I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota with the 3.9 v6 engine. I was repairing my temp coolant sensor yesterday after noticing it broke in half yesterday. In the process of doing so the connector on the engine harness also came apart and the 2 wires rubbed against the alternator. I noticed a small spark and didn't think much of it. I put everything back together and went to start the truck and now the truck wont start it just turns over. Also noticed my fuel pump is constantly pumping and my gauges on the dash aren't responsive, when you turn the key they barely move (maybe an inch). last thing I tried was to hook up the OBD scanner and it will not connect. I tried 3 different scanners. The obd scanner says error. So obviously seems like no power to computer. I am getting gas but no spark. Any suggestions?? Could I have messed up my computer that quickly. or is there a fuse I should check. I used test light and I am almost sure all fuses are good....

 

I guess thats why they say always pull the negative battery terminal when working on your car/truck especially wiring.

 

The fuel pump is constantly running? Sounds like you fried your PCM as it controls the ASD relay which runs the fuel pump.

That it won't connect is not a good sign either.

The PCM is what regulates the alternator output.

 

Did you check all your fuses?.....check under the hood where your relay box is.....and under the dash near the steering wheel for other fuses.

from the spark you produced, it probably caused a short and you popped a fuse...hopefully.

it would (I hope) take more than that to really fry your ASD circuit, ect..and thats usually caused by a shorted alternator, grounded power wire, ect)

check all the connectors at your computer....carefully unplug each one and look for signs of damage to the computer pins or connector ports.

computer is located on the passenger fender wall...

JP