Dodge Dakota Starting problems

markuslink

Hello all. I have a 2002 3.9 v6 Dakota that recently started having starting problems after the truck sits for a while. Especially over night. I go to start it in the morning it turns over fine tried to start but will sputter and die. After about 10 mins of doing so it will sputter for a min then die. Eventually it starts but just barely running then it will clear out and idle like normal. If I shut it off and start it it starts right up like normal. And will run fine all day. Only happens after sitting a while. I have replaced plugs wires, coil pack, battery, and fuel pump and problem still exists. Any ideas?

93tracker5spd

Hello! Have idle air control valve checked at reputable electric shop, and also idle position sensor. Sounds like the problem is only occurring when the engine tries to start at cold idle.

Mr_Shiftright

A couple of ideas come to mind. One, the fuel pressure regulator is bad and allowing the pressure in the fuel line to "leak down", so that the fuel pump has to repressurize the fuel rail by pumping gas all the way from the tank to the injectors.

Two, you have a leaking injector that drips gas into the cylinder and fouls the spark plug until such time as repeated starts clears the plug of extra gas.

markuslink

Thanks for the ideas I will look into those. I was under the impression that the fuel pressure regulator was located on the fuel pump which I replaced the whole unit. Also I checked for a leaky injector by putting my fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail and shutting the engine off. I read if you lose pressure within 5 minutes it was probably an injector but I did not lose fuel pressure in that time. And yes all answers are helpful thank you!