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John Hart
Dodge Dakota
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3/19/2004
10:39:55

Subject: Problems with Starting
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I got my 1997 Dodge Dakota Sport 2x4 from my family after my dad (who owned it previously) died in 2002. Since I have had it I have put over $1200 into: new front pads and rotors, rebuilt starter, all new timing chains/gears, and just recently new spark plugs, PCV Valve and a host of other things. I have now been having problems starting it up. It starts but it cranks for a while before anything happens. A buddy of mine told me to tap the gas a little bit to help, sure enough that did it, started right up when I did it for the first time. I have been doing it for a few days now and it seems to have been helping it. This same guy suggested changing the fuel filter but I can't find it. Where is it? Also should I consider having the injectors cleaned the next time I am home from college? Also what are the signs of a fuel pump going bad?, someone told me that might be what is happening. This truck has to last for another few years but it is getting a little pricey for me to keep up. Any help would be appreciated



Timberwolf
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3/19/2004
16:49:19

RE: Problems with Starting
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The fuel pump and filter are both located in the gas tank. Get a fuel pressure test guage and hook it to the fuel rail. If pressure is low, it's either the filter or a weak pump. I would replace the filter and then test again. If pressure is still low, you need a new pump. If pressure is fine at rail upon initial testing, your injectors are dirty. Don't waste your money getting them cleaned, just get rebuilt ones if the injectors are at fault. http://www.fiveomotorsport.com/Injector_SetsDODGE.asp. Or get a low mileage used set on Ebay for cheap. Look for either 19 lb Dodge or Ford D5B on Ebay. You have to get to the pump/filter from the top of the tank. The easiest and least messy way is to take the bed off.



daffydak
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3/20/2004
00:59:30

RE: Problems with Starting
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it could also be the iac (idle air control) valve.
how does it idle? does it sometimes stall when put into gear? if so you should clean your iac.
instructions here: http://www.speedtweaks.ca/tipsandtricks.php

just my .02

Dan

mopar=mopower

John Hart
Dodge Dakota
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3/20/2004
09:58:43

RE: Problems with Starting
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Thanks for the advice, I do appreciate it, unfortunately I know nothing about this truck let how to do any work on it, my dad died before showing me most of the basic mechanical stuff he knew. If I keep having problems getting it to start up I am bringing it to my mechanic and asking him to check the whole fuel system because this truck has to last me another 2 years at least before I can afford a new car. Thanks guys



Gabe
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3/21/2004
00:54:16

RE: Problems with Starting
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Check you EGR bowl canistor and EGR selenoid valve. I had similar problems on my subaru before those 2 were replaced and I had changed everything else before getting to that point.



John Hart
Dodge Dakota
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3/21/2004
11:08:55

RE: Problems with Starting
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Got another question for everyone. When I get out of the truck after drving it aroud I get the distinct smell of coton candy or something like that. I crawled under it and there seems to be like white grease on the drivers' side but I can't see where it could be coming from so I am kinda wondering if this sounds like something I might have picked up somewhere. I have also noticed that if I start up the truck on a slight incline it seems to start better what could that mean? Thanks



Gabe
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3/22/2004
15:52:35

RE: Problems with Starting
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If your truck was carborated I would say it was a fuel injector problem. AS far as white grease goes check your cv-boots for leaks and your axles.



John Hart
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2004
15:10:58

RE: Problems with Starting
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Brought the truck to the shop and they called me the next day. They hook up a fuel pressure gauge and the pressure almost immediately died off so I definitely have to get a new fuel pump. htey also check the throttle body and said that was all gunked up and had to be cleaned. THey also did a bumper to bumper inspection and low and behold the damn thing is going to be more expensive. It needs new ball joints on both sides of the front and a new control arm, also the differential has to be filled up. For a grand total of about $1800!!!! THIS IS THE LAST TIME I WILL EVER PUT MONEY INTO THIS TRUCK, NEXT TIME IT DIES ITS GETTING A 12 GUAGE BULLET UP ITS ASS END. NEVER AGAIN WILL I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN DODGE MATERIALS!!!!!! I HATE YOU DODGE!!!! THIS TRUCK AINT THAT OLD AND ITS GOT LOW MILEAGES THANKS FOR BUILDING SOMETHIGN THAT DOESNT LAST!!! MY DAD WOULD BE PROUD OF THE VEHICLE HIS SON INHERRITED AFTER HE DIED.....WAIT NO HE WOULDN'T!!!!!!!



Timberwolf
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3/25/2004
16:48:41

RE: Problems with Starting
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Before you blow a gasket, you can do all that stuff yourself if you have basic mechanical ability. I'm sure you know someone who's good with a wrench if you're not. Fuel Pump-$199, or $100 at a junk yard,Ball Joints-$200 for all four, I have detailed instructions if you would like them emailed to you, Carb cleaner and scrub brush for cleaning throttle body(take it off the truck first)- $5, 75W90 gear oil $5, case of beer for your buddy to help you - $15. Grand total - $424. Good Luck



John Hart
Dodge Dakota
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3/25/2004
21:07:46

RE: Problems with Starting
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Sorry, I dont mean to blow steam on here but I am a little frustrated. I dont have any mechanical ability because my dad died before showing me anything about trucks and being only 20 years old I am a little pressed for money and such. On a brighter note though, my cousin said I should be okay on the current ball joints until I come home in a few weeks for the Easter break and my hometown mechanic is going to take a good look at them and see if they actually have to be replaced or not. As for the fuel pump, throttle body and differential the registered owner of the truck, my mom, told the dealer to do that much and leave it at that so its going to be about $1000 and she is helping me to pay for it. Sure as hell wont go back to a dealer though if I dont have to, my hometown mechanic thinks he might be able to do both sides' ball joints and the control arm for about $600 or so, I guess I can't complain too much but it is a little frustrating.



