1993 Dodge Dakota with 2.5 4-cyl Engine, starts but Stalls

by Joe
(Alexandria, VA USA)

My 1993 Dodge Dakota with 260,000 miles starts but stalls right away every time. I have already replaced the fuel filter, the AIS motor, and the PCV valve. I have also verified the valve timing, the fuel pressure and the fuel pressure regulator, they are all good. I took one spark plug out and it seemed to be OK. Next I plan to shift my attention to the EGR and fuel vapor purge systems. BY the way the engine shows good vacuum when it starts up so I don't think I have a massive vacuum leak somewhere. When I start the engine I can keep it running at about 2K-3K RPM if I continue to gun the accelerator pedal. It is very strange and I am stumped. Do you have any better ideas? What should I do next?

Thanks,

Stumped

Steve Says,

The first thing you need to determine is if it is a fuel system problem or an ignition system problem. I use an inline spark tester as well as a fuel pressure gauge at the same time. If you hook these both up then start your truck you can see if either of them drop out right before it dies.

This will help you narrow down the possibilities. There are so many things that could be causing this problem (ignition control module, coil, fuel injectors, sensors, computer, etc.) that there is really no way for me to narrow it down.

I think if you can perform the spark test and fuel pressure test to see which one is dropping out you will be able to find the problem much easier.

When someone asks me a question like this that requires additional testing that I cannot do I always send them to JustAnswer. The experts there can give you the information you need to help you diagnose this problem. They can give