I have a 2000 6 cylinder Dodge Dakota with 65,000 miles that won't start. The motor turns over fine, so I know it's not the battery or starter and it has half a tank of gas, but it won't start. My first guess is a bad coil. Before I take it in, I would like to try to fix it myself first. Can anyone give me some possible solutions to my problem?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Joe


(This post was edited by joejet26404 on Sep 22, 2009, 12:13 PM)

All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

Hammer Time,

Thanks your for your prompt reply. It sounds like I'll need to take my vehical into a qualified machanic. I don't have the equipment to check out the systems correctly.

This site is a great resource for us novice do it yourselfers.

Thanks again,

Joe

The noid light, spark tester and test light can all be purchased for less than $10 each and the fuel pressure gauge can sometimes be borrowed or rented from one of the large auto parts chans like AutoZone, PepBoys or Advance auto.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida