Hey, I was wondering if anybody could help me out or give me some ideas on this problem. I have a 96 dakota 3.9 6 cyl and everytime I start it, it cranks for about 7 seconds give or take a few seconds. It always starts but I'm beginning to get worried for burning out my starter or something .... plus its just realllllly embarassing. A few friends of mine claim that it sounds like the crank position senser but I really don't want to spend that much money just on their word. Anyways any help would be awesome thanks a ton!

 

the fuel system probably isn't pressurized. it is VERY common on dodge trucks. turn the key foward, to the on position, and let is sit for about 5 seconds, the turn start it. normally, what I do, is turn the key foward and put my seatbelt on. the start it up.

it is just taking a little while for the fuel pump to properly pressurize the system.
I hope this works for you!

graeme

 

Thanks for the advice... but unfortunately I've tried this technique before and it doesn't really help out my situation much. Although you may be onto something, because now I'm starting to notice a slight bog when the engine is cold and I accelerate. I'm guessing this has to be related to the fuel system and before I thought this starting issue may have been the cause of some sensor. And I doubt a sensor would cause any kind of engine bogging. So now my best guess is something with the fuel system but I am still really unsure of this. Anywho keep the ideas coming and thanks!

 

Your best bet is to hook up a spark tester and a fuel guage to help isolate if its a spark or fuel problem. My 94 dakota was starting to cranck to long for my liking and all i had to do is have the fuel injectors professionaly cleaned and it starts at the touch of the key now.

 

Just got the fuel pressure in the fuel rails checked and its really low at 18 to 20 psi. So looks like im changing the fuel pump thanks for all your ideas and suggestions.

 

Before you replace the fuel pump, check the fuel pressure regulator. Put the fuel pressure guage back on, and pull the vacuum line off the regulator. At idle, the pressure should be 31 psi, with the vacuum hose removed, the pressure should jump up to 39. Its possible the regulator is blowing by, its also possible the pump is bad. If you can make the pump run, without starting the engine, the pressure should be at 39 psi, if not most likely the pump is bad---assuming the fuel filter has already been changed. I found all this in the Haynes manual.

 

Hey, thanks for the last minute advice but I already changed the pump, lol. But yeah, it did the trick, the old dakota runs like its brand new again (well compared to before) and it is consistantly starting really good. I'm a happy camper! and thanks for everyone's input!

 

Is there a way that you can pull the fuel pump out of the tank, dissassemble it and clean it. Last time I checked about a new pump for my 96 dakota it was pretty pricey. Mine has long starts as well. Just was curious on that though.