Watch 1a auto most common 2gen dakota issue. Might be this, or dirty fuel filter bad fuel pump. Spark plugs coil pack distributor

I'm going to try what you did man. I took it to different shops and I just spend too much money on this car already. I hope this works

I have a 2003 dodge dakota 3.9 manual 5 speed, it's been stalling just driving down the road, it actually just happened. Drove 40 minutes home then 5 minutes to the gas station for milk for the kids, gave me heck starting, finally almost home and it just stalls. it's happened quite a bit. getting tired of it, what could my issue be?

When you gut the cat did you unhook the o2 sensors? Or do you leave them be?

Chrysler came out a few years ago and said the catalytic converters in some of these model years were defective and would crap out. Some had their OBD systems defective as well and wouldn't detect the crapped out cats. Or rather, they were forced to come clean after the EPA through the DOJ sued Chrysler over this. It may be that the catalytic converters are causing this stalling problem.

Do you ever figure out what was up with it my truck does the same damn thing it's a 96 V6 3.9 l like you said it it'll just died for no reason I have no idea what the hell's going on any luck yet did you figure it out

mine was staulling when you went into drive after reverse. it was the air sensor in the air box thing above the engine lol. sorry for my lack of terms

Did you ever find out the problem

Dakota 97 is very accelerate already changed the idle control is still the same mechanic tell me is a computer program

I had a similar problem with my truck, 99 3.9 4x4 with 160k miles, when ever I did a 3 point turn or a sharp turn my engine would die. Didn't know what caused it. So I got a new starter only because I started an oil leak and got into the starter somehow and it would get stuck, it wouldn't engage. So after I installed the new starter I have never stalled my truck since then. I can do sharp turns ,3 point turns all day and the truck will never stall. I don't know why or a reason behind this. I never got a coed thrown at me indicated something wrong and Before I changed the starter i checked my fluids my power steering fluids and everything would check out fine. Its a mystery to me but that worked for me. Oh and oil leak has been fixed. Leaky valve cover.

Check your coolant temperature sensor....they can cause all these symptoms

(...cont) Mechanically and electrically it sucks! It has no power, shifts too soon, slips into OD too soon, stalls just like the ones discussed here, the heater fan gradually lost all of it's 4 speeds, has a loud snapping sound which sounds like a broken spring at the front left wheel when turning, and has loud a groaning sound in the rear when shifting into reverse. ALL in less than 35k miles. And my mom had the thing serviced regularly. What's up Dodge?

Did you ever figure out what was wrong. Same vehicle same problem.

1999 dakota,same problem.Changed TPS,CAM SENSOR,CRANK SENSOR,CUT OFF CAT,CLEANED THROTTLE BODY....Today, new fuel pump...210.00! fairly easy except on my wallet.Hasn't died yet.

my ford ranger does that but if i hit the gas really fast and let of really fast it goes down to 750 and then back up to 1000 but hasnt stalled ever but the lights will dim it only happens if i give it like half throtttle really fast and let up

try zmax about 2 or three times a year in your fuel tanks it do the same thing but when i use zmax it keeps it running smooth for months

..cuz supposedly my chicks cuzin has the same truck same problem but his was 4x4 n he said they changed the distributer then it working fine but if it was that wouldnt it run shity all together? this one starts n idles on all 6 fine it just wont go past 2000 rpm

does your check engine light come on but not necessarily when it stalls? i ask cause i am having the stall problem as well as the light and wonder if they are connected............thanks

Is the locking torque converter unlocking?

I'm having this same exact problem except for the fact that I didn't see your engine light on and mine is, I ran the codes and it's coming back as p1391 which when googled tells me that it's my crankshaft position sensor. I've replaced that and still have the same problem. My question to anyone that reads this is could it possibly be anything other then that and just be pulling that code out of its ass? Or is that unheard of?

I've got a 2000 3.9L dakota and sometimes when I start the truck and if i get it in and put it in drive the truck chugs like really rough, and when you put it back in park or nutral the rpms are all over the please and you give it slight gas just the rmps will shoot up and the engine wont make much of a noise. so i guess my questions so someone that can help me is. what could be the problem with it. and I'm throwing a P1391 code as well. please help so i dont burn money on something that isnt rt

After it stalls it won't start until I wait15 minutes

I have a v6 Dakota to , it has the slight stall problem but it wont stall , feels nlike it will when im driving untill i hit 80 and them to 90 it drives fine, A frind of mine told me it was the gappage on the SPARK PLUGS , I changes mine it still stutter, i changed the fuel pump cant finde a fuel fillter ? but now i have not tail lights and mu headlights wont shut offf ?????? did you get any help can u help me can any one help me

I hey tarpley, i seem to have the same problem as but mine is is with a 2002 automatic 4.7 v8 dode dekota 4x4. I change the IAC, TPS AND GAVE IT A TUNE up, it stil dies on me when i make turns or at stops. any suggestions

why is your oil pressure low? im trying to find out because mine is doing the same thing. 2001 dodge durango rt..

