i jump started my 92 yesterday after setting for a few months,drove it around for about 20 or so miles,this morning my 4 yr old battery was dead as a ham,mer,so,new battery,spins over fine,no start!!,anyone wanta guess whats up?,ill post the answer when i find out!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2669945 06/25/1908:52 PM06/25/1908:52 PM
Between the battery and the firewall there is a factory wire splice where 5 ignition hot wires are all spliced together. These wires are very small and in the past there have been problems with one or more wires breaking off at that splice. The wires at the splice is either pink, blue, or red, depending on what year the truck is (I forget which year had which color wires). See if you have voltage at the throttle position sensor, the cam sensor, and the dist sensor, or the fuel pump relay in the under hood fuse box, if any of them does not have power with the key on, you need to open up the wiring harness and look for the splice with the broken wires. I've encountered this from 91 through 94 Dakotas.Gene
i took the relay/fuse box loose,i didnt see anything broken ,however i did cut out some splices and resoldered them,it runs great ,just like it does most of the time,time will tell if its fixed or not,new ign parts coming just because its time
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2671362 06/28/1911:22 PM06/28/1911:22 PM
i replaced the coil 2day,the old one was somewhat loose in the mounting screws,i thought i got it!!,but it died twice today,once i had to stop and cycle the key,the other time i was goin fast enough that it just died and restarted ,kinda like a hickup,tach goes dead as soon as it looses power,im pretty stumped!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2671735 06/29/1910:22 PM06/29/1910:22 PM
i have changed the pcm but i will wiggle the wires just to be sure,tho i think ive already done that,i know the bolt that holds the wires in is tight!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2671874 06/30/1911:31 AM06/30/1911:31 AM
i wiggled the pcm wires,nothing!!,i wiggled the main harness going to the firewall and the fuse box on the firewall,it died and no matter how much i wiggle it it wont start,i looked at the rats nest of wires and stripped back the insulation quite a bit going to the firewall,cant see anything,i have a shop manual for this truck,guess ill have to scratch my head some to figure out which wire is broken,jees what a mees!!!,i presume i dont have to remove the harness from where it goes thru the firewall?
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2671944 06/30/1902:06 PM06/30/1902:06 PM
Just because you pulled on the harness on the engine side of the firewall, doesn't mean the break can't be on the interior side of the firewall.
I haven't had it happen on a Dakota, but with a '71 Chrysler I used to own. It about drove me nuts. One of the terminals had corrosion, causing the crimp to loosen its grip on the wire.
looking in the shop manual i find a 4 splice connection of 16 gauge(small) wires,the manual shows they are powered thru a underhood fuse ,they are marked 16rd/wh,i do see a 5 splice thats 14br that goes to the ign and some of the relays,its gonna be a couple of days till i can get back to look at it,at least with the shop manual i have a idea what color to look for!! thanks!,and stay tuned!! Butch aka old fat man
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2672990 07/02/1912:03 PM07/02/1912:03 PM
FIXED!!!!!! i found a connection with 4 blue wires and that was the problem!,the copper was somewhat discolored and didnt solder very well ,so i took a strand of clean copper wire and wrapped it around the 4 wires that i had twisted together and tried to solder,then i just soldered the fresh wire around the 4 discolored wire splice and taped it really good,it made a big bump in the wire that my 1/2 inch shrink tubing wouldnt fit over but it started right up!!!,now i just need to either find some large split loom ,or use a couple rolls of elec tape to put the birds nest back together!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2673120 07/02/1903:35 PM07/02/1903:35 PM
rhad, about where in the wire harness was the blue wire splice? It may help someone else locate it quicker if they suspect it may be a problem for them. Gene
i found the splice just below the fuse box on the drivers fender,2 of the wires hook to the auto shutdown relay and the fuel pump relay,i think the color might change with the year?,just take the fuse box loose and turn it over,follow the wires till you find where the connect,its almost right under the fusebox,or as some call it the power distribution center,AKA PDC i had heard of the problem years ago,but never seen any corrosion on mine,and i had looked there before!! thanks for the help!! and the support,now back to the birds nest and electric tape!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2674381 07/05/1911:12 AM07/05/1911:12 AM
went for a ride this morning as i do each morning,all ok.....then it died,crank crank crank,nothing,called tow truck,then it started!!!,called him back,drove home and into my shop,wiggiled tugged pulled on wires,kept runnin?,checked fuel pressure,27 pounds at idle,seems a little low but not enough to keep it frm running,i took the under hood fuse box loose and rechecked my solder joint on the blue wires,good and tight!!,cant make it die!!,about the only thing i havent replaced is the cap,rotor plug wires,and can sensor in the dist,and the fuel pump and filter,i dont want to give up but im lost!!1,it just about has to be electrical,but where???
