hey yall. I have a 97 dodge Dakota Slt 318 v8 automatic 4WD. this morning I was getting ready to go to work. jumped in the truck try to start it. all it does is crank over but no life. so I let it sit for awhile. I just tried to start it again but no go. It has done this to me before once. So I need some help. its my only vehicle that I have besides my wifes but she works too. If anyone can help me I would really appreciate it.


Thanks
Jay

 

Any codes?

Common problem for this issue is the crank position sensor.

First I would make sure you're getting spark and fuel.

 

what is a crank position sensor? and the truck is getting gas. I can smell it soon as I turn the truck over

 

Make sure the battery is good first.

Sent from somewhere where I should be paying attention to something important like school.

 

battery is good..

 

Crank position sensor basically controls the crank speed and when it goes bad, it'll throw off your ignition timing causing the crank but no fire.

It's located on the top of your transmission bellhousing and goes down to the drive plate.

Here's a vid on how to access it/location:


It's for a 3.9, but its the same as your 5.2

Could be something else, is your Check Engine Light on? Yours is a 97 so the key dance won't work, but if your CEL is on you should get the truck scanned first.

 

thanks and yes the check engine light is on. but its been on since I got the truck. its on because of the o2 sensor. but i'll try to get my dads scanner from him and see what it is. hope its nothing major. again this is my only vehicle.