Vacuum leak.. had the same prob... replaced the little plastic PC on top of valve cover an hose works fine now.

My 2K Dodge Dakota is doing the same thing. MAP sensor!

It is ur bank 1 o2 sensor had same problem with my truck an now its perfect had exact same issuses wen driving now its good replaced it myself go ahead an replace ur down stream sensor as well past the cadilac conerter

Mine would stall out in reverse on a cold start. If it runs for any time then it won't die in reverse. About 3 months ago it started to stall randomly. I've changed the ignition coil (the only code that came up), the Throttle position sensor, fuel pump, muffler, cat convertor, the IAC valve, had new distributor cap and rotor, plugs, and wires. After any repair it's fine for like 3 days and then it dies again. One shop told me that I needed a new engine wiring harness and quoted me $4000 for the fix, it's a 1997 dakota with over 210K miles on it. Not worth $4k. Does anyone have any other suggestions. Cam Position Sensor, Torque Convertor, and gas line filter are on next on my list of things that could possibly be it.

got the same truck...when I'm going to work or wherever it it over revs then catches the gear any idea what it might be?? LMK

Intake vacume leak just fixed mine same issue

crankshaft position sensor? Solved my problem.

its a bad idle air control valve. known as a (IAC valve). my 1998 dodge dakota sport v8 5.2 liter 4x4 is doing the same thing. and im pretty sure its that valve. i will be changing it tomorrow. ill post a before and after video

Have exact same truck, 01, 3.9v6, 2wd and it often stalks when shifting from reverse into drive. Not always but sometimes. The toms always drop though but it usually recovers

Take it to advance auto and tell them to test it. Check for vaccum leaks. That's what it sounds to like to me. Your getting too much air. But hey I'm no mechanic.

idle air control valve

i have the same prb with mine its a 98 v6 need your help

check your tire caps.

To everyone who has this problem to let you know it's your upstream oxygen sensor. Replace it and your problem will be fixed

did you check the o2 sensor

What was it

my 2003 dodge Dakota 3.9 is doing the same thing, but it only stalls in reverse.

did any have a exhaust leak iam getin a rich code

I clean my intake and IAC with carb cleaner,its your throtter sensor,or a sensor.let me konw

Plenum gasket

Oh, one more thing.....It gets worse mileage than my full-size 1974 FORD LTD with a big 6.6L (400ci) V-8 with no OD!

Tal ves es hora de limpiar el carburador, comprar filtro de aire y de paso hacer una cambio de aceite y de filtro para aceite... :-)

Most likely your o2 sensor

I had the exact same problem on my 2002 ram van with 3.9 v6 in it. changed the throttle position senser and it never happend again. would stall out with any change in throttle(rpm) as it came back down. in reverse it would stall as rpms dropped back. and if it didnt stall it would bog down bad for a few seconds.

If You Did Not Get It Yet I Say A Sencor Or Somthing In The Computer.

I am seriously considering selling it or trading it in. I'd much rather drive my old 72 FORD F-100 that I rescued from the crusher!

Rotor

Gasket under intake, pan

Your oil pressure is super low

crank speed sensor

well i got n 03 dodge dakota its doing almost the same thing like it starts perfect everytime idles nicly but once u give it gas it will go straight up to 2000 rpm but thats it then it chokes n dies but starts everytime like wtf is it its a 3.9 v6 auto my girls truck n im hoping its not a chip cuz hell that isnt cheap but i would like to kno what the fuck the problem is

Change a fuel pump my 95 dakota do same thing and change tune up ang rans laike new 1!!!!

dude, its cause your motor is getting no back compression, causing your rpms to not keep pressure up to make them stay normal, u need your catylatic converter for that pressure. get a new one.

well what i have to say cuz i have this truck is its ur fuel pump going out im like the 3rd person i know with this problem nd everytime there fuel pump goes out

o yea no check eng light

Bad piston slappings.

Where do you live where they dont do emissions testing? i wanna move there lol

its the thotal body is dirty i had the same problem with me 99 dodge dakota v6

computer i had same problem

torque converter possibly

Throttle position sensor is bad

you are most likey getting more air then fuel

maybe vacumn leak.

to me sound like throttle body to me but not 100%

Buy a chevy..........problem solved !!!

Fuel pump

O2 sensor

Andrew I had the same issue with my truck same year everything I want to know what you found out what the actual problem was? I have people to tell me that I have to change a fuel pump in the tank thanks