Dodge Dakota Cranks But Won’t Start
Question
My third generation Dodge Dakota mid-size pickup truck engine cranks but will not turn on and begin to run. I know the starter motor is getting power because it activates and turns the crankshaft but it won’t catch and fire up.
What should I check when the Dodge Dakota cranks but does not start? There is no clicking noise when turn the ignition key and the headlights switch on and are bright so the battery must have power.
My truck has the 4.7 liter Magnum V8 and it is a 2005 year model. Any tips on what I should check? Thanks.
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3 years
2021-01-13T16:44:57+00:00
2021-01-13T16:44:57+00:00 1 Answer
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Answer ( 1 )
Dodge Dakota Cranks But Won’t Start
If you’re a Dodge Dakota owner, there are chances that you’ve been stuck in one of those super annoying faulty-truck moments. One moment, you’re dressed and ready to roll, and the next, you’re desperately trying to figure out why your pickup truck won’t just get moving. Your keys are in. You’re trying to fire it up; the engine cranks, but the vehicle just won’t start. You’re not alone; we’ve all been there.
If you ever find yourself in such circumstances, there are usually four likely culprits:
1. Spark problems
The right amount of spark at the right time is needed to fire up your Dodge Dakota engine. Anything short of this will almost certainly result in spark problems that would stop your car from firing up. Spark problems may arise due to a faulty ignition circuit, dead coil(s), faulty crank position sensors, a flooded engine, faulty spark plugs, or an inappropriately timed spark caused by a faulty timing system. There are a handful of other reasons that could cause spark problems in your automobile. However, irrespective of what it is, whenever your Dodge Dakota cranks but won’t start, put spark problems high on the suspicion list.
2. Low compression
Your automobile’s cylinder needs a precise amount of compression for its engine to function properly. If any of your car’s cylinder has low compression, air could leak from the combustion cycle, significantly limiting the cylinder’s ability to do mechanical work. Compression problems could arise as a result of a broken timing belt or broken overhead camshaft.
3. Insufficient fuel
An appropriate fuel pressure is necessary for your automobile to fire up. Without this, you could be spending a lot of time grabbing a truck that won’t just get moving. Unfortunately, figuring out that insufficient fuel is your Dakota’s problem isn’t entirely straightforward. Your car’s fuel gauge showing a full tank doesn’t guarantee that you aren’t having a problem with fuel. Even with a full tank, you could be having a problem with fuel flow due to a damaged fuse, a faulty fuel pump, contaminated fuel, or a clogged fuel injector.
4. Power supply Issues
If your starter motor doesn’t have enough electric juice to fire up your ignition system or power your fuel injector, there’s just no way your Dodge Dakota will get moving. A weak battery or corroded battery cables are usually the top culprits for power supply problems in automobiles. However, there are several other factors that could also be responsible. If you’re sure the three factors above aren’t responsible, then it could likely be a power supply issue.
Conclusion
Once you’ve tried starting your Dodge Dakota a few times and it cranks but doesn’t start, don’t go too hard on it. Avoid trying too many times, or you could end up wearing out the starter or even drain your Dakota’s battery.