i have a 97 dakota 8cyl 5.2L it starts i'll drive 5-10 miles
go into store for maybe 20-30 min try to start it won't start
if i leave it sit for a while 45-1 hr it will start and my check engine light will come on.....then i won't drive it for a week or so and it will start no check engine light.....then start the samething again....can anyone help me with this or steer me in the right direction...

 

Well it would help out more if we knew what the code was. Next time it doesnt start turn the key from off to on 3 times in a row(dont start just to on) on the 3rd time leave it on and then your code will be displayed in your odo

 

See what the code says. I would check the auto shut down relay too.

 

If you have AutoZone where you live ask them to check the code for you (they do it free).

 

i finally got the code off truck
p0340
cam positioning sensor is what my manual said
by why it works sometime and sometime not

 

cam sensors tend to do this when the getting ready to go. there my also be a bad wire. unplug it sensor and see if you have a 12v power a 5v power and a ground. it will show up something funky like -1.32V. check and see if the 5v pwer changes after the light comes on or when it wont start. also check the coil. it sounds like the coil is getting hot and killing the cam sensor. either way please post your findings

 

i changed out the ignition coil....drove it till it was warmed up......then drove back home......shut unit donw..try to start started up....then let it sit for about 20-25 min try again wouldn't start....i guess i'm going to try the cam sensor...any one know where i can get it? cheap!!!!!!!

 

i changed oout the cam position sensor
it was i pretyy easy job....also put new rotor and dist cap wire and plugs
drove it for about 20 miles no check light ......so i hope this solved my problem...will give furture update...thanks everyoine for the help
:icon _headbang: