Started then it shut off then no power

DANGOLEDANG

MEMBER
1990 DODGE DAKOTA
3.9L
V6
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

I had it fired up after the rain. While idling it shut down. Tried to start again but there is no power to the panel, radio, wont crank over. Lights and such still work though. I've checked all the fuses and they are fine. There was what looked like a little smoke coming from the driver side under the hood but there is no burnt electrical smell.

8 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

This could be a problem with your vehicle's Auto Shut Down Relay (ASD) relay which is located in your vehicle's fuse panel under the left hand side of the dash. In the diagrams down below I have included a description of the ASD relay, it's location, wiring diagrams of your vehicle's charging and starting circuits, and a diagram with callout for the fuse panel. Please go through this guide and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Images (Click to make bigger)

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Saturday, September 14th, 2019 AT 10:57 AM

DANGOLEDANG

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I replaced the ASD relay and still nada. I did buy a test light and there is no power going to the ASD relay. I looked at the schematics to figure what the next step is. What does it sound like the issue is if there is no power to the wire harness that goes into the ASD relay? Thank you for all your help.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 1:34 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

In the diagrams down below I have included a diagram of a typical 4 pin relay. When the relay is active there should be battery voltage at pins 86 and 30 and 87. There should be trace voltage at pin 85 0.10 volts or around there. Could you take a voltage reading at each of the four pins and get back to us with what you get, please.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Image (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:39 PM

DANGOLEDANG

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Zero voltage on all. Nothing clicks or does anything when I turn the key. I’m now thinking it’s the ignition switch.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 AT 7:23 AM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

You hit the nail right on the head. The electrical current that energizes the coil on the control side of the relay and goes into pin #86 comes from the ignition switch when the switch is turned to "start". Replace the ignition switch and get back to us with how everything turns out. If you need instructions on how to do this let us know and we will get those to you.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros