Hey Folks

Does the key trick give as much troubleshooting info as hooking it to a scanner?

Thanks

 

It depends on the scanner.

 

OK, what type of scanner would you suggest?

Truck runs and drives fine, will not start when hot.

Really guys, I use an HD forum to repair my Glide. Seems I get a lot of vague answer here, or check a sensor but no one knows how to test it.

 

If all you want is the code, the key trick is fine. Some scanners give you a text readout, instead of the code, but it's still the same information.

A better scanner can read live data. You'll know the temps, pressures, 02 sensor readings, TPS positions, all that stuff. It all depends upon your budget.

As to vague answers, a lot of the guys try here. The big problem is that there are a LOT of differences in the 2nd generation Dakota. We not only had the introduction of the 4.7 in 2000, we had the computer bus change in 2001, and the PCM change in late '02.

For the hot start, start with the basics. Do you have spark or fuel? If you don't have a code then think PCM as a possibility. They, any electronics really, can fail when hot. So can sensors, like the cam and crank. Do you have an injector leaking down that's causing an over rich condition?

Remember, these trucks are 16 to 9 years old. Lots of things can go wrong with age. Add modification by previous owners and it can be tricky to troubleshoot.

 

There are scanners, and then there are SCANNERS.

If you have an Android device, you can buy this Bluetooth device and buy the torque app from the store. What you'll get is not only a scan tool, but also real time information with graphs, gauges and charts.

For me, the newness (can see your 0 to 1/8 mile time when "racing" your 1/4 mile stats) wore off, it sits next to my corded handheld device. Some guys I know actually replaced their dash with an Android tablet and arranged their gauge cluster on the screen.

Costs less than most corded units, and delivers much more information.

Wait for the "smarter guys than me" to log in to troubleshoot your engine not starting.

 

Sorry DakDan, getting frustrated and took it on the wrong folks.

Didn't realize that there were that many changes to the Dakota.

Checked the TPS voltage on a cold motor this morning

Supply 5.16v
Output .4 to 3.85v

Will check it on a hot motor today. I've busted the bank changing out all the intake sensors and 02.

Do you know if there would be any voltage at the VSS or is that only when the truck is rolling?

The truck will start hot with a generous amount of starting fluid and feathering the pedal, runs rough and then cleans up after hitting some rpm's.

 

.26 to 4.49 volts are the specs for the TPS in '00.

The VSS sends an AC signal to anti-lock brake controller then it goes to the PCM. The truck needs to be moving.

 

Thanks DakDan, next time I run to town and get it warm I'm going straight to Autozone and have them throw it on a scanner. If it sits for more than 10 mins it wont start. I'm at my wits and wallet's end

 

How hot are you talking about? Before I replaced my fan clutch, my truck would go to the right white line on the hot days after climbing the mountain (within 3 miles hiking up 1,400 feet traveling at 35 mph). If I had to start quick after turning it off, it would rumble sputter and cough for a little bit, then be fine once it got out of its system.

The issue actually reminded me of vapor lock taking place. Anyhow, the new fan clutch fixed it for me.

Your issue sounds a heck of a lot like mine. When is the last time you replaced the fan clutch?

 

Drive 10 miles, engine to operating temp, slightly below mid on temp gauge. Truck runs fine.

Shut off truck, if you start immediately, starts and runs fine. Wait 10-15 mins and truck will not start. Nail it with starter fluid, rev the **** outa it, runs fine.