93 Dakota V6 5 Speed starts but dies due to voltage spike
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Joined: Jun 2026
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From: Alberta, Canada
93 Dakota V6 5 Speed starts but dies due to voltage spike
First post here!
I've looked to this forum a few times in the past for possible repair info, for the now three first gen Dakotas I've owned now lol. But now I've come across an interesting problem with my truck.
Yesterday I went to start my truck and it took a few extra cranks for it to start. But once it fired up, it ran fine. Drove it to work like normal. But when I went to fire it up at break, it started, then died. I noticed when I started it again, my voltmeter was reading noticeably higher, then would spike to probably 16-17 volts and kill the truck. I could keep the truck alive with the gas pedal, but it would stumble on every voltage spike. I would suspect its the ASD relay doing its thing to prevent overloading the circuits. When I tried checking for codes with the key, the CEL would flash once, then nothing, which I find concerning.
Its been raining the past few days, and I wouldn't be surprised if the moisture has something to do with it. I'm just wondering if I should be checking for a bad ground, and if so, which ground is most likely the culprit? Otherwise, should I be concerned that I have a bad voltage regulator, which I know is built into the PCM? Haven't been able to look at the truck myself due to the amount of rain coming down.
Any ideas?
I've looked to this forum a few times in the past for possible repair info, for the now three first gen Dakotas I've owned now lol. But now I've come across an interesting problem with my truck.
Yesterday I went to start my truck and it took a few extra cranks for it to start. But once it fired up, it ran fine. Drove it to work like normal. But when I went to fire it up at break, it started, then died. I noticed when I started it again, my voltmeter was reading noticeably higher, then would spike to probably 16-17 volts and kill the truck. I could keep the truck alive with the gas pedal, but it would stumble on every voltage spike. I would suspect its the ASD relay doing its thing to prevent overloading the circuits. When I tried checking for codes with the key, the CEL would flash once, then nothing, which I find concerning.
Its been raining the past few days, and I wouldn't be surprised if the moisture has something to do with it. I'm just wondering if I should be checking for a bad ground, and if so, which ground is most likely the culprit? Otherwise, should I be concerned that I have a bad voltage regulator, which I know is built into the PCM? Haven't been able to look at the truck myself due to the amount of rain coming down.
Any ideas?
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
Voltage regulator is in the PCM. Try disconnecting the field winding wires from the alternator, fire the truck up, and see if it still runs, and runs decent. (it'll last a while on battery, but, I wouldn't be driving it like that. It WILL abandon you at the least convenient moment.)
Welcome to DF!
Welcome to DF!
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 2
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From: Alberta, Canada
Thanks!
After getting the truck towed home, I got a mechanic friend to take a deep look at the truck. He suspects PCM, now that the truck will not start at all. It cranks, but no start. Also the ASD relay was clicking like crazy when the ignition was turned on.
I've been having a heck of a time finding a direct-fit PCM for my truck. How bad of an idea is it to try a PCM from a 94 on my 93?
After getting the truck towed home, I got a mechanic friend to take a deep look at the truck. He suspects PCM, now that the truck will not start at all. It cranks, but no start. Also the ASD relay was clicking like crazy when the ignition was turned on.
I've been having a heck of a time finding a direct-fit PCM for my truck. How bad of an idea is it to try a PCM from a 94 on my 93?