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2675216 07/07/1902:30 PM07/07/1902:30 PM
i started it this morning,died after 30 seconds,restarted ,ran for 2 minutes,restarted,ran forever wouldnt die no matter what i shook,pulled wiggled,etc,gonna pull the plug at the firewall and look,also check the under dash fuse box for corrosion,burnt places etc,never get a check engine lighjt!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2675223 07/07/1903:06 PM07/07/1903:06 PM
fuel sprays out of the schrader valve real strong,my nephew is gonna help me wioth the under dash fuse box and the plug at the firewall,i would be really happy if it was the fuel pump,at 27 yrs and 349,000 miles it has had at least 3 pumps over the years,maybe i mneed to reload the parts cannon!!!LOL
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2678131 07/16/1911:21 PM07/16/1911:21 PM
new cap rotor wires can sensor,it still died!!,new fuel pressure checker,35# up to 40 when you rev it up then i noticed that the drain for the ac was dripping right on part of the crank sensor plug!!! WHOOOO!!,tomorrows project.....inspect and move those wires!!,ran for a hour in the shop,no problem?????????
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2678222 07/17/1909:41 AM07/17/1909:41 AM
looked at and moved the crank sensor wires and plug,no corrosion detected,hasnt died in the last 2 runs??????? whats left to do????fuel filter is old,but no signs of restriction,revs good pressure stays good ethanol should take care of water in the gas,if any???,as ive said before,it might run good for a couple days then die,then restart
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2680661 07/23/1908:04 PM07/23/1908:04 PM
My '91 had a bout of random death a couple years ago. No sputtering--it was just like you turned off the key. After trying most everything mentioned above, I changed the hall effect pickup in the distributor, and that fixed it. I now ride with a spare in the glovebox.
1968 Charger project. I don't have a fender tag or a buildsheet, so it's getting a 440. Help me decide on a color--most everything looks great! (NOT white. My Challenger is white. Need some variety :D) 1974 Challenger 360 2012 Challenger R/T 1991 Dakota 5.2
went for a morning cruise,did not die,no idea if its fixed or just being nice for a bit??,oh yeah,the speedometer didnt work,must of done something when replacing the filter,i need to drive for a few days to be sure,the 27 yr old rubber fuel lines were mushy(my problem??),so i shortened one quite a bit and cut a lot off of the other one and spliced in a longer piece to make it reach the filter
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2681721 07/27/1912:28 AM07/27/1912:28 AM
the fuel injection lines have a liner so im ok there,HOWEVER,it ran about 150 feet this morning and died,im gonna fix up a fuel pressure gauge so i can moniter it while driving,if its NOT the fuel pump im stumped big time!!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2682113 07/28/1907:41 PM07/28/1907:41 PM
hooked up the fuel pressure gauge,drove about 20 miles or so over various roads,no die,pressure steady at mid 30's still stumped!! gonna leave the gauge hooked up till it dies,as the saying went when i worked at the rabies lab,a negative test is never positive!!!!!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2683142 07/31/1903:58 PM07/31/1903:58 PM
My 1995 Ram caused me much consternation in a similar manner.
It turned out to be “cavitation” in the fuel pump suction line caused by the sock filter being nearly, but not completely, clogged.
When the gasoline got warm enough the steady fuel pressure would suddenly drop to near zero and the engine would die.
After the fuel cooled just a little fuel pressure would return to normal, sometimes for hours or days.
Remove some of the cargo box bolts and loosen the others. Jack one side of the cargo box above the fuel pump up to about 40 degrees to give clearance, Watch the electrical wires in the rear near the license plate and do not damage them. Remove the pump assembly and if you are on a budget clean just the sock filter at the bottom.
