1996 Dodge Ram 'pop pop pop' when under accelearation HUGE

1996 DODGE RAM
96,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JERIJAN
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Greetings,
I've a Dodge Ram1500 V6 with under 100,000 miles and appeares in pretty good shape overall.
However it has a 35 gallon fuel tank and the truck can empty that in just over 350 miles without too much strain..
When the vehicle first starts it lacks power to the max...it hardly goes up the hill, and under any kind of 'pull' it pop pop pops (not exhaust but intake) 'backfarts'.
Fuel comsumption is horrendous.
Changed the plugs, no avail. The Check engine light comes on shooting codes of 43 (other than 12 (batttery disconnect) and 55 (end all codes). The 43 code repeats sometimes. I recognize that there is 'random engine misfire', but where do I look to correct this?
What do I check?
I need to use this truck to pull a car, but the truck can hardly pull itself.
When this is finally solved, what kind of milage can I reasonably expect from a V6 (3.9 Litre) automatic Ram 1500?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
More information forthcoming as you dealve into this mess.
Jerijan
Feb 19, 2008 at 3:56 PM
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BLACKOP555
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First i dont know what gasmileage you should be getting an estimated 15-18 mpg though.

Usually means Incorrect fuel grade and you shoudl try a octane booster. Also try your ignition timing it could be off and will cause the pining no power and low fuel.

Also clean your IAT sensor and MAF sensor.

also run some fuel system cleaner through the tank.
Feb 19, 2008 at 8:50 PM
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JERIJAN
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[quote:bc8113f6fb="blackop555"]First i dont know what gasmileage you should be getting an estimated 15-18 mpg though.
This is the goal then. Most ever was 17MPG and that for only 100 miles total.

Usually means Incorrect fuel grade and you shoudl try a octane booster. Also try your ignition timing it could be off and will cause the pining no power and low fuel.
also run some fuel system cleaner through the tank.
No, not possible. Have used Hi-test, mid-grade, octane booster, fuel system cleaners, etc, etc...
Did have one fuel injector replaced to remove an intermittent miss (skip) which hasn't yet returned.
Ignition timing is 'on the money' (unless it changes when you remove the timing light). Have added new plugs and wires to no avail.


Also clean your IAT sensor and MAF sensor.
I shall clean the IAT sensor and MAF sensor as soon as I find out where the IAT sensor is. .

There is one thing I've failed to mention: since I've owned this truck, the temperature gauge has not worked.

Where do I find the following? MAF sensor, IAT Sensor and 'Temp Sender' for the gauge...

Thanks and I'll await these replies and then post the results..
Jerijan



[/quote:bc8113f6fb]
Feb 20, 2008 at 7:54 AM
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