first off i have a 97 dakota 4x4 with 5.2 and manual transmission.

for some reason it will not start. it was fine on christmas eve. no troubles. then christmas day nothing. just cranks over and over.

battery is good since the starter turns the engine over. i heard the fuel pump build pressure and smell gas after cranking on it for awhile. so that tells me that i am getting gas.

i have change the crankshaft position sensor, cap and rotor. i had the coil checked. it checked good.

so at this point in time the only thing that i can come up with it plugs and wires. but i don't see how it would be those 2 items with out any warning. anybody out there have any idea what to look at??

 

How did you check the coil? Did you verify that it's actually making sparks? I ask because I have the exact same truck, which recently did the exact same thing and it was the coil.

 

Check for codes.

Do you actually have a spark? Pull a plug wire and check.

 

the cel doesn't come on so it isn't showing any codes.

as for checking coil. i took it to oriely's and they checked it for resistance. since i am doing this myself with no help. how can i check for spark since i can not be at the key and the engine bay at the same time? ( not trying to be a smart *** ) just fustratated!!

 

I know you're frustrated. If you can't get someone to help you, jury rig something.

Do you have any wire? An old spark plug?

Pull the wire off one of the plugs, the longest wire you can find and pop it into ANOTHER plug. Mount this plug somewhere that you can see with the hood open - it may help if you can be in the shade. Use the other piece of wire to ground this sparkplug.

Worst case, use ordinary wire for both leads to the plug. Just keep them separated and away from any metal.

We know you have fuel, spark is next.

 

We usually vice-grip the plug to a AC bracket or the like.

 

 

quick update, no spark. even with the a new coil. i went ahead and picked up a new set of wires and plugs. should have done that when i bought the truck anyways. guess i'll see what happens tomorrow with the plugs and wires.

 

check voltage to the coil you should have 12 volts to the coil if not auto shut down is activated no cam or crank signal or worse bad PCM. also you should check cap and rotor and also if you have spark from the coil it self. check you coil wire as well for resistance

 

k, i'll check that right after dinner.

however, i now have spark. but still will not start.

i did check the battery with the meter. it read 12.09 volts sitting there.