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1995 Dodge Dakota won't start
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djdickhauswyo
New User
Aug 20, 2011, 9:38 AM
Post #1 of 7
(9314 views)
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1995 Dodge Dakota won't start
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I have a 1995 Dodge Dakota SLT that was running fine when I parked it. Its has a 318 engine and about 138,000 miles on it. Its been serviced every 2500 miles since new. A retired mechanic next door to me took off a valve cap like thing on the top of the engine and had me cycle the ignition key. He said the fuel pump was shot. My mechanic, who I've gone to and trusted for years, ran the same test and told me the same thing. I had him replace the fuel pump and it still wouldn't start. He hooked up his scanner and the computer would not communicate with it. I got THREE computers from the local salvage yard and none of them would communicate either and it still won't start. He also checked the relays in the fuse box under the hood and said they were all good. He said he had to give up on it and only charged me the cost of the new fuel pump and didn't charge me for labor(pulling the pickup bed off) because he couldn't get it running. What next folks? I'm getting desperate!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 20, 2011, 9:52 AM
Post #2 of 7
(9302 views)
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Re: 1995 Dodge Dakota won't start
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Sounds like it's time to stop guessing and do some testing.
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.
Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.
These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.
1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.
2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.
3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.
4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.
Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 21, 2011, 12:07 PM
Post #3 of 7
(9278 views)
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Re: 1995 Dodge Dakota won't start
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He hooked up his scanner and the computer would not communicate with it.
You try the key dance(on,off,on, off, on) and see if the check engine light would flash any codes?
Your not going to have fuel pump relay or ASD relay activation if the PCM doesn't come on. You need to pinout the PCM connectors and check the circuits that supply bat/ignition power and ground to the PCM.
Rule #1: Always check for powers and grounds to the PCM, engine controller, igniter, or any electrical component before condemning that component.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 21, 2011, 12:08 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 21, 2011, 12:12 PM
Post #4 of 7
(9273 views)
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Re: 1995 Dodge Dakota won't start
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I would first do all the basic testing. Just because it won't communicate with a scan tool doesn't automatically point to an ASD issue.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 21, 2011, 12:25 PM
Post #5 of 7
(9269 views)
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Re: 1995 Dodge Dakota won't start
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True. But if you can't communicate with the PCM even with the key dance, that could mean the PCM is down which won't activate the ASD relay making your spark and injector tests fail.
Without the ASD relay you won't have have power to the ignition coil, injectors, or alternator field.
You could check for primary power at the ignition coil while cranking to confirm if the ASD isn't energized.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 21, 2011, 12:26 PM)
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MobileMechanic
New User
Jan 11, 2013, 1:54 PM
Post #6 of 7
(7487 views)
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Re: 1995 Dodge Dakota won't start
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Have you solved your problem?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 11, 2013, 2:00 PM
Post #7 of 7
(7483 views)
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Re: 1995 Dodge Dakota won't start
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This thred is over a year old.
Please read the FORUM RULES before posting.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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