Dakota Won't Start
 

I've got a 2001 Dakota 2WD 3.9L and it just slowly died while I was driving down the road. A buddy of mine thought it might be the spark plugs, but I changed out all six and that didn't do it. Since then, I've also changed the fuel pump as well as the crankshaft position sensor, and it still won't start. It'll crank, but it won't turn over. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Did you check for any codes?

Starting with the key off, turn the key to RUN (not start), OFF, RUN, OFF, then leave it in RUN.

Any codes should display in the odometer window.

I took it in to O'Reilly's to have them check the codes, and they said "there was nothing wrong, as far as they could tell" aside from it not starting. The guy gave me a couple suggestions, which I tried, but unfortunately did not resolve the issue.

Well, it sounds like you are going to have to start with the basics. Fuel and Spark are the requirements. Are you getting fuel? Put a pressure tester on the fuel line and see what happens. If all checks out then check for a spark.

What do you mean crank but not turn over?

You mean it just will not spark up? but it will turn over?

Check for spark first

I'm thinking coil or Distributor coil Pickup under the distributor cap and rotor

I was kinda wondering how he got it to O'reilly's if it won't start?

Try checking the coil wire plug on the bottom of the coil. I had mine vibrate loose once and the truck wouldn't start. Just a thought; slim possibility but it happened on mine.

a crack in the cap will not let it start

also saw a few months back, a guy had a cracked coil that caused intermittent run.

Check the fuel rail pressure, as advised. You can use a screwdriver to check for spark (or hold the plug to the accessory bracket on the motor). If it's not throwing codes, I would assume that the sensors are happy.

Also check all your fuses. I believe there is an "Engine" fuse or maybe and "ECM".