I have a 2002 Dakota with the V6. The last couple days it has given me trouble starting. It acts like it is out of fuel. It will crank over and finally start. It will drive a little rough for a mile or so then runs like normal. When I turn the key I can hear the fuel pump prime. I called the dealer and there is not fuel filter, which I find strange. A new fuel pump is $550 and I don't want to spend the money if I don't need to. If any one has any suggestions I would appreciate it.

 

the pumps in the tank hence the reason why its so expensive could be something else simple like a bad battery cable ground or something my jeep did that and it also just had a bad coolant temp sensor on it that was causing it to act like this too. i know its a different vehicle but still proves there are other little fixes that can be tried first before going for something big like the fuel pump.

 

i would start by checking all the grounds if you dont want to spend money


but start w/ a tune up first before spending any big money (plugs/cap/rotor)



o btw there is not filter bc it is built into the pump so to change it you need to change the pump

 

also, let the battery sit on a trickle charge over night. one of the most commonly over looked service during preventive maintenance.

 

Trouble codes from the PCM can also help you figure out what is wrong. Parts stores like Autozone or Advance can read the codes for you. You can also turn the ignition key on then off, on then off, on then off, on and leave it on and any stored codes will display in the odometer. It can also be the battery like Fox said. With a digital volt meter the battery should have at least 12 to 12.5 volts across the terminals when the engine is off and 14.5 volts when the engine is running. Dakota's are really sensitive to low voltage.

Depending on the mileage and time since the last one, it might be time for a good tune up with good quality parts. A fuel induction service might help too if there is a problem with dirty or clogged injectors.

Jimmy

 

like to add to what jimmy, so dont jump to these steps yet though, only way you're pulling a code with those scanners is with a active (CEL on) code. historic codes can only be accessed via modus or the factory scan tool, or a special program on a lap top with the obd2 plug. also for a little FYI about bad injectors. get a automotive stephoscope and listen to each indivudla injector, if any injctor seems out of tune with the rest, thats a sign either the injector is bad or the circuit itself has issues. most likely it will be a bad injector.

 

If the trouble starting happens when the engine is warm, you might also suspect the throttle position sensor. The TPS can go bad and will not always store a trouble code. A test is when it won't start, stomp the gas pedal to the floor and see if it will start that way. If it starts with the pedal to the floor it just might be the TPS.

It could be the Idle Air Control sensor too, and the above test could help you identify or rule it out. But the rough running for the first mile or so could very well be indicative of a faulty or lazy O2 sensor. A bad O2 should trip a code but a lazy or partially worn out one will not. I have heard more about bad or lazy O2's than I have heard about bad TPS or IAC's. A bad O2 will also cause the IAC not to read right which can cause hard starts and a rough idle. Usually though the truck will start, idle rough and then die when the IAC is bad, and yours is not starting at all.

How many miles on the truck? Is the gas mileage worse than it used to be? Are there any active codes stored?

Jimmy

 

My guess would be either a battery trying to go bad, which can reset the PCM when you crank it up, or possibly a leaking fuel injector. A leaky injector will give you a long crank time, and can cause a misfire for the first couple of minutes or run time. But definately check the batt first.

 

One other thing it could be is fuel pressure regulator. If it won't crank normally, you can try turning the ignition on and wait for about 5 seconds the start the truck. If it starts after waiting it is probably the pressure regulator, which is part of the fuel pump assembly, which is in the fuel tank. Fuel pressure regulator may not cause a rough idle though.

Jimmy

 

The engine cranks fine. Now it won't start at all. And I don't hear the "hum" of the fuel pump when I turn the key on. But lucky for me I still have a warranty that will cover it. I will post what the problem is. Thanks for all of your input.