Howdy, Dodgers, I have a 94 Dakota 3.9L truck that has given me excellent performance until lately. I first noticed the problem after I tried to start it and it didn't catch instantly, which it always does. As soon as I tried again, it would not start, and I feared draining the bat, or frying the starter. A while later it started right up, but lagged a bit before firing. It always starts instantly. A while later I noticed that the fuel gauge wasn't reading accurately, fluctuating from 1/4 to 3/4 range. After a couple days, it corrected itself. My fuel economy went from 16 to 18mpg to 8-maybe 10mpg, but that has happened int the past 6 months. I haven't been able to work on the bugger until now, because of a hand operation. I'm feeling that all these things are clues to the larger issue of economy. Only have 140K, and hoping for 200K, at least. great truck. Oh, it's 4X4, auto; no red engine llight on, codes are non existant except for the ole 55. Lotsa rust on frame, but body almost excellent. Hep me git started on trouble shooting this thang.

 

Have you done a good tune up on the truck lately all fluids all filters all ignition pieces?
Have you checked your fuel pressure at the time it doesn't start?
Have you checked for spark when it doesn't start?

 

No, I hvn't done any of the above. I plan on getting started on wed when the temp creeps upwards. I will order some parts today, tues., and pull the plugs. If the truck starts, and warms up, it never stutters starting, only if I miss the first try. Tune-up to follow. thankyou.

 

short tune'up...plugs/oil/air. old plugs all gapped at 0.035 except 2 that were at 40 with a little black fuzz. runs lots better, but i got an O2 sensor that only has a 12 inch harness. Can't find the plug for the harness. I have the workshop manual, and no help there. could it be deep in the harness?