starting problems - Dodge Dakota Forum

Subject: starting problems
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i'm having to crank the engine about 10 seconds to get the truck to start when cold ('97 V6 2WD, 100K mi). and it stumbles until it warms up, then it runs great. the problem appears to be only in "open loop" mode. not bad yet but getting worse. no computer codes. runs fine in closed loop mode. starts fine warm.

checked fuel pump. 48 PSI at cold start & holds for over 30 minutes when powered off. so pump, regulator, & check valve OK.

examined injectors visually. no leaks. since fuel pressure is maintained for over 30 minutes after pump is powered off i think injectors and entire fuel supply system OK.

anyone have any suggestions please? i'm not ready to give up on the truck yet. will try new cap, rotor, & plugs (bosch platinums always). then coil. then open loop sensors. but there has to be a better way.

i'm betting on the Mass Air-Flow sensor, but i've never had one fail before so i don't know what to expect.

thanks gang.

cuzindoug
GenIII

6/05/2006
21:33:29

RE: starting problems
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The 97's don't have a mass air flow sensor. I would check your cap/rotor (carbon tracking, etc) and wires/plugs (resistance, chaffing, arcing, etc) first.

If it doesn't fit, force it. If it breaks...well...it needed to be replaced anyway.

jerry
Dodge Dakota
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6/06/2006
01:49:12

RE: starting problems
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Just remember that in cold weather your battery's cranking power is reduced. If it doesn't put out full voltage it can somehow affect your choke. I have personal experience with thes. My truck would run like crap and die in the mornings until it was warmed up ( or the battery charged up )Only After I put a new battery in did the problem go away. If you still have the OEM battery or it is an older one, that could be the problem. Starting ok when warm is another symptom, as a warm battery puts out more juice than a cold one.

?
Dodge Dakota
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6/06/2006
13:38:17

RE: starting problems
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Check connection to / or check the IAT sensor.
Believe it is normally in the intake manifold
passenger side , just to front of throttle body..

disaster
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2006
18:50:12

RE: starting problems
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thanks all.

notes......

battery is fine. the problem isn't cold weather related. it's any time the truck has been sitting at least a few hours so the sensors cause the computer to operate in open loop mode after starting.

if it doesn't have the Mass Air-Flow Sensor then it probably has the MAP Sensor & IAT.

so i'll check the IAT & MAP.

i'm starting the cap & rotor, plugs, & coil this week........

lastly, has anyone had problems w/ the EVAP solenoid valve? i'm wondering if this may be the problem (valve open to EVAP canister in open loop mode).

thanks again gang.

zzark
*GenII*