1993 Dodge Dakota won't start

Tiny
EWGIVENS
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
Earlier this week I started my truck and was backing out of the drive when it died. It would not restart. I went back about 3 hours later and it started so I moved it back into the drive. Today I was going to use it but it would not start. It turns over fast but not firing, the fuel pump is running. I took a plug out and had no fire.
I went out later and the truck cranked and will run. How can you diagnose a problem like that that doesn't occur all the time.
This is not the first time it has happened
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 AT 10:49 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Has the check engine light come on? It sounds like a bad crank sensor, but I can't be 100% sure without an engine code.
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Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 AT 8:34 PM
Tiny
EWGIVENS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
The check engine light has not come on, I checked for codes after I wrote the question, there were none. All I got was a 55. When it fails to start again I will try to get codes then, if it is the crank sensor, can you tell me where it is located
Thanks
Eddie
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Thursday, June 17th, 2010 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Under hood, center, rear engine area, above transmission bellhousing, mounted on upper rear of engine block
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Friday, June 18th, 2010 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
EWGIVENS
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Does the sensor sit on the bell housing? How is the best way to change it, do you have to remove the distributer cap, also is there a way to check it before removing it.
And finally, if this is the problem, would it start and run sometimes and not others
Thanks
Eddie
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Friday, June 18th, 2010 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Eddie:
The sensor is on the trans bell, without a code, I can't guarantee it is the problem, but it sounds like that is the problem. Please understand that without a code, it becomes a guessing game. However, from experience, that sounds like the problem. As far as the distributor, removing the cap will make it easier.
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Friday, June 18th, 2010 AT 9:25 PM

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