# Dodge Dakota loss of power

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/dodge-dakota-loss-of-power/83673>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [February 11, 2014, 12:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dodge-dakota-loss-of-power/83673 "2014-02-11T12:30:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![SteveFogle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@SteveFogle](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveFogle)\
**Post date:** [February 11, 2014, 12:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dodge-dakota-loss-of-power/83673/1 "2014-02-11T12:30:19Z")

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Hey, I have a 2002 V6 Dodge Dakota that just recently lost pretty much all power. It will not go above 20 mph and has a hard time going up any hills. I was driving on the interstate and initially was having a hard time reaching 65 mph. The truck would roar and then shift and then lose power and shift down a gear. Eventually it lost almost all power and is now barely drive-able. It makes a sound like an ATV at low speeds, kind of a deep humming sound. When I punch the gas in neutral in makes the same sound. I have had problems with it stalling before and am at a complete loss as to the cause. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

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**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\
**Post date:** [February 11, 2014, 4:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dodge-dakota-loss-of-power/83673/2 "2014-02-11T16:38:17Z")

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It sounds like either a fuel pressure problem or a plugged exhaust. Both can be readily checked with a fuel pressure gauge and a vacuum gauge.

For the record, I’m leaning towards a collapsed catalytic converter, but that is strictly an educated guess based on your description

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**Author:** ![SteveFogle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@SteveFogle](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveFogle)\
**Post date:** [February 12, 2014, 2:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dodge-dakota-loss-of-power/83673/3 "2014-02-12T02:19:17Z")

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Thanks for the help! You were 100% correct! It was an exhaust problem, catalytic converter to be specific. Got that taken care of and now it runs great! Thanks again!