Greetings Durango guys!I've looked for help on the 2nd gen Dakota forum, but haven't found an answer. So I'm hoping this strange problem has surfaced on the 1st gen Durango. I have a 2002 quadcad Dakota, 4.7L, 108K. I've had a lingering problem for about a year now, and it's really driving me crazy. When the temp is below about 20 degrees, it starts right up at the turn of the key, every time. When its above about 20 degrees, and it's been sitting for more than about 15 or 20 minutes, I have to crank for 5-10 seconds to get it started. Once started, the idle is very low for about five seconds, then it lumbers up to regular idle. From there on out it runs fine. If it's above 20 degrees and it has not sat for more than 20 minutes, it starts fine and runs fine. Immediately after the rough start, I smell gas outside the engine compartment. But I've searched for signs of a leak and I see none. The fuel rail is dry as a bone.What I've done so far: The fuel pump has been replaced, but I'm convinced it wasn't necessary. Since that time, I've done all of the fuel pressure diagnostics in the service manual and she checks out fine. No loss of prime. I replaced the TPS and the IAC valve, and have removed and cleaned the throttle body until you could eat off of it... all passaged and ports. I checked the operation of the Intake Air Temp sensor, and the Engine Coolant Temp sensor, both seem to read fine at low and normal temps. I thought maybe injectors are coming into play, but it runs really well once started.Any ideas?? I would greatly appreciate it!!!!

 

how old is your battery? how are the electrical connections from the battery to the engine, check the electrical connections on both the coils and the injectors (unplug and replug one at a time)

how are the plugs? are they cheapo copper core champions gapped to .040? if not fix that immediately!!!!!!!! if i think of anything else ill be sure to add it

 

Thanks for the reply! I forgot to mention that I did in fact change the plugs and battery trying to resolve the issue. That was my first act. The connections to the battery are good. But I have not checked the connections to the injectors. I will look into it, thanks.

I'm curious what kind of plugs you recommend? I've always used the champion copper, just thinking I would go with OEM parts.

 

the copper core champions are the best for these trucks, and check the gap befor eyou put them in dont trust the factory gap

 

Could be a MAP sensor, Air Charge sensor, or an 02 sensor.

 

Ok, I misunderstood. I thought you were implying I shouldn't be using the copper cores. I've had good luck with them, changing them every 30K or less.

Hydrashocker... thanks for the advice. I haven't looked at the MAP or o2 sensors. The air charge checks out fine.