1988 Dodge Dakota fuel pump not coming on most of the time

DAKOTA123

MEMBER
1988 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
300,000 MILES

When my 88 dakota does start-up, when I drive it and stop and shut it off, it won't start-up, the fuelpump won't start when the key is turned on. Let it sit for a day or a week it may start right-up or it may not, if it starts-up, I can shut it off and start it up 10 times and no problem but if I drive it 200 feet and shut it off it won't start again, the fuel pump won't turn on. Any suggestions what my problem is?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,752 POSTS

Hi:

If I had to guess, I would say the pump may be going bad. It could also be the fuel pump relay located under the hood. If the relay isn't sending power to the pump, the car won't start. You need to check if the pump is getting power when it won't start. If it isn't, try the relay. If it is, replace the pump.

Note: The easyiest way to get to the fuel pump is to remove the bed of the truck. There are 8 bolts holding the bed on, a couple wiring harnesses need disconnected from the rear lights, and the fuel filler tube needs unscrewed from the side of the be where you put gas in it. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Joe

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Thursday, October 9th, 2008 AT 10:47 AM

DAKOTA123

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Relay is fine, I have a couple spares, talked to a guy today, he seen a few old dakota's with this problem and its in the distributor, he says pick up another distributor and problem solved, what do you think?

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Thursday, October 9th, 2008 AT 11:39 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,752 POSTS

Hi:

I question that if the fuel pum isn't working. Let me know what you decide.

Do you have spark when this happens?

Joe

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Thursday, October 9th, 2008 AT 11:47 AM

EVERFROST

MEMBER
1 POST

Easiest way to tellif its your pump run a smaill wire to the postive of your coil from your batt pump should turn on. My guess is its your distributor or the pick up in the distributor. You can check the pick up by removing the 2 side screws and pulling it out of the distributor housing then turn the key to on and place a screwdriver at the connetion of the pick up if it works the coil will get fire which will turn on the fuel pump. Of course if it works then that means the pulse ring or the interruptor inside the distributor is the problem replace the distributor problem solved. Hope that helps

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+1

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 AT 11:11 PM

DAKOTA123

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I changed distributers, no go, it was a wiring problem to the fuelpump, sold the truck, and bought a 97 chevy pickup, much happier for now lol. Thanks for all the help.