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2001 Dakota won't stay running
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dakota35
New User
Sep 5, 2006, 2:07 PM
Post #1 of 6
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2001 Dakota won't stay running
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A few days ago when trying to start my Dakota, all I got when turning the ignition was clicking and immediately thought I had either a battery or starter issue. Upon the third attempt to crank the truck, it eventually turned over and cranked. The next morning, all I got was the clicking again, so thought maybe the alternator was going out. I jumped it off and got it started, but it won't continue to run unless you give it some gas. I am showing good voltage while the truck is running, and the battery tests good. What can cause the cranking issue and the idling issue at the same time? Is it electrical, fuel pressure, oil pressure, compression issue, etc????????
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 5, 2006, 3:31 PM
Post #2 of 6
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Re: 2001 Dakota won't stay running
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Just a test before I write a book.
Will it stay ok while jumper cables are still on? T
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 5, 2006, 3:40 PM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: 2001 Dakota won't stay running
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Replace the battery. Dodge products will not run properly with a weak battery. You said the battery tests good. What test did you perform?
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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dakota35
New User
Sep 5, 2006, 4:52 PM
Post #4 of 6
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Re: 2001 Dakota won't stay running
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No, it did not stay running while connected to the other vehicle. I do have another question,though. I have been online and reading my owners manual off and on for several hours, and I had a thought. It doesn't do the clicking thing every time I try to start it, so maybe it's the starter. Maybe the reason it won't idle is because it is flooded from all the starting attempts. What do you think?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 5, 2006, 7:40 PM
Post #5 of 6
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Re: 2001 Dakota won't stay running
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If the battery in this is original get a new one it's had it. If it's new it could still be bad.
As way2old said these cars and many don't like the wrong voltage and just your dash gauge isn't good enough.
You need to check for voltage drop while it does crank and that it can maintain voltage when running at about 14V or so and still stay up at around 13.5V with headlights, blower and everything on. If not a weak battery may have already overworked the alternator.
The age of the battery matters. The amps it can produce drops from the day they put electrolite in it. They make flakes that drop to the bottom or can get caught up and cause it to drain itself or worse short out and blow the hood of the vehicle. When that pile of flakes touches the bottom of the plates it is GAME OVER. Until it gets to that point problems can be intermittent.
These vehicles and about all, are making adjustments for idle, fuel delivery, and timing by the split second and can't do a good job without the right power to the sending devices or the computer.
The battery is the common denominator here, T
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dakota35
New User
Sep 5, 2006, 8:41 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: 2001 Dakota won't stay running
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Well, I was right about it being flooded. I had tried to start it with the gas pedal to the floor before my last post and got only clicking. After I had dinner, I tried again with the pedal down and it cranked and idled like normal. I think you're right about the battery. Yes, it is original, and nowhere on the battery or in the manual does it state the battery lifespan. When it does crank, it takes a few seconds of turning over to get it to start, like the starter is struggling. Hopefully just not enough voltage to the starter, and not the starter itself. I will replace the battery and hopefully all my troubles will be over. Thank you for your help, and I will return if my troubles persist.
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