John Hart
Dodge Dakota
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4/09/2004
22:25:34

RE: Problems with Starting
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Had my hometown mechanic take a look at the truck and he and his front end (on the truck not the desk) man both agreed that the ball joints and control arm looked fine. If I can get another year out of this truck I should be okay cause my moms van will be paid off and then I will prolly buy that and sell her my truck for a trade in. If it behaves itself I might be willing to keep it for a bit longer and then think about trading it in. Def wont be going back to Goss Dodge in VT though, not after telling me that ball joints had to be replaced when they really didnt.



a.o
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2004
13:50:11

Problems with Starting
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have a 95 dodge dakota. It cranks over but does not fire. seams to start when the key is released
rather than in the crank posistion.seame to do it more in the warm weather.



Don E
Dodge Dakota
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11/13/2004
16:15:27

RE: Problems with Starting
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Got the same problem, 2001 quad cab, 4.7l 4x4 with 53000 Km, the truck just turns over and will not start, when you turn off the key and hit it again it starts right up, Fuel pump???, some say the fuel pump regulator is weak and cannot build up the pressure, it runs and drives fine, but is very hard to start and seems to be worse when cold and when tank is low, tried new plugs, cleaned the throttle body and put gas additives to attempt to cure the problem, will this eventually leave me stranded one day if it is the regulator?, could it be the cam sensor or crank sensor, this is also been suggested, I would like to know before I start changing things, I just changed the oil and noticed it was very black and sludgy as well as alot of condesation on the filler spout, could this also be the cause, any suggestions on what to do next???



christianlvrz
Dodge Dakota
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12/05/2010
02:22:01

RE: Problems with Starting
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Try the ignition control module I had the same problem.



christianlvrz
Dodge Dakota
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12/05/2010
02:27:32

problem while driving
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When I drive my truck it does fine but when I come to a stop
or make a left turn or right turn or u turn it shuts off idnot
know why it does this. I changed the ignition. Control
module new battery new spark plugs and fresh oil change.
I was told to check my fuel pump or fuel filter not sure what
it is.



Josh
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2012
20:38:53

RE: Problems with Starting
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My names josh and I have a 01 dodge dakota
5 speed manual 4x4 about 2 weeks ago I got
fuel and drove about 5 miles and my truck
started to lug (misfire) everytime I gave it gas
wasn't bad but it was their.as the week went
on it kept getting worse and worse until
finally I parked it for about 6 hours then tried
to start it would crank fine and would hit
every now and again me and a friend pushed
it about 10 yards and I tried it again it
strayed right off the bat but had half the
power and misfired constantly I drive it
home about 6 miles and shut it off now it will
crank and hit but no start I check the spark
plugs and wires for ignition its good don't
know what else to do any help would be
much appreciated thanks for reading and
good bless



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2012
08:47:26

RE: Problems with Starting
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Have you checked for codes? It does sound like you've either
got water in the fuel or the fuel pump died. You need to check
for fuel pressure.



Josh
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2012
14:30:29

RE: Problems with Starting
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Thanks buddyI appreciate it been
driving me crazy I'm getting a code
reader today to read them



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2012
16:07:08

RE: Problems with Starting
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You don't need a code reader. Turn the key on/off/on/off/on
and the codes will display in the odometer.



Jerry YouTube
Dodge Dakota
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1/11/2013
11:08:54

RE: Problems with Starting
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Does this sound like your problem?

Let it sit for 5 hours or more and when you start it the next time it turns over for about 4-5 seconds before it grabs fuel and starts? Start it again moments later and it starts instantly.

I had this issue for about 3 months after being rear-ended and assumed it was my fuel pump. Then looked for a kinked fuel line. Again nothing. Read my engine codes. Nothing aside of an Evap leak. I found nothing, but oddly, a haven't had the evap code in a few months, and the starting issue isn't an issue anymore. I feel like that's a strong indicator. I had an evap leak since purchasing it in the summer. Low mileage (86k) but the leak turned to a "Large Evap Leak" by September. It only started acting up as the leak got worse.

It's winter, things get wet, salt fills cracks etc. I assume whatever evap leak I had was small enough to seal with regular driving. Would a loss of vacuum cause a slow start like that? It's a fairly common issue, and I don't see the evap code being coincidence. I'll let you know if it comes back, and what I did to fix it.

Love this forum being up for my 11 year old truck! You want videos, I'm a videographer. Just ask.

2002 QuadCab 4.7 Auto
{29mpg highway (Windows Up, A/C) 90km/h Cruise.}
K&N Air Filter, CherryBomb Vortex, DEPO Aftmkt Lights,Superchip
BlueTooth ELM OBDII Scanner (Android) Torque App



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