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Bob - RCHII
Dodge Dakota
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6/12/2007
19:18:45

Subject: 97, 3.9 Won't Start
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Help! I had my '97 3.9 idling, preparing to put freon in it. It suddenly died and will not start again. When it stalled, it simply stopped, no loud noise. It cranks fine & fast. I check spark at a plug and it does arc to ground. Not a bright blue arc, more a yellowish color, But it is a repetetive arc. Seems to be right in terms of pulse rate. The fuel pump does run for a few seconds when key is turned on. I have questions about fuel supply and pressure. I am not getting a "flow" of fuel from the shrader valve on the fuel rail. Should I? I get one quick burst if I open it after the pump has cycled when the key is turned on. But if I keep the shrader valve open I do not get a continuous flow, should I? I have not had luck finding a fuel filter, any ideas where it is? Parts store does not list a fuel filter for my truck. They list a pump, at $245.00... Ouch! And I am getting the impression that changing it is a joy to do. The truck has been great & reliable. Only problem I have had is the vent/overflow tube(on filler neck)leaks fuel if I fill it to much or park on a side slope with a high fuel level in the tank. I really need help, this is my work truck.. Thanks, Bob.



Shoe
GenIII
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6/12/2007
19:48:50

RE: 97, 3.9 Won't Start
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The pump, filter and regulator are all one unit. Real easy to change. I really do not know what it could be.

'97 RC V6, 5spd, soon to be V8, 5spd!
Maybe not a 5-speed, but an automatic will work.

Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2007
08:19:40

RE: 97, 3.9 Won't Start
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Did you check fault codes?



Bob - RCHII
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2007
12:55:34

97, 3.9 Won't Start
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I do not have a code reader. Bt I used the key cycling method. The only code that comes up on the display is #55, which is end of codes. So no indication of fault codes. I did switch around the relays for fuel pump and ASD. No difference. However, I did notice that as I plugged the ASD relay in, it 'buzzed'/ vibrated lightly. Kind of like it was triggering. Should it be energized in normal mode or only when it is triggered to shut down? I did not try starting it with the relay removed, don't know if thats a good idea. Also, I did disconnect the battery ground and turn the key. I was told that resets the computer. If it does, it didn't matter, still won't start. I sprayed carb cleaner into the throttle body and tried to start it. Didn't even try to start. I will be picking up a fuel pressure tester today. What pressure should be there? I was told conflicting things about the fuel rail shrader valve. I only get a burst of fuel when I open it. If I keep it open it does not flow fuel. Should it? Someone else told me that the pump will not kick on until the engine is actually running. Right now it only runs for the few seconds after the key is turned on. Another gentleman has told me that he had a problem with a broken ground at the fuel pump relay in the engine compartment. I thought about ASD problem because of it just died while it was sitting there idling.



legendracer97
Dodge Dakota
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6/14/2007
16:36:28

RE: 97, 3.9 Won't Start
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Well, the schrader valve you mentioned, if you key it up will pressurize. When the key is turned to the on position, the fuel pump with turn on for about 1 to 2 seconds to pressurize the rail and injectors. the pump dosent actually turn on until the key is turned to the start position, where a soleniod or relay kicks on tellin the fuel pump to operate. So if you have a no start, the problem could be in the relay. Maybe the relay works when the key is on, but not in the start position. Try testing it out. The fuel pump / regulator are one unit in these trucks and that is inside the fuel tank, kinda of bitch to do unless the bed is taken off. Good luck



Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
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6/15/2007
08:18:33

RE: 97, 3.9 Won't Start
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"However, I did notice that as I plugged the ASD relay in, it 'buzzed'/ vibrated lightly." Is that with the ignition on? If so, you shouldn't plug/unplug with power on. If it was with ignition off, you have a serious wiring problem somewhere.



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