Truck just cut off, and now won't start.

1997 DODGE DAKOTA
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MKONEILL1981
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  • 1 POST
My truck completely shut off while driving no lights no power steering no nothing. I stop and the car started right back up, but would only stay running when you keep your foot on the gas. Today, the car won't start at all. Any idea, I'm getting it towed tomorrow, but I would love to get an idea of how much this is going to cost
Dec 27, 2010 at 9:40 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 75,992 POSTS
If its cranking over and w/n start -Do below to determine if its a fuel or spark problem-

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems
with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time/broken or jumped timing
belt/chain.
Dec 27, 2010 at 9:53 PM
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