I have a 1990 Dodge Dakota 3.9L V6, my problem is the engine ran fine last sunday, since then it won't start...

I know the fuel pump is working (it sprays fuel), the spark plugs are working fine, the starter is cranking over but still no ignition.

I checked the injectors noticing there was no spray of fuel into the throttle body. I put a test light into each of the 4 prongs of the wire harness to the injectors and no pulse.

What is happening, there is no power to the injectors? I need to get this fixed as soon as possible!

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

I'm not to familiar with the early years. But have you checked the fuses first. If all good I would suggest checking the notorious splice. I'm not to sure if it applies to the early years but it is worth a check. Check the FAQ in this section to see the write up on it.

 

Thanks man! I will try that tonight wish me luck

 

So I tried the wiring diagnostics as mentioned above, I am now getting power to my injectors, however I am not getting a pulse at the injectors...

Anyone have any clue as to what could be causing it now? A knowledgeable friend suggested my distributor is bad, apparently a pickup in the distributor sends the proper pulse sequence to the injectors as well, how credible is this idea?

Has anyone else had this problem?

Anyone know if a 1990 Dakota came with a PDC in it? I have read much up on this but haven't seen or noticed any black box....

The truck ran great a week ago, and just all of a sudden died while driving, luckily it was a block from my house

 

Bust your timing chain maybe? My mazda died while driving down the street and it was because my chain broke.

 

that truck WILL have a PDC, its on the driver side inner fender wall, closer to the firewall.

Crazy4x4RT >> the splice doesnt exist on the earlier years. the PDC and the washer fluid container are opposite from what the are on the magnums. meaning the PDC is where the washer fluid container is on the magnums. and the washer fluid container is where the PDC is on the magnums. ive checked for the splice, and it just doesnt exist.

KustomD >> have you checked the computer for codes? if not, cycle the ignition to the 'on' position 3 times. for example.. on, off, on, off, on within 5 seconds and then watch the check engine light, it will blink in sequence. for example, code 12 WILL come up, its normal, but it looks like this.. blink, pause, blink, blink. its pretty straight forward, just dont blink when the CEL is blinking :P

 

Thanks man, Already had it flat decked to my mechanic this morning it was pissing me off all weekend that I couldn't figure it out, he has 4 days to get it running I appreciate the help and will let you guys know what he finds.

Thanks

 

Well i'm back.... I wish with better news .... Truck does start now, mechanic found the distributor pickup was faulty, changed that out and fired up... problem is now the truck feels like it is "leaning out", then dies... yes check engine light comes on...

Checked for codes and it threw codes 12 (normal), 27 Injector Control Circuit, and code 55 (normal)

Does anyone know what causes the trip of code 27, and any quick remedies? Please Help I am desperate.... the mechanic will be able to look at it again this coming monday but for now I need to know if there is a quick fix...

Thanks

 

Code 27 means you have a bad injector or the wires to an injector is bad. If you used a code reader or a scanner to get the code they will tell you what injector. If you don't know what injector, then unplug each injector until you find the one that does not make the engine run different. Check the wires make sure you are getting full power to the injector. Then replace the injector if the wires are good.

 

Good call on the diagnostics! my "OTHER" mechanic looked it over determined the injectors were fine, cleaned them out, followed the wiring schematic and found a tiny break in one of the wires, cut it spliced it and as good as new!

Truck is apparently running like a champ now, I'll take it for a spin later tonight after work