Shut off while driving it cranks no start

Tiny
OMAR_DODGE
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 235,087 MILES
One day I was driving and it gave out. It wouldn't want to start again. I'm not sure what it is. If you guys can give me pointers that will be great.
Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 AT 9:52 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,763 POSTS
The first step is to read and record any diagnostic fault codes. Chrysler made doing that yourself much easier than any other manufacturer. Cycle the ignition switch from "off" to "run" three times within five seconds without cranking the engine, leave it in "run", then count the flashes of the Check Engine light. Typically it will flash one time, a short pause, then two times, then a longer pause. That would be code 12 which can be ignored. After that longer pause, a second two-digit code will flash the same way. Record those codes. The last one will be code 55 which just means it's done flashing codes. On most models, if you think you might have miscounted the flashes, just turn the ignition switch off, then back on again and the sequence will repeat.

You can go here to see the code definitions:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks

or I can interpret them for you. Be aware the two best suspects for a crank / no-start often fail to set a diagnostic fault code just from cranking the engine. They often need more time to be detected, as in when a stalled engine is coasting to a stop. One of those codes might have set previously when the engine stalled while you were driving. For that reason, it is important that you do not disconnect a battery cable or run the battery down until those codes are read, or that valuable information will be lost.

How much of this diagnosis do you want to pursue yourself? Many of these failures are somewhat common and easy to repair, but you'll need to know how to use a voltmeter or test light, and how to check for spark. Here's a link to a list of all kinds of dandy articles that will help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles

In particular, look at:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

The voltmeter article shows an auto-ranging meter which is an option not all of them have. You can find a perfectly fine voltmeter at Harbor Freight Tools for less than ten bucks. I can help with how to use it if necessary. Walmart, hardware stores, and auto parts stores have voltmeters too.

One observation that will help is if you can hear the hum of the fuel pump for one second when you turn on the ignition switch. Chrysler fuel pumps can be rather quiet, so you might need a helper with their ear near the gas tank.
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Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 AT 4:15 PM

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