Happened a couple days ago but my Dakota will not start. It began by running normally and then would flat out die. No sputter or anything, just die. I threw it in park and it started right back up, but would die every time. After I limped it to where I was going and shut the engine down for a while, it refused to start. It will crank but no ignition and I am getting a "no bus" message during all of this. I need help. I have been doing research and it all leans toward the PCM

 

I had a "no start" issue on my '90 Dakota and after checking fuel, spark, etc., I banged on the engine controller (ECM) and it started. I could also bang on it and get it to quit. I replaced the ECM with a reman. unit. Just thought I'd pass this along.

 

The "No Bus" error means the communications bus is failing. Failing from where becomes the question. If you are still getting the "no bus" error, and the truck won't start, see if a scan tool can communicate with the PCM. (my guess is: "No".....)