I have a 95 Dakota 318 and have had the same problems as some others. I have tried everything that has been listed and still wont start. Fixed wires under dis. box , crank sensor ,checked relay, and replaced computer.Still won't start. One suggestion from a neighbor ,after running some tests ,was the ECM was not grounding the auto shutdown, it grounds at initial key on position . Any help? thanks

 

WEll, does the engine turn as fast as usual? Starter issues?

Have you done regular tune ups Like the distributor cap?

Checked to see if you are getting spark from the coil and to the cylinders?

Just basic stuff.

 

yes and yes . starter less the 3 mo. old and new rotor ,dis cap and cam sensor .put on a new air con. pump ran fine that day sat for 2 days and wouldn't start . fuel pump clicks fuel rail has pressure , no fire from the coil. am I overlooking something obvious? I've had no real trouble up until now .

 

SO coil is not sending power and the fuel pump is not running? Did you check every single fuse and swap relays?

wow... Could be a bad ground, maybe even overly corroded battery terminals, but that's kind of a rare situation

Wait for more answers from people on here with more expertise

 

So if I understand right it cranks the starter but has no spark?

If so, check the ground near or for the ignition coil.

 

Kurtv, changed batt terms and such, checked fuses and relays. fuel pump is clicking until autoshutdown kicks in.dbilik, started looking for a ground but cant find one around coil approx location?my neighbor , a GM mech , seems to think this may be the problem. I thought I may have left one off changing air cond. We'll start looking again.

 

Yes, it a small wire, I want to say gray with a pink strip? (It was dark) and it has a metal loop with some slef locking barbs attached to it. It gets put over a stud by the alternator/ac mount, if I remember right it is actually suppose to go on the stud that has a metal reinforcing bar from the AC back to the manifold. Sorry, going from memory since I am at work and my truck is at home. I will see if I can't find you a picture here. Anyways, you tighten the nut down over it. It is part of the wire bundle that shares wires with the alternator, if that helps.

I know, because I left mine off the other night when I was working in the dark and putting the engine back together. I will get you a picture tonight unless somone else knows what I am talking about and can take a picture before then for you.

 

Try this. It isn't the exact location, but it will get you in the general area. I can get a picture of the actual wire tonight.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38087588@N06/3545224769/

 

I believe this is the one He is referrring to. I forgot it as well when I was replacing the CTS.

 

YEs, that's the one. I knew I forgot it as soon as I cranked it over. It is an easy one to lose or forget too.