I have a 1992 Dakota with a 5.2, and about 160 K on the odometer. It has a problem I have been fighting for some time. It has been shutting down unexpectedly. I soldered the infamous wire joint by the fuel relay and the ASD relay. I was about to give up when my son touched the ECM (Engine Control Module) harness where it connects to the ECM. I heard the relays click on. When I cranked the engine it fired right up. It ran for a short time and quit. We wiggled the connector again till we heard the relays kick in and it started again. It might run for a minute, or it might run for 50 miles. I have not been able to determine which wire is causing the problem.

So I pulled the connector off the ecm and cleaned it with electrical cleaner I bought from Radio Shack, inspected all the pins and tried to squeeze shut the little connectors that slide onto the pins. What is the best way to squeeze them shut? This did not solve the problem. I just drove it 12 miles, but I am sure the problem will return, as it has in the past. It almost acts like the control for the ASD, or coil. I have also cleaned all the ground cable connections on the fenders and fire wall.

I am almost thinking I need to take the ECM connector apart. Has anyone taken one of these apart without breaking it? I am wondering if I have a bad connection between one of the wires and the pin connector. Or is it a bad connection between the connetor and one of the pins?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

I forgot to mention I replaced the ECM (computer) with a re manufactured one. It runs great till it looses connection somewhere in the harness.

 

Sounds like a wire problem. Unfortunately your just going to have to dig. My guess is check the service manual for the wiring diagrams. Look for the pin for power and ground feeds. Then follow those wires back to try to find the problem. If need be replace the entire connector or entire wiring harness from the junkyard.

 

Have you ever tried to take one of those connectors apart? The problem is right at the connector, or pins. I have the factory service manual, so I know the wires you are talking about.

Thank you.

 

Greg, I also have a 92 V8 with the same issues, the truck will start and run fine most of the time. Then, out of the blue while the truck is in drive while the vehilce is stopped or in neutral the engine will JUST SHUT OFF.

So, when I attempt to restart it the engine will turn over but it just wont start.

One time I waited 3 hours for a tow.. the tow truck shows, I turn the key and BINGO it starts.

Because its a intermittent problem most garages can't help me, I dont know what to do ...

If you have any suggestions or find something else out new could you let me know please ... Thanks Joe

 

Sounds like electrical deterioration due to age...I've had a few strange power problems in my 93 Dakota with 5.2L V-8, but not this one. My experience with my truck leads me to believe Mopar/Dodge bought wiring on a least cost basis...every wire in my truck that is exposed to the weather/elements simply rots away until a short of some kind occurs. Never looked at the ECM on my truck...knock wood, but can you simply bypass the connector and wire it directly? May not be possible, but if the wiring is that prone to deterioration over time, makes sense that connectors would be, too.