Computer problem
1997 Dodge Dakota 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 135 km miles
----------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday the vehicle worked fine, this morning it would not start. I can crank on it all day (or until the battery or starter give out), so lots of power. Seems initially to be a fuel related problem. I believe I can hear the fuel pump and relay come on, when putting key initially on.

I then decided to check the obd II codes. I cannot get it to "talk" to the engine computer - i get a link error each time i try to run the scan test. (btw, i did use it lately on the dakota and it scanned fine and i also checked the scanner on another vehicle to verify it's operation and it works fine). Rule out a problem diagnostic tool.

If anyone can point me in a direction to check out this problem, I'd very much appreciate that. I have lots of "juice", i potentially seem to have a communication related problem with the onboard computer and who knows what else.

help,

Update 26 July:

checked voltages coming into the PCM (C1): the hot wire (12v) at pin 22 and the (5v feed) to pin 2 were good. There is NO evidence that anything got "fried" or was hot at any of the plug connectors or the harnass. Removed the MAP connector and checked that end out, all seemd to be good.

Again, it definitely sounds like the fuel pump is working. We looked for spark and it is there, ALTHOUGH, it did seem rather lacklustre, if I could use that term. The output seemed to be a little low, but there is a spark there at the plug.

However, I still cannot "talk" to the computer using the OBD II (link error), so regardless of anything else, it would appear that I have a computer (or PCM) related fault. Can anyone advise here ?


cheers,
Steve

slade25@hotmail.com
(902) 880-6387