Will not start

Tiny
KORKYDOODLE
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
It will not start. I have replaced the fuel pump, the spark plugs are good, checked all the relays. Still won't run, if you put in the throttle body it will run for a second the shut right back off. Can you give me some suggestions on what else it could be?
Saturday, July 16th, 2011 AT 10:43 PM

78 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You don't have a carburetor. It's fuel injected. You need to first test the fuel pressure using a fuel pressure gauge and then check the injector pulse using a noid light bulb. Post back with the results.

This guide should help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, July 16th, 2011 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
MMCHUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 97,000 MILES
I have a dodge dakota sport with a 3.9 liter V6 and it has been sitting for like 5 months so me and my brother went to start it and it started up fine so we let it warm up for a while and my brother has never driven a standard but he said he knew how to shift and when he went to back it up it stalled at now it just turns over and over and over but will not start. I replaced the distributor cap and coil and it still will not start can you help me out?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+4
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Check your mass airflow sensor and air filter, something could ve even crawled in there and caused a problem, check the breather filter too inside the aircleaner. Buy some cleaner that is safe with mass airflow sensors, and clean the area out if necessary, follow all instructions though. By the way, is there any engine lights on?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMCHUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The airbag light comes on and the engine light comes on
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Its a shame that you cant get it to autozone for a free computer scan, cause that will take care of half of the problem right a way, I think they rent their tools for free, you just have to put a small retainer down and you get it back when you bring the tool back. They probably rent out their scan tools
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOTOART9
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,000 MILES
I recently purchased the 5.9L dodge dakota (1999)from an auction, so I had no previous history on the engine. The engine cranks but will not start. There is spark and fuel, but the compression is really low. About 60psi in each cylinder. Do you believe that the engine not being started since 2006 is playing a part in this low reading due to the lack of no oil circulation? Or are the rings simply shot? I plan on draining the fuel tank and replacing with fresh gasoline, and I plan on putting in new sparkplugs. As the originals look and smell moist of old fuel, not oil.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Might want to performm a cylinder leakage test could be the valve timing is off or belt/chain slipped-off a few notches
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOTOART9
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
If the timing mark on the balancer is at TDC and the distributor is pointing at #1 cylinder that the timing chain is positioned properly?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
If no.1 piston is on it compression/TDC and TDC lined up on the crankshaft pulley/timing marks and rotor pointing to no.1 cap tower, you're all set to go the valve timing is aligned.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
G2B2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 175,000 MILES
Engine is getting gas and spark, turns over but will not start. Changed spark plugs and wires, rotor and distributor. Engine started before tune up but ran very rough.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,087 POSTS
Hi:
When you checked for spark, were you getting a good hot blue snapping spark? Also, have you tried to see if it will start with starting fluid? Starting fluid is more volitale and will burn with a weaker spark. Also, when you checked for fuel, did you make sure the injectors are getting power?

Let me know.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
G2B2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for your answer Joe. The truck is getting a good spark when it turns over. I am not sure how the injectors are powered, but I have never had any problems with the injectors and I can smell gasoline so I am pretty certain that I am getting fuel through the injectors. The timing also seems to be set correctly.I have taken everything apart and reassembled it more times than I can count.I am at a total loss!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,087 POSTS
If you have spark, fuel, compression, and the timing is correct, it has to run. Something is wrong with one of them. If you remove a plug, is it wet? I realize you are getting spark, but I'm wondering if it is hot enough.

As far as the injectors, for future reference, they make what is called a noid light. All you do is unplug the injector and plug the light in. When you crank the engine, it will light up (pulse) if there is power going to the injector.

Have you checked the engine compression? Also, if you can, after trying to start it, remove one of the plugs to see if it is wet with gas.

Let me know.
Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAMES MONROE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 186,000 MILES
I started my truck it ran for ten minutes. I drove forty to fifty yards and check system light came on and the lights went dim, white smoke rolled from under hood. I shut truck off popped hood and there was thick white smoke. After the smoke cleared I see antifreeze but cannot find a leak and truck will not start back up. I checked fluid levels and it looks as if there is enough coolant I can touch it with my finger.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Fill coolant up and pressure check for leaks. You may have blown a head gasket and it may be locked due to this.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNNY G.JR
  • MECHANIC
  • 320 POSTS
Try turning crankshaft with a socket on harmonic balancer pulley bolt to see if engine has seized
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,136 POSTS
Hey JAMES,

What did the smoke smell like? Was it electrical? If so it could be the power leads down by the starter touched ground.

Do the dash lights come on?

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
REDWALL17
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
Hey guys I had to make a stop at a gas station and when I came back to my truck I try to start it, it kinda started and then died complete and could not start it again so I called my mechanic friend and the battery was not look so good so we went to get one and when we replaced it, it still would not start kinda werid the gauge work sometimes and then never we had a clicking noise come from the fuse box and so we started to take fuses out to find out what is could be we found it stop with the ignition one out and started again when we put it back in dont know if that is a ignition switch or something else
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Its not cranking
you have a starter relay to check
and the starter
if its cranking but no start
check for spark and fuel pressure
switch relays( ASD ) around
crank sensor?
Let me know
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
From: redwall17
To: BMRFIXIT
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 12:19 pm

you need to check the fuses and fusible links
get a test light and get going on the fuses anl links too
check ground
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 12:06 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE