Hello to all. I just recently joined and I am posting my first question. My 1992 Dakota, 3.9L 2WD has developed a engine misfire. The truck has 221,230 miles and this is the first problem encountered with said truck.
During idle, off idle, or cruise the engine will stumble, feels like a dead cylinder and check engine light illuminates. The condition is erratic, will run okay for a couple of days and then the problem returns. I scanned the engine computer numerous occasions at O'Reilleys and consistently read code 27, left bank misfire, input signal low or not detected, cylinder one misfire.

At this point I have replaced the fuel filter, ignition coil, plugs, plug wires, rotor, distributor cap, crankshaft position sensor, thermal temp switch and removed and cleaned the idle air control valve, and throttle position sensor indicator.
I feel the ignition system is the culprit. In the driveway when the problem occurs, I detect the smell of an excessively fat, rich mixture which would suggest that the injectors are delivering fuel but not receiving spark.
I am at wits end. Should I replace the distributor next. I opened up the Schrader valve on the fuel rail near the intake manifold and gas shot towards the firewall so I think fuel pressure is okay.
I realize this is long winded, please help. Thanks

Bump. Anyone? Help? Thanks

Okay. Now I replaced the hall effect pickup assembly in the distributor, still getting the random engine roughness followed by the CEL and then code 27. I opened the wire bundle under the relay box and found dirt and moisture in the wire loom . I repaired some of the splices and it ran okay for about one day and now the condition has returned. Maybe I am on the right path.

RAN INTO THIS MYSELF. WAS TOLD TO REPLACE ECM. SO I DID THAT WITH THE PERFORMANCE ONE FROM MOPAR. WELL THAT WORKED FOR ABOUT A MINUTE AND DID THE SAME THING. FOUND INJ#3 WAS FIRING AS A STRAIGHT ON SHOT WITH NO PULSATION. SO IN OTHER WORDS COMPUTER WAS BAD AGAIN...NO WARRANTY ON PERFORMANCE PARTS...SO WHAT I DID WAS TAP OFF OF CYL#1 INJ BECAUSE THEY ARE A BATCH FIRE. SO FAR RUNS AWESOME...I DO LIKE THE PERFORMANCE COMPUTER....BUT WHY THE INJECTOR KEEPS DOING THIS I HAVE NO CLUE...AND I DID CHECK RIGHT OFF OF THE COMPUTER ON THE INJECTOR PULSE SO I KNOW ITS INTERNAL. HOPE THIS HELPS SOME

Thanks 92Dak. I replaced the TPS and the ECM temperature switch. As of this writing the problem has not reoccurred.
I also spent considerable time opening up the wire bundle under the relay panel in the engine compartment looking for corroded splices.
I am not one for liquid remedies, but none the less I tried a can of Seafoam in the gas tank.
I honestly feel the engine is running better than before the problem occured.
Items replaced in my trouble shooting, parts replacement mission. Plugs, plug wires, rotor, dist. cap, dist pickup assembly, ignition coil, crankshaft position indicator, idle air control valve, throttle position sensor, intake air temp switch, fuel filter and ecm coolant temp switch.
Other than normal maintenance items, this is the most I have spent on this truck in the last five years. I feel it was money well spent. I will keep you posted.

ORIGINAL: 92DAK360

RAN INTO THIS MYSELF. WAS TOLD TO REPLACE ECM. SO I DID THAT WITH THE PERFORMANCE ONE FROM MOPAR. WELL THAT WORKED FOR ABOUT A MINUTE AND DID THE SAME THING. FOUND INJ#3 WAS FIRING AS A STRAIGHT ON SHOT WITH NO PULSATION. SO IN OTHER WORDS COMPUTER WAS BAD AGAIN...NO WARRANTY ON PERFORMANCE PARTS...SO WHAT I DID WAS TAP OFF OF CYL#1 INJ BECAUSE THEY ARE A BATCH FIRE. SO FAR RUNS AWESOME...I DO LIKE THE PERFORMANCE COMPUTER....BUT WHY THE INJECTOR KEEPS DOING THIS I HAVE NO CLUE...AND I DID CHECK RIGHT OFF OF THE COMPUTER ON THE INJECTOR PULSE SO I KNOW ITS INTERNAL. HOPE THIS HELPS SOME


Is your fix (tapping into another cyl in the batch) still working? The dealership told me today that my Power Control Module has a bad connection for one of the cyls, and is not spraying fuel at all for that cyl. The injector is ok (they put it on another cyl and it worked fine). They wanted $850 to put in a new PCM and clean the fuel delivery system, but if I can tap into another cyl, that would save me a heck of a lot of money. Has anyone else ever tried this remedy?

