Fuel pump

289,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SHORTY18128
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I have a 95 Dodge dakota SLT 318 5.2 L I drove my truck all week and on Fri it had a 1/4 tank of gass and then I park it and then Sat morrning I got up to leave a went to start it and it would not start I don't hear the fuel pump is their another way to check to make sure it is the pump.
Dec 10, 2010 at 9:48 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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Sure there is. You would have to use a fuel pressure gauge and test light to follow a wiring diagram to test for power and ground arriving at the pump
Dec 10, 2010 at 9:55 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Bang on the bottom of the tank while a helper cranks the engine. Unlike GM pumps, Chrysler pumps rarely quit while driving. When the brushes in the motor are worn, they fail to start up. Banging on the tank often gets them started.

There is only voltage to the pump for one second after turning the ignition switch to "run", then again anytime the engine is rotating, (cranking or running), so banging on the tank is most effective during cranking.

Another test is to pop the cover off the fuel pump relay, reinstall it, and watch for a tiny spark when you squeeze and release the contact. No spark means most likely the brushes are worn and open circuited. A spark means the motor is trying to run but may be locked up. That was more of a full-size truck thing in real cold weather in the '90s. The pump bodies warped when cold. I never heard of THAT on a Dakota.

caradiodoc
Dec 10, 2010 at 10:02 AM
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DAVE'S BIG BACKYARD!
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if you have no fuel pressure then you have to check the harness at the pump, unlike a g.m or a ford you cannot test them the same. to get power to the fuel pump you have to crank it as you test it.for this you need some help from someone.
Dec 10, 2010 at 6:06 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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The Chrysler circuit works the same as Ford and GM. You get a 2 second prime when the key is turned on and then it re-powers when the PCM sees a tach signal.
Dec 10, 2010 at 6:11 PM
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SHORTY18128
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Thanks for helping me find out what the problem was.

p.S Ground wires couse lots of problem THANKS AGAIN
Dec 14, 2010 at 5:28 PM
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DAVE'S BIG BACKYARD!
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sorry i was thinking to far back on that one.yes you will have power at key on,your right.
Dec 14, 2010 at 5:51 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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Closing out question
Mar 28, 2011 at 11:58 AM
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