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1995 Dodge Dakota We have no Idea!

Tiny
HEIDI71282
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
This truck will not start. A mechanic I trust worked on it for over a week and cannot figure out the problem. When he hooks the diagnostic computer to the truck computer it does not register/connect or whatever is should do(nothing comes on the screen). I got a used(but was told working) computer and had that put into the truck and again nothing is working or coming up on the diagnostic computer. I am happy to buy a new computer for $300 but have been told it is not a returnable part and would hate to buy it and have the same thing happen. What can you recommend. I really need to get this truck running again!
Thanks,
Heidi Ham
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 9:53 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Does the engine turn over and just not start? Does it have spark? Does it have fuel? Get back to me with what you can so I can look over the wiring diagram or what every I can to try to help with your problem. Thanks
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
HEIDI71282
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes it has a spark as far as I know, which means there is fuel right? I beleive it does turn over but just not start.I will double check tho and get back to you IF that info is wrong.
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 AT 11:52 AM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
If it has spark doesn't mean it has fuel. So I do need to know if there is fuel getting to the injectors. So if you can find out what the fuel pressure is and make sure that it is true that it will turn over and just not start. You can also use throttle body cleaner if you can't do a fuel pressure test at this time. Get some throttle body cleaner and spray it inside the throttle body and then try to start it to see if it starts for a moment. Let me know what you find it is important that we make sure the information is acurate as this helps make sure we do the right test ok. Thanks and get back to me.
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Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 AT 9:56 AM
Tiny
HEIDI71282
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I confirmed last night with the mechanic that I have had working on it that it does in fact turn over, just not start. And he also said it has fuel. Does that help.
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Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
I need to have it conformed weather or not there is spark to the plug. Have him pull a spark plug wire and put a screwdriver in the end of the wire and crank it over to see if there is spark. Also has he checked the fuel pressure? If not what is the fuel pressure. If there is fuel and spark then it should start. What type of scan tool is he using? I don't believe it is a computer not 2 doing the same thing. I need to have the proper info to be of help.
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Thursday, May 7th, 2009 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
HEIDI71282
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
This is what he said in reply to what you've wrote so far:
So Clint said the computer he is using is a Snap on scanner mt2500. And he insists that if it doesn't have fuel, it doesnt have spark.(It was important that he put that on record I guess=)). We couldn't log on with your info because it says that the info is invalid. There is no spark to the plug, for sure. There is no fuel pressure, the pump is not turning on. Because there is no spark, the throttle cleaner is of no use. Either way, without the spark it's not going to start. I think that answers what he wrote. If there is any other questions, pass them along and I will ask clint for ya.
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Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 AT 7:03 AM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok if there is spark and no fuel it won't start and if there is fuel and no spark it also will not start. Just because there is no fuel don't mean there is no spark. If both are truly missing then I would be doing a pin check on the computer. I would also check the following in the underhood power distribution box. The ignition fuse number C should be 40 amp, ignition fuse number E should be a 50 amp, PCM fuse number D should be a 30 amp. Then check the auto shut down relay and fuel pump relay. Make sure they are getting power from the red wire going to them. Let me know what you find.
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Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
BEEF99
  • MEMBER
  • 152 POSTS
Very likely it is a neutral safety switch or the emergency switch that trips when you get into an accident. Those switches turn off your spark and fuel but will also let your vehicle to crank over still but not start. Computers go but not very often, I would check these things first and foremost. Check all of your relays and fuses, and sensors but more than likely it is those switches first mentioned because they will also not show up on th ecomputer and will shut down your computer on some models so you will not be able to get a reading either.
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Saturday, July 11th, 2009 AT 2:57 PM
Tiny
BEEF99
  • MEMBER
  • 152 POSTS
I know this is an old post and hope that it is fixed already. If it is not and you still need help, the reason for my previous post is that I have heard from a few people around here that they have had this problem with those same switches and sometimes the plug to those switches, usually from what I have heard, it is a corrosion problem. The mechanic that has also posted in reply to your questions could also be right about his idea too.
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Saturday, July 11th, 2009 AT 3:31 PM

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