Since everything is apart consider spending $350 and replace the entire pump assembly. If you do this go very slow and careful when removing the “anti rollover valve.” since it is not included in most pump kits. I ended up cutting the anti rollover valve loose from the old pump with a cut off wheel on a Dremel tool, then trimming off the old pump parts to free the valve for reuse.
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: 360view]
#2684202 08/03/1911:35 PM08/03/1911:35 PM
the pump is a carter it has a round filter on the bottom much like a small air filter,fuel pressure has remained steady since i put the gauge on it,i think i have a bad connection somewhere,or a intermittent short?,if it would die and not restart i could find it!!! keep the hints/help coming please!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2684238 08/04/1908:49 AM08/04/1908:49 AM
This spring my 92 was dying with no warning while driving. Threw no codes. My snap on 2500 didnt get anything until the 3rd time. Code 11- crank sensor no good. Maybe I missed where you checked this but that would easily be the number 1 next step once you are sure the splice under the engine compartment fuse box is checked for corrosion.
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: jerseybud]
#2684492 08/04/1911:05 PM08/04/1911:05 PM
Try leaving the truck in a sunny spot with the gas tank side getting hot from sunlight. Then drive it during the hottest part of the day. Fuel heats up from recirculation too so maybe letting it idle an extended period would create cavitation.
I thought I had a come and go electrical problem too.
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: 360view]
#2689595 08/19/1911:13 PM08/19/1911:13 PM
i re soldered the 3 wire connection under the under hood fuse box just to be sure,also replaced the heater fan motor after all these years,started it up turned on the ac ,went to move another truck out of the way and it died and would not restart,very discouraged!!,gonna check in the morning! will a snap on 2500 show a history when it fails and then restarts?,its obd1
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2689715 08/20/1912:24 PM08/20/1912:24 PM
started right up this morning,then died,no restart,checked spark,none!!,over the years of owning this truck ive come to discover its USUALLY the crank sensor,and the one in there now is less than 6 months old,so i did a ohm test on the one i replaced last fall,it showed bad,so i ordered a aftermarket one to replace the mopar one i put in last fall,its lots cheaper than oem and has a 36 month warranty,if this dont fix it then DUH!!!,im running out of ammo for the parts cannon,and money also!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2689717 08/20/1912:26 PM08/20/1912:26 PM
i got the crank sensor out this morning,.its a mopar part about 6 months old,according to my factory service manual it tests bad,so im going aftermarket this time,about half the price and might be made in the same mexican factory,or not!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2690559 08/23/1909:14 AM08/23/1909:14 AM
I have nothing to add. Just wanted to say you have more patience than me! By this time, one of three things would have happened had this been mine. 1) taken it to a shop 2) called auto recyclers to pick it up 3) drug out back and set on fire.
Thanks for keeping us posted.
John
The dream is dead, long live the dream.......😥
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: SattyNoCar]
#2690561 08/23/1909:17 AM08/23/1909:17 AM
put in the standard motor parts sensor this afternoon,it checked ok,and the old dakota runs good,the main reason i kept after getting it fixed is because ive owned it for 24 yrs ,it does ok on gas and its like a old friend,plus being a v6 with a 391 sure grip 2wd ive hauled and pulled more than you would ever believe,such as a 92 clubcab cummins from east texas to east kansas,i was grossing right at 12,000 # on that trip!!! if i have more problems ill holler back!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2690828 08/24/1903:52 AM08/24/1903:52 AM
well CRAP!!!,went for a drive and it died!!,restarted after a minute,im at a total loss! ive always been Leary of something good as its usually followed by something bad,and im 3000% correct this time
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2691187 08/25/1911:26 AM08/25/1911:26 AM
i agree on a fresh set of eyes,im gonna pull the cps out and retest it,what would cause it to go bad?,i have another ecm ,but i changed it when this started will a scanner work on obd1 enough to tell the problem?(i dont have any kind of scanner)
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2691359 08/25/1908:55 PM08/25/1908:55 PM
How to pull codes on obd1. This video shows how, and ...........
He relies on the factory tach too much. Mine is all over the place and runs fine. He seems to focus on the cps, but briefly mentioned a possible bad speed sensor as well?
