1992 Dodge Dakota

Do you mean the engine cranks over and wil not start or won't crank engine over at all.

1. If the engine cranks over and will not start do below

Get a carb cleaner and spray into the carb or the throttle body on an EFI. Did it start and die? If not disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light.

Fuel pump and Injector/s checks out-start checking the ignition system-power to coil, coil/s itself,distributor pick-up,control module, Cam and Crankshaft sensors.

If both fuel and spark is present-check the valve and ignition timing, this will lead you to problems with compression and valves opening and closing at the wrong time

2 won't crank engine over at all.

Make sure the battery is in good condition and properly cleaned/tightened. Have helper hold key in start position find the starter and bang on it-if it cranks the engine over-replace the starter if not start looking for power at the starter solenoid small terminal with a brown wire-no power there check starter relay. Also see wiring diagram below for troubleshooting

Good Luck