I have a 2000 Dakota that is having some issues. First off, has an intermittent issue starting. Over the last month the truck has been running fine with the exception of three times I have went tout to start the truck and it just turns over but won't start. During this time I have checked spark and made sure there is enough gas in the tank and can hear the fuel pump. I will attempt to start it with no luck and then it will just start right up as is nothing happened. This could take ten minutes to 45 minutes of trying. any suggestions???

Seconde issue is unable to read out codes. I have been able to read them out in the past and then about two months ago went to connect a scanner and it was unable to connect. I tried a different scanner with the same results. I replaced the 15amp fuse with the same results. Not sure what to do next..HELP

 

What engine?

Did you try the key on-off-on-off-on-off-on trick to get codes?

What error do you get when you connect your scanner?

It may be a bad crank position sensor or camshaft position sensor. They can cause a "no start" condition.

 

No I have not used or heard of the on /off trick how does it work and what am I looking for?
When I connect the scanner it just tells me unable to establish a connection

 

The codes will display in the odometer window.

With the truck not running turn the key to the on position, not start. Then off, on, off, on, off, and leave it on.

If there are any codes you'll get a P####. When it's finished you'll get PDONE.

 

After getting code p0340 from the odometer. I called our local auto parts store. They told me there is two fixes for it a crank shaft position sensor and the cam shaft position sensor. The problem is that non of the stores have any part number for the cam shaft sensor, any advice?

 

It's in the distributor, a pickup, not a camshaft position sensor like on the 4.7.

Rockauto lists it for about $30-40.

 

Does that mean I have to buy a new distributor it a attached to it?

 

You don't need a new distributor. It just screws into it.

Check on Rockauto for a "distributor ignition pickup."