John
The dream is dead, long live the dream.......😥
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: SattyNoCar]
#2691390 08/25/1910:16 PM08/25/1910:16 PM
i know how to pull codes,just do the key 3 times thing,problem is i cant get the blinks right!!,and it never sets a code,nor does it turn on the check engine light!!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2691752 08/26/1910:46 PM08/26/1910:46 PM
i pulled the aftermarket cps,it was just long enough to be rubbing on the flex plate ,so............new mopar cps tomorrow,mopar comes with a small piece of cardboard on the tip to set the depth i guess?,aftermarket dont im getting real good at changing these!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota.........still
[Re: rhad]
#2692109 08/27/1910:42 PM08/27/1910:42 PM
i pulled out the CPS today i got from my local chrysler dealer 3 days ago,it tested bad!!,what the H is goin on ???,i did not test it before install,guess i should have?looked around and found one i had replaced a year or so ago,it tested ok,put it in went for a drive,everything ok!!,i also looked over the wiring at the back on the drivers side,some of the injector wires had some cracking in them,so i applied some liquid tape (ever hear of that?)i also changed the ecm back to a used one i had,im getting really gun shy about getting more than a block away from the shop!!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2693330 09/01/1901:57 AM09/01/1901:57 AM
i really thought it was fixed!!,started and ran good for a couple of days,then died this morning,i havent installed the newest cps yet,its time for someone else to look at this thing!!! if the system is overcharging will that cause the CPS to go bad-burnout,etc???????????
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2695564 09/08/1908:44 PM09/08/1908:44 PM
Every electrical component has a voltage range within which it can safely operate. The possibility exists that a voltage spike could damage any electrical component present on your Dakota, but I would have to suspect that with as many things as you have replaced, things like the battery would have been damaged had an electrical spike been involved. Then again, one never knows what the tolerance voltage level might be for each electrical component, nor how long, or high of voltage a damaging voltage spike may have been or lasted. I'd check this one off as a pretty wild possibility, but then again, this whole deal falls into the wild possibility situation. I've owned several Dakotas and maybe its been my fortune not to have experienced all the trouble you have experienced. My apologies go out for all the trouble you have experienced with this Dakota. I have no words of wisdom to offer. Sorry. Gene
My dad had a 95 that would start sometimes, sometimes not. If it did it may die at any time. I dont know how he found it, but it ended up being a corroded wire on drivers side of truck. He cut out the bad area and spliced in a piece of wire and ran it over 200k. Never died again.
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2696297 09/10/1908:24 PM09/10/1908:24 PM
Still sounds like the fuel pump cavitation problem I had, and others have had. If it runs good when the weather is much colder that will be another clue.
i put in a new mopar CPS today and took the truck to a shop thats said to be good at fixing things,checked the old CPS and sure enough it showed bad after 3 days???????,he said it might be 2 weeks,just about has to be a shorted wire or a corroded connection somewhere
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2696690 09/11/1908:36 PM09/11/1908:36 PM
Back to the wiring? At least you have an idea which circuit to follow if it keeps taking out the CPS. Think I would start at the last point anything else is on that circuit. Good luck. Gene
i talked to a long time mopar tech today,he suggested that the CPS might be touching the flexplate/flywheel causing a transfer of fine metal shavings causing a short?,also said to double check the dist under the cam sensor to see if the wheel on the main shaft was tight,and a slight possibility that the flexplate was cracked?,tho he said it would make a BIG racket,which its not!,so i might have to shim the CPS just a little bit ????
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2697018 09/12/1909:27 PM09/12/1909:27 PM
i talked to a long time mopar tech today,he suggested that the CPS might be touching the flexplate/flywheel causing a transfer of fine metal shavings causing a short?,also said to double check the dist under the cam sensor to see if the wheel on the main shaft was tight,and a slight possibility that the flexplate was cracked?,tho he said it would make a BIG racket,which its not!,so i might have to shim the CPS just a little bit ????