$850 for a new PCM? I purchased a rebuilt unit from O'Reilleys for $168.00 including tax. The unit also comes with a lifetime warranty. I would suggest you shop around at your local parts stores and replace the unit yourself. It takes less than three minutes to swap out the ECM.

RAN INTO THIS MYSELF. WAS TOLD TO REPLACE ECM. SO I DID THAT WITH THE
Is your fix (tapping into another cyl in the batch) still working? The dealership told me today that my Power Control Module has a bad connection for one of the cyls, and is not spraying fuel at all for that cyl. The injector is ok (they put it on another cyl and it worked fine). They wanted $850 to put in a new PCM and clean the fuel delivery system, but if I can tap into another cyl, that would save me a heck of a lot of money. Has anyone else ever tried this remedy?
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Are PCM and ECM the same thing?

Probably. Not sure of the exact vernacular when referring to your specific Dakota. I have a 1992 Dakota and have used bothexamples to describe the computer.
Again check out a rebuilt unit. Mine was a unit from remanufacturer company called "Cardone".

Ya there the same PCM Power Control Module, ECMEngine Control Module. I had this happen to me too on #2. I replaced the pcm once, then I bought mopar high per.comp. then that did it too. So I bought another high perfor. comp. from another company and that worked perfectly. But before I got it working right I replaced the injector and set up jumper wires and everything nothing worked exept for jumping #2 to #4 and that worked. so for you like he said jumping #1 to #3 would work.

I found one at Advance for $159. The guy said that once it's installed, it can't be returned. He wasn't familiar with the term "PCM" either. Is the main computer, brain, ecm, whatever, the unit that instructs the injectors to spray fuel? I need to know so I don't put in the wrong part and then can't return it.

As you can probably tell, I'm not a serious mechanic. Most things, if I know what is wrong, I can replace. I'm just not familiar with how everything operates. Hopefully I can replace this part without incident.

This seems to be an ongoing problem with these computers. I may just try the jumper first and see if that works, and then replace the computer as the next resort.

What year is your Dakota? The engine computer on my Dakota is mounted on thepassenger side inner fender. It is held on by three screws. The wireharness has one screw. I would locate an O'Reilley parts store if able. Lifetime warranty right out of the box. What part of the country are you in?

What code is being read on your Dakota. If you have the funds I would replace the compter. Try O'Reilley on line.

I'm in Charleston, SC. It is a 1992, 3.9l V6. I don't think we haveO'Reilly here, but I'll look.

I tried the turn-the-key-3-times trick, and all I got was Code 55 (end of codes, I think).

I'm also not getting a check engine light.

Same code that I received. I replaced every sensor/transducer on my truck before I replaced the computer which resolved my problem. If you turn the ignition off, power off, the computer will loose it's memory and thus the code.

I would be glad to assist you in procuring a computer for you at the nearest O'Reilleys. My intent is honest and good. If you need help PM me and I will get the ball rolling.

I think you are correct on the code 55.

Just read the post about the engine light. As you turn only the ignition on, does the check engine light illuminate for a few seconds then extinguish?

http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/externalweb/frame/images/oreillylogo.gif (http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/HomePage.do;jsessionid=3E0CB2076A892307B4194C05DFF B2D4F.ew3svr)

Yeah, the check engine light does comeon and go away normally at startup.

Thanks, hemi. I found an O'Reilly about 45 min away, and they are the only place around that sells with a lifetime warranty. Everyone else is 90 days-1 year.

I have a decision to make: 1. Try the jumper, and if that doesn't work, replace the computer 2. Go ahead and replace the computer now.

Thanks for everyone's help. I'll update when I make my decision and act on it.

Well, got the new computer at O'Reilly last night, and it took two minutes to install. Problem solved!

Thanks, everybody.

Great. This board has helped someone again.

it looks like you help one and other here. I like it!. I have a little problem to whit mine 92 dakota is a v6 3.9L and somedays the engine light comes on, and some others don't. last time it died on me, like if wuld have no gas; i tried to re-started but no look tillthe next day. Do's anyone can tell me somthig that culd help!?.

