RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems

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RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 10/13/2006 3:28:54 PM    slancer_71   Posts: 11 Joined: 8/29/2006 Status: offline Ok... for the last two days, the truck would not start at all. This morning, I left the key in the "on" position for an hour and a half, went out to leave, and nothing. I'm starting a new job on Tuesday where I will not be getting off work until 2AM, so I can't afford to sit in the lot until 4AM when I have to be at my other job at 11AM. Cash is so tight right now, I can't spare $20 for a multimeter and can't find anyone local who has one. I can't even afford to have it looked at. I'm having a friend take me to work, not sure how I'm going to get home at 2AM, but I'll work on that at a later date! The only other thing worth mentioning is that it has been COLD here the last two nights, and I've tried to start the truck from 8:30AM-10:45AM with no luck. However, yesterday, when I got home at 3:15 (it was slightly warmer) I left the key in the "on" position (didn't even try to crank it) for an hour, and when I went back out, it fired right up. This is frustrating the hell outta me!! (in reply to dodgerules86) Post #: 16

RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 10/13/2006 10:10:31 PM    BOOMER_87 Posts: 177 Joined: 10/8/2006 Status: offline ignition relay would be my guess.the relay isn't sending a signal to the fuel pump until it gets warm I had a car do that once different make but the principal is the same (in reply to slancer_71) Post #: 17

RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 10/14/2006 1:42:03 AM    dodgerules86 Posts: 2699 Joined: 12/25/2003 From: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas) Status: offline Try this: test for spark off the wire going from the ignition coil to the distributor. If that checks ok (it should be a good, steady arc). If that tests good, take a GOOD look at the distributor cap, distibutor rotor (under the cap), and all the spark plug wires. The distributor cap should be clean (i.e. no carbon buildup either on the cap or on the metal tips the spark plugs "snap" onto, both on top and on the underside of the cap), have no cracks, and when tightend down be firmly seated and secure. The rotor should be clean as well, and should look like it will make good contact with the underside of the distributor cap (i.e. good tension on the tab. NOTE: some dielectic grease may have been applied at the end of the rotors metal tip and may appear to be charred, but its normal). Also look for evidenace of corrosion. Sometimes water can get into the distributor cap and cause problems. _____________________________ Current ride: Belleville 220 DES ST - leather, reinforced front end, tan color. Runs on ''alternative fuel'' :) 1996 Dodge Dakota 1986 Honda Civic CRX (in reply to BOOMER_87) Post #: 18

RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 10/14/2006 12:04:11 PM    slancer_71   Posts: 11 Joined: 8/29/2006 Status: offline I'm going to show my noob skills off here. How do I go about checking for spark? There's no such thing as a stupid question, you've gotta learn somehow. (in reply to dodgerules86) Post #: 19

RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 10/14/2006 4:43:27 PM    dodgerules86 Posts: 2699 Joined: 12/25/2003 From: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas) Status: offline Disconnect the spark plug of your choice. Than, have somoeone momentairily crank the engine while you hold spark plug of your choice about 1/2 inch above a good ground (the motor block works great). The cable going from the ignition coil to the distributor should produce a good steady spark. Than, disconnect a a cable from a spark plug, and do the same test. _____________________________ Current ride: Belleville 220 DES ST - leather, reinforced front end, tan color. Runs on ''alternative fuel'' :) 1996 Dodge Dakota 1986 Honda Civic CRX (in reply to slancer_71) Post #: 20

RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 10/25/2006 9:43:14 AM    slancer_71   Posts: 11 Joined: 8/29/2006 Status: offline I have determined that it is NOT the ignition relay. Replaced it this morning, absolutely no change. It's also worth mentioning that I can no longer check the engine codes. If I turn the key forward/back five times.... the check engine light never comes on at all. Now that I think about it, it never even comes on when I first put the key in the ignition and turn it forward. (in reply to dodgerules86) Post #: 21

RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 10/25/2006 1:13:48 PM    dodgedakotacrazy   Posts: 178 Joined: 10/9/2006 Status: offline you're supposed to turn it on 3 times not five. on off on off on. is the bulb burnt out? (in reply to slancer_71) Post #: 22

RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 10/26/2006 1:28:27 AM    dodgerules86 Posts: 2699 Joined: 12/25/2003 From: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas) Status: offline quote: ORIGINAL: slancer_71 Now that I think about it, it never even comes on when I first put the key in the ignition and turn it forward. Well, I would have to say that yea, the bulb is burned out. Getting to the bulb is fairly straight forward, but not the quickest task in the world. 2 questions: 1.) when your cranking over the engine (and it won't start) does the spark plugs, well, spark? 2.) When your cranking over the engine (and it won't start) is fuel available at the motor? _____________________________ Current ride: Belleville 220 DES ST - leather, reinforced front end, tan color. Runs on ''alternative fuel'' :) 1996 Dodge Dakota 1986 Honda Civic CRX (in reply to slancer_71) Post #: 23

RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 12/2/2006 1:06:45 AM    1993dodgew150   Posts: 1 Joined: 12/2/2006 Status: offline Hey, hows it going, my brother has a 1993 Dodge W150 that has the same problem as your Dakota, It wouldnt start when cold and hed have to let his relays click then it would. He thought maybe his fuel pump was going or he had a cold soder. He got sick of being late to work because it wouldnt start so he took it to a garage and they replaced the computer and it solved his problem so hopefully this might help get you in the right direction. (in reply to slancer_71) Post #: 24

RE: 92 Dakota Starting Problems - 12/2/2006 10:40:06 AM    rapaxis   Posts: 12 Joined: 11/25/2006 Status: offline Computer is a very probable solution. However, you might want to check to see if there is an old after-market alarm system connected somewhere. Common locations are on the firewall in the engine compartment and under the dash. _____________________________ Rapaxis (in reply to 1993dodgew150) Post #: 25

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