I've never had to shim one of them. There is plenty of room to pull it up a little bit.
no adjustment on a 92 3.9,it just bolts to the back of the block with 2 bolts, look it up on rockauto for a picture,i made a 30 thou shim today out of some alum flashing,time will tell
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2701263 09/26/1910:31 PM09/26/1910:31 PM
I TOOK IT TO A SHOP WITH A YOUNG SMART GUY,HE SAID HE DROVE IT 15 MILES AND IT DIED,AND HE COULDNT TALK TO the computer??,so it must not be the cps??,he still has it!! sorry for the caps!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2701336 09/27/1909:29 AM09/27/1909:29 AM
i m,ay have used the wrong wording,he said something like he couldn't get anything from the ecm,i dont remember the exact phrase,it just seems like if the ecm shows dead there must be a bad connection,corroded wire,or something overheated?,after it sets for a few minutes it will start and drive,it never shows a check engine light??
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2705727 10/10/1910:27 PM10/10/1910:27 PM
went to get it today,guy said he found a loose correded connector in the ecm plug,i drove it about 10 miles and it died!,waited a couple minutes and it restarted like always,took it back to him for more work?,after all this i dont now think its the crank sensor,the ones i took out tested ok when not testing them on a metal top bench!!!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2705769 10/11/1903:42 AM10/11/1903:42 AM
Maybe i missed it but have you replaced the distributor pickup plate? We used to replace a few of them back in the day for problems like you described.
"Follow me the wise man said, but he walked behind"
'92 D250 Club Cab CTD, 47RH conversion, pump tweaks, injectors, rear disc and hydroboost conversion. '74 W200 Crew Cab 360, NV4500, D44, D60 and NP205 divorced transfer case. Rear disc and hydroboost coming soon! 2019 1500 Long Horn Crew Cab 4WD, 5.7 Hemi.
yes guitar,ive replaced EVERYTHING except the temp sender,even the ign switch twice,i still lean towards the crank sensor as it will run ok for a day or so after a new one is installed,tgho the ones i remove show ok when tested on a NON metal table!!!LOL
Last edited by rhad; 10/11/1910:48 PM.
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2706216 10/12/1902:44 PM10/12/1902:44 PM
its not a fuel problem,when it dies you cant get anything from the computer,as in nothing!!,let it set for a few minutes and it will start and run for a unknown amount of time,so somewhere in the great gobs of wires there is a problem!!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2706358 10/13/1910:25 AM10/13/1910:25 AM
problem still there!!,so im wondering?,would/could a bad 02 sensor cause the computer to shut the engine down?,also what about the temp sensor?sometimes it wont die at all,other times it dies xand wont restart for a while(time varies) as im far from a young man id like to be able to drive this again before they throw dirt in my face!!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2713254 11/06/1909:49 AM11/06/1909:49 AM
problem still there!!,so im wondering?,would/could a bad 02 sensor cause the computer to shut the engine down?,also what about the temp sensor?sometimes it wont die at all,other times it dies xand wont restart for a while(time varies) as im far from a young man id like to be able to drive this again before they throw dirt in my face!!!
We replaced both those parts on the wife's Ramcharger before we gave up on it. Hers would run badly and stall, NOT be running fine and die.
If it is a dirty bottom most fuel filter submerged in the tank causing sudden cavitation, then on a very cold winter day the truck will run for a longer time before suddenly dying because the gasoline started cold and gradually warms up as fuel recirculation happens.
If it is an electrical fault like a cracked wire killing power to the PCM due to vibration, road jolts, or warming up copper conductors, then hot versus cold weather will have little effect on time run before dying.
If a fuel pressure gauge is plumbed in the pressure will show within normal range, then very suddenly drop to near zero psi.
If I were troubleshooting the truck’s problem I would be convinced by now that I needed an electrical multimeter that could record maximum and minimum voltages and currents, plus a fuel pressure sensor that this recording multimeter could be hooked to.
If you are REALLY intent on fixing this Dakota, perhaps you should buy/borrow a same year Dakota and just begin swapping parts?
Tackling the recording multimeter methods with a fuel pressure sensor would eventually find the problem but you have to be willing to learn how to use that equipment. Once you learn those electrical tricks you can use them to fix vast numbers of things.
"If you have never fixed anything on a vehicle, This truck is NOT for you !!!
This truck is only for someone who knows how to fix things and is good at finding the issues, and solving problems.
About the Truck:
139k miles. Clean title. But battle tested. Some hail damages, wounds, since 1996.
