I recently bought a 94' dakota with the 318 V8 and it has ran great for a couple of weeks. This week out of the ordinary it stopped starting. The motor cranks over but will not start. We replaced the sensor that sits under the cap and rotor because I read that was a common issue, but it still won't start. We got ahold of a scanner and the engine threw a code 42 for the ASD Relay Curcuit. We checked the relay and the fuse and both are fine. I was wondering if anyone had a link to a trouble tree I could use to check into the ASD Relay Curcuit problem as this is my main lead right now or if anyone had any suggestions.

Thanks

The power splice under the distribution box is notorious for going bad or corroding on these trucks. That would be the first place I would check if I were you. There is some info in FAQs about this issue.

I'd check for spark first. If your getting spark, your ASD relay is working.
Anyways...
Get a multimeter.
Pull the ASD relay. If you have questions on what terminal is which, it should be printed on the bottom of the relay itself.

With the ignition off, you should have voltage at terminal 30 (of the power distribution center for the ASD relay). This is your "hot" wire. Wiggle the wiring harness and make sure it keeps getting voltage.

With the ignition switch ON, battery voltage should be present at terminal 86. Again, wiggle the wiring harness and make sure it keeps getting voltage.

Now, you will need a helper. Have your helper hold the key in "START" and check for a good around on terminal 85. Again, wiggle the wiring harness and make sure it keeps getting a ground. (Note: I've never personally checked for this, but it *should* work)

If that checks out, theres really only one thing left. Check continuity between terminal 87 and either the distributor coil electrical connector or one of the fuel injector electrical connectors (try both of the wires on each connector just to be sure). Again, wiggle the wiring harness and make sure it keeps continuity.

If there are any problems with the steps above, either a fuse is bad some where, or there is some wiring problem.
If that checks out, it's onto different gremlins.







Here is more pics. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...t-start-2.html

Good write up! Can you replace your current explanation if FAQs with this one?

I added a link to this thread, while keeping what I already had there (so they know what the problem may still be).

alright thanks for the input I will definitely try that stuff

hey everyone thanks for the help with my starting issue. I worked on it tonight and it is running great again. It turned out to be the power splice under the distribution box as was suggested. Also to anyone having this problem my (ASD Relay/Fuel Pump Relay/PCM) splice was looking pretty weak also so this could be another source of the problem.

take it easy guys

Here's a couple of pics from when I fixed mine today. Thanks for the great info above.

Nice! Thats a good pic.

Hi people fell onto this page and gonna give it a shot