QuestionQUESTION: Hi Roland. I have a '02 Dakota Quad Cab 4X4. Parked it on the weekend running fine. Two days later won't start. Engine spins over fine, have 20psi fuel pressure at the rail. No spark at end of coil wire. Pulled molded plug from coil and probed with test light, no power with key on. Tach bounces when I crank engine (I assume this means crank sensor ok?) Check engine light flashes 11 times. Really appreciate some help. Thanks Brian
ANSWER: Hi Brian,
If by 'flashes 11 times' you mean 1 flash, pause, 1 flash, pause, then 5, pause, 5 pause,
then that would be actually 12 flashes but under the obd-I codes that were phased out in '96 that would say the crank sensor was bad (code 11) and 'end of readout' (code 55). I don't know what 11 flashes in a row might mean, however.
Otherwise to get the obd-II codes which should be the kind that are stored in an '02 model, you may have to borrow a code reader and plug it into the port on the dash by the steering column to get the 4-digit code numbers. If you get those, write me back and tell me what you found. I do find that I have a '04 manual for the 3.9 Dakota, so let me know and we can go from there when you have a code(s).
Roland
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QUESTION: Hi Roland. Checked with a MAC OBD II reader- no codes. Frustrated I had it towed to a repair shop. They said it started with pedal to the floor but died when pedal released. Took fuel pressure reading and got 20psi at schraeder valve also. He said this was below spec. After taking the reading truck started and idled fine. They had it for a week and was fine every day so gave it back saying they suspected fuel pump, but were reluctant to replace with the no start only once. I get it back and is fine for 2 days, after sitting overnight - no start. The shop said they had a healthy spark. As soon as it gets light I am going to put a fuel pressure gauge on it.
ANSWER: Hi Brian,
The pressure regulator might also be the cause of too low pressure, but I can't suggest how to differentiate that from a weak pump. I don't know the relative cost/difficulty of replacing the pump vs. replacing the pressure regulator but I will see if I can look into it and get back to you if/when I do.
Thanks for the up-date and please let me know what happens.
Roland
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QUESTION: Thanks Roland. I do know that the regulator and pump are integral on this model and both are in the tank. Big job. I am hoping that I get a low/ no pressure fuel reading. From what I can gather it doesn't seem as though fuel pump is an inherrent prob on this truck. $400 for a pump...I'd rather not guess. Would giving the tank a whack with a mallet while turning over help?
AnswerHi Brian,
My guess is that the 'whack' would be more effective if it didn't want to run at all, rather than not running at speed. Do you hear the pump run for a second or so when you turn the key to run position? If so, then the pump is working, but may be not up to speed? Do you have a spec for the fuel pressure? I can go across the street to a neighbor to read my CD (my CD drive for some reason is not working) about the '04 model if you need some specific info. Let me know. And thanks for the rate/nominate.
Roland
