1999 Dodge Durango won't start HELP!

JEJUCHES

MEMBER
1999 DODGE DURANGO

Engine Performance problem
1999 Dodge Durango V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I am an old car guy and don't know anything about cars over 1972. SO here goes. The battery was dead on this Durango so I put the charger to it by conecting it to the battery. I didn't disconnect any \thing just put the charger right to the cables attached to battery. Battery charged but now it won't start. It feels like it is not getting gas. It has spark and the fuel pump is running. WHAT HAPPENED? My wife is going to kill me. Thanks Guys.

1 Reply

CON_FUSE9

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Since its a 1999 I suspect you have either the 5.2 or 5.9 engine.

New cars are like old ones except the computer measures and makes adjustments - just like you used to with a screw driver every couple of months. Computer makes this adjustment 100s of times a second and can make fancy ones depending on things like water temp, air temp, air pressure etc. The end result be better mileage and power.

Assuming good compression (nothing mechanical broken) the engine still needs fuel, air and a spark at just the right time.

If the car has been sitting for a while. Number 1, check fuel - make sure you have a gallon or two above empty in the tank. Make sure you have fuel pressure at the fuel rail. Most cars have a shrader valve (like a tire air valve) where you can hook up a pressure gauge.

If you are 100% sure you have fuel pressure (about 30psi should be plenty) and you have spark, then all that is left is the computer and it commanding the fuel injectors.

Their is a set of tools called 'noids' that will light up when the computer sends command to injector. Some volt meters will pick it up as well. However, as a short cut, try a different ignition key. The computer looks for a chip in the key and if it can't find it, it won't allow it to start.