My 2001 Dodge Dakota seems to be missing in a.

Tiny
REVEREND1735
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 160,000 MILES
My 2001 dodge dakota seems to be missing in a way and it seems to have a hard time starting every now and again. It's also using antifreeze. Can these ba linked? Or could it be due to a camshaft sensor being bad?
Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 AT 5:36 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Any applicable trouble codes? How long since a tune-up? Use a gage and check fuel pressure. With hard starting, have helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the plugs. If spark everywhere, check injector pulse.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 AT 5:44 PM
Tiny
REVEREND1735
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It is actually showing 3 codes.
1: camshaft position sensor A circuit.
2: power steering pressure sensor switch circuit
3: small emissions leak at the evap.
It's been probably 4 to 5 years since my last tune up The fuel pressure seems good; I don't have a gauge to check it with but I checked it at the valve at the engine, and there's plenty of pressure. All fluids have been changed. It's just the hard starting and it's using engine coolant, but I really haven't noticed any leaks at or around the radiator.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
The computer has to see the cam and crank sensor signal or it won't start. An intermittent issue can be hard to track down.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 18th, 2012 AT 2:56 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links