1999 Dakota starting issues?

[dusterdood]

Figured I'd ask here in case some Dodge techs are floating around.
This is a 3.9 V6, and a 5 speed if it matters. Will run and randomly stall. When it stalls, it won't start again for a while. It cranks strongly. Gets a good amount of fuel (you can smell it), and once when this happened, my brother was there, so he pulled a plug, and I cranked it, and it was sparking, but wouldn't start. I bought all new tune up stuff, and just yesterday a new coil. Still nothing. Let me know what you guys think?

[Tiamat]

A V6 is only 3/4 of a motor.







No.seriously, I have no idea Sorry

[dusterdood]

The sad thing is, I traded my '87 Ramcharger for this thing thinking it's modern, and reliable. Yeah, right.

[Tiamat]

Too much gas I'd say.
Is it injected or normally aspirated?

[dusterdood]

It's fuel injected. MFI.

[kendog170]

I've had that problem with a 340 and a 4cyl. mopar.It turned out to be a worn out distributor.It won't throw a code.(just my 2 cents) Does it take a lot of cranks to start when it was warmed up? That was the other symptom. Hope this helps.Good Luck!!!!

[moparteacher]

My money says it's the JTEC (PCM).

Check for injector signal when it won't start. You'll need a noid light. Don't use a test lamp. Improper continuity level from a test lamp can damage the JTEC. You can use a logic probe, it's digital. Confirm source voltage to the injectors with key on/start.

If you have spark and an injector trigger then confirm fuel pressure is adequate. Rest pressure is 44-54 psi.

If you have spark but don't have fuel injector signal, check for crank shaft position sensor signal. It's an AC signal. The CPS is behind the right cylinder head at the bellhousing. It produces it's sine wave from notches in the flexplate/flywheel. There is a heat shield on some models that protects the sensor from manifold heat.

If you have a sine wave signal from the CKP and no injector firing then replace the JTEC.

If you lose both injector source voltage and coil source voltage at the same time replace the ASD relay (Automatic Shut Down). It's in the power distribution center.

Good luck

The CKP sends a signal for injector firing, the distributor produces a square wave signal for ignition coil firing.

[Dono]

Pull the distributer pop off the cap then get into the phase part of the dis.  YOu will see that the phase part of the dis is loose or nocked right off.  I have seen this a million times.  YOu can swap out the part or just JBweld it.  Try to line it up but the big problem is if it loosens to the point it smokes the pickup she will be really tore up under the roter.

Good luck,  If you need I can shoot some pictures of what to look for I have two or three junk ones stilling in the shop.

Don.

[dusterdood]

Yes, please post a picture.
Mike

[dusterdood]

With a tune up, and new MAP sensor it seems to have solved the problem. Still would like to see a picture of the problem in the distributer if you have time.

[Dono]

With a tune up, and new MAP sensor it seems to have solved the problem. Still would like to see a picture of the problem in the distributer if you have time.

10/4 AS soon as I have time

[kendog170]

If it acts up again,check the dist. cap.If the dist. has play , the cap will be junk shortly. How did the old cap look inside?A map sensor usually throws a code.