1. Almost all sensors are new, the MAP sensor, TPS sensor, IAC sensor, Oil press sensor, Coolant Temperature sensor, Engine Air Temperature sensor, Throttle Position sensor, O2 sensor.
2. New fuel pump, new distributor cap and new spark plugs and cables, new ignition coil,pickup coil, fuel injectors, new EGR valve, new catalytic converter, new muffler... New front crome bumper...New radiator, New Battery...
3. An extra ECM, or the computer of the truck programed with the same VIN number of the truck.
This truck is almost with all new components in the Truck!!!
Why have I changed so many parts? because I am a dummy, and an optimist. I think I can fix things just by Google search and YouTube video, except I couldn't find out the real problems, I just started changing parts I thought would solve the problem.
Now, I realized I am no auto mechanic, and it's time to hand over the truck to an expert to bring it to its glorious days.
Now about the issues with the truck:
The good part:
1. This truck runs !!! AC/Heater works perfectly.
2. The original radio, cassette player works perfectly.
3. No leaking of oil, super clean engine bay under the hood! Clean interiors.
4. 6.5ft bed, with an after market backup camera.
The problems: 1. This truck dies, sometimes at traffic lights, sometimes in the morning idling after it was started. Some times it starts right back, sometimes not.
2. When it won't restart, I switch the ECM, it's good again. And after a while, like a few days, the symptoms come back. So I just switch to the other ECM.
3. There is no check engine light at all!!! This is the mystery!!!
4. Then someone said, it might be the vacuum line, so I changed some hoses. But it still not solved the problem.
The only thing I didn't have the will to do is the electrical wiring, too daunting for me... But I did tied all the ground together...
Now, it's time for you to give it a try !!!
The list price won't even cover the parts I put in the truck. But I'll be super glad if someone can find the problem and fix it for good. It might last another 100,000miles afterwards. Who knows.
Thanks for your interest in solving this mystery!!!"
sounds like mine!! i talked to the guy who is working on my truck yesterday,he said when it dies it looses all ability to get any codes from the computer,there is one of the wires that provide power to a part of the computer that acts as memory,the way he explained it was like your radio that remembers your preset stations etc,sometimes it will start and drive and not die,next time it wont start,then later it starts right up,i suggested that he run jumper wires to both the power and the grounds,he said he didnt want to jerry rig it,to which i said its not a new cadillac,just make it run!!
Wiring harness would be suspicious based on my experience with my 92 w250, my 93 w150, and my brothers 92 dakota. The first 2 had severe corrosion at the common splice for the crank sensor and o2. This splice sits right above the transmission and is wrapped and not visible. Every single harness I've taken apart from this vintage has needed it cut out and repaired/soldered. Your mechanics findings would suggest other wiring issues, but my point is that next step is to take the engine harness out and untape it and inspect every joint and splice.
i talked to my guy today,he said he changed the ecm and has been driving it for a few days and all is well,i told him to keep it for a while longer,last thing i want is to get it back and have it die on me!!
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2719343 11/25/1911:22 PM11/25/1911:22 PM
i got it back 2day,drove about 30 miles,didnt die,but check engine light came on,basically he changed the computer for one i had on it before,after he cleaned one terminal out of the 60!! that showed some corrosion i might buy another ecm just to feel safe?,part number 56028741,appears to be 1992 only?
my ladder of success is missing some rungs
Re: dead dakota
[Re: rhad]
#2735018 01/20/2006:22 PM01/20/2006:22 PM
After months of frustration, checking codes, checking wires, changing parts, I stumbled upon an old TSB for the bronze bushing the oil pump drive shaft rides in.
Seems the early Magnums has a bad batch of bushings, and they would wear, allowing the distributor shaft and timing to fluctuate. If the timing gets too far out, the CPS doesn't get the correct signal, and it triggers the ASD relay.
I replaced the oil pump intermediate shaft, and bushing, and have had 6 years of dependable service from the old Dakota.
I had none of the surging, or noises, the TSB mentions, but my bushing was extremely warn, even the teeth on the drive gear had a knife like edge ground down when compared to the new drive gear.
Check the diagnosis section in the TSB, its an easy test with twisting the rotor.