1999 Dodge Dakota Car Hard To Start

DREWBRESE

MEMBER
1999 DODGE DAKOTA
V8
4WD
MANUAL
45,000 MILES

My Dakota can take up to 3 attempts to start. Sometimes it will start up the first try. Also, when it takes multiple tries, it catches very weakly. What could be the problem?

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 AT 11:55 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi:
Have the fuel pump pressure tested. It may be loosing its prime. Also, has the check engine light ever come on?

Joe

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Friday, November 7th, 2008 AT 8:57 PM

DREWBRESE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

No check engine light recently. Check to see if there were any codes and there were none. It's probably something mechanical. The truck starts better when its stone cold/has been sitting overnight.

How or where can I get the fuel pump checked?

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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 2:18 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi:
You will need to use a pressure gauge made just for checking fuel pressure. Some of the larger parts stores will actually lend the tools out if you want to do it. Otherwise, you will need a mechanic. If you check it, make sure to do it when the vehicle is acting up for you.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 9:14 PM