2000 Dodge Dakota Sport V6

This could be he Idle Control Valve and is around 50 dollars and a easy fix. Also try STP 5 in 1 fuel cleaner for a couple of tanks if you are using the cheap gas

What I see a car has 17 years how about service.

It sounds like you need a good tune-up, such as spark plugs and/or wires. They will act up when cold and when warmed by engine temperature will let the engine run smoothly again. And possibly a distributor cap/rotor.

First fuel filter,air filter,tune up.

When was the last time a full tune up have been done? A bad intake gasket would do that.

hi Jhlightcap.

The Common Problem: Rough Running Engine

A properly-operating engine should run smoothly and without excess noise. If your engine starts operating in a manner that gives you the perception of "running rough", it is likely due to a handful of common causes. A mechanic would investigate these common causes first in order to rule out a simple explanation for the engine's unsatisfactory operation.
The common causes for rough running in an engine are:

• Engine miss
• Vacuum leak
• Dirty fuel injectors
• Carburetor problems
• EGR valve
• Ignition coil
• Spark plug wires
• have a look at this link.

Rough Running Engine James on Engines 2

you vehicle runs smooth morning , and starts running very rough after the engine start be hot .

Hook up a fuel pressure tester start and let run until dies and check pressure if plenty of pre.ssure If this is a carberated engine tune your air and fuel mixture jets located in front bottom of the carb.., hook up vacuum and set to your hightest reading and then set your idle screw to prefered idle which is around 8 RPM If this is a injected system hook up a fuel pressure guage and start engine and let it run until it stops keep an eye on pressure to see if the pressure drops or stops if so replace fuel ****

Get a tune up to start, depending on the mileage and use of the car you might need to replace some things. The clicking is probably something possibly loose in your engine. The ABS light coming on is your engine telling you that your computers probably bad. But after the 100 dollar tune up it should run much better (If not completely perfect)

It is getting past 150 ,you can't stop that with the new stat in place.

How did you check the engine or coolant temp?

Work on the msifire or idle issues. Go over basics