My 1998 Dodge Dakota Won't Start

Three aspects of engine management could cause the 1998 Dodge Dakota to not start. An engine needs fuel and spark to work properly. In addition to the fuel management and ignition systems, a fuel-injected engine has a powertrain management system. The center of the powertrain management system is the computer. Various sensors on the Dakota's engine feed information to the computer, which makes necessary adjustments to fuel and ignition systems. The computer also sends information to certain sensors to help control things such as idle.

Things You'll Need

• Voltmeter
• Small Phillips screwdriver
• Code scanner
• Extra spark plug (new)

Instructions

1. Look at the check engine light. If the light is not on, skip this step. If it is on, plug the code scanner into the data link port, which is located under the dash, just to the left of the steering wheel. Turn the key to the "On" position. Press the "Read" button on the scanner. Write down the codes, then compare them to the codes on the code sheet that comes with the scanner. Repair the indicated sensor or sensors.

2. Check the battery, alternator and starter if the Dakota does not turn over at all. Attach the voltmeter's red lead to the positive battery terminal. Attach the black lead to the negative terminal. The battery should have 12 volts. If not, charge the battery.

3. Check the alternator if the battery has a good charge, by starting the vehicle and attaching the voltmeter's red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. The voltmeter should show 13.5 to 14.5 volts. If it does, turn the air conditioning or heater, lights and radio on. The voltage should not drop below 12.5 volts. If so, replace the alternator.

4. Check the battery for amperage. With a fully charged battery, attach the voltmeter's red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. Have a helper start the vehicle while you watch the voltmeter. If the voltmeter drops below 12 volts when the helper starts the vehicle, the battery is not holding amperage. Replace the battery. If everything checks out, but the car still doesn't start, the starter or starter relay is suspect.

5. Check for fuel, spark or a problem with the powertrain system if the vehicle turns over, but does not start. Locate the fuel rail on top of the intake manifold. Remove the Schrader valve cap. Press in on the Schrader valve and have a helper crank the vehicle. If fuel shoots out high, the fuel pressure is fine. If fuel just dribbles out or doesn't come out at all, the fuel pump or fuel pump relay is suspect.

6. Pull the plug wires off one of the spark plugs. Stick the new spark plug into the end of the wire. Lay the wire on a good ground -- anything that is bare metal on the vehicle works, except aluminum. Have a helper crank the vehicle over while you watch for spark. If the plug doesn't spark, the ignition system, including the ignition switch, coil and distributor or suspect.

Tips & Warnings

• There are other things that may cause the Dakota not to start, including a bad timing belt or chain, a broken head gasket or an engine that has lost compression. The engine, though rare, unless you are in the habit of not checking and changing the oil, could also be locked up.