Indio. If possible take the truck to a local parts store and have them pull the code from the computer. This will be a strarting point in your troubleshooting.
When youwrite that it will not start, are you implying the engine turns over but will not start or is the truck totally dead?

hemispheres (http://www.dodgeforum.com/showProfile.asp?memid=65492)i did take it to the auto parts store; but they told me they don't scan '95 models and older.And yes the truck turns over but will not start after itshut down; but it will start again after several hours. Itallredy havemany parts new like de distributoran and cap, sparrk plugs and wires, air sensors, fuel filter, and catalitic and cat back sistem. I realy need to know wath is going on!

chec outhttp://www.dodgeforum.com/m_63384/tm.htm to pull codes without scanner then see what they say

Indio. Not sure what part of the country you reside, but try another parts store. In the midwest, O'Reliey, Advanced, Napa, or AutoZone will provide you the tool with the correct connectors. My truck is also a 92 and all stores mentioned have the diagnostic connector.
The connector is located in theengine compartment, passenger side. The connector is shaped like a "L".
Not being a full time mechanic it is hard for me to offer more info. What I have read on this board and other boards, one possible problem. The pickup assembly, trigger unit in the distributor. It appears this part has failed for others who own a 92 with the 3.9.
Another area is the wire bundle under the windshield washer reservoir. Some ofthese splices are actually taped and may corrode.
You first need to determine if you are not getting spark or is it a fuel delivery problem.

hemispheres I live in georgetown tx 30 min from the capital of texas (austin) between Dallas and San Antonio, and i justcame from the auto parts again, i went to advance auto parts, auto zone, o'really, fox auto parts, and i end up on lamps; this lastones toll me that they doit but they charch $89to tel you. I did find the conector you toll me,and i mensionet tothe boys on the auto parts, but they toll me the same " we do'tscaneany car under'96models" mother...truckers!!!.but anyway i'm sure is not a fuel delivery problem because today i was driven the truck for 30 min, and some times the check engine light came on and some times it did not. (did i mension that it shot dawn 2 or 3 times went i was at the stop light??.
Crazy4x4RT i did chec out the page you suggest me but mine do not blink; stays on, and some times it do not comes out at all. I am going to have mine home mecanic to come over in the next 3 days till then i'll see what i can do.

Indio. I can not believe the parts stores do not have the proper connectors for the 92 model year. I would open up the phone book and call other parts stores in different areas to determine if they can pull the code for you.
My check engine light "CEL" was also intermittant. I did discover if the light illuminates, which means a fault detected, the light would stay on untilI shutthe engine off. Upon a immediate restart the light would be out. I do not know if the computer memory was volatile. Anyway, if I was near a parts store and the light iluminated I would pull into the store parkinglot leaving the engine running, run in and borrow their scan tool and extract the code which was always code "27".
If worse comes to worse pay someone to extract the code, but leave the engine on if the light illuminates while you extract the code.
Again, mentioned on other websites, the hall effect pickup assembly inside the distributor have been known to beproblematic.
I replaced every ignition and emission component on my truck. The only item that was left was the computer which was defective. I bought my reman computerfrom O' Reiley for about $160.00 including tax. The unit also comes with a lifetime warranty. The remanfactuer of the computer is a company called CarDone.
My truck has approx. 230,000 miles and still runs like it is new.
Get the fault code and keep me posted. The computer is mounted on the right hand side inner fender. About a two minute swap.

uh.. you can get your own codes. cycle key 3 times and count the flashes.

Indio. Have you extracted the code? Keep me posted.

sorry i havent replay but mine girlfriendhas been using the computer for the last 3 days to find information about our in caming wedding. anyway. No, i havent get the codes pull out, the truck break downand is like 20 miles away from here.buti have decide toreplace the computer, even if is not that the problem;what the hell it wont hurt any, and the fuel filter also. After that, i'll take it to a especialist (bout the way i was at mine way to the mecanic when it break down). thank you hemispheres for kiping an eye on mi and asist mi with mine problem. i'll keep you posted. wish me look.

Indio. looking forward to seeing if the computer resolves your problems. Again, keep me posted. Thanks. Hemi.

No, it did not resolved the problem, is some thing else

Indio. I was hoping the computer would take care of your problem. I would still like to know what you discover.
Keep me posted. Hemi

that may will take some time; but i'll keep you posted

Okay. Thanks.