1999 Dodge Dakota won't start

pauly717 · Posted at Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:02 am

Engine Performance problem
1999 Dodge Dakota V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 185,00 miles

My truck ran fine a day before, this morning i came out and it wouldn't start. It has gas, it has spark and the starter sounds fine. I put gas down the carb and still nothing. Any ideas?

Jacobandnickolas · Posted at Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:34 am

Hi:
How did you check for spark? If you provided the fuel, it should at least try to start. Let me know exactly what you have done so I can help you determine the problem.

Joe

pauly717 · Posted at Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:06 pm

Hey Joe,
i pulled one of the plug cables and put a spare plug in and had it against metal...tried to turn it over and it sparked.

Jacobandnickolas · Posted at Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:45 am

Hi:
If there is spark, we need to check for fuel pressure. Can you hear the fuel pum run for a second when you first turn on the key? Is there any way you could check the fuel pressure? Some parts stores will lend tools.

Also, have you tried using starting fluid to see if it will start?

Joe

pauly717 · Posted at Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:53 am

so i went out this morning just for sh@ts and giggles and wouldn't you know the ol' girl started right up...Vapor lock maybe?

Jacobandnickolas · Posted at Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:18 pm

Hi:
Is it hot where you are? If so (I'm jealous... I hate winter anymore) lol. If it's hot, it could be a vapor lock. If the car is running now, have the computer scanned for trouble codes. Most parts stores will do it for free, and it may identify the problem.

Let me know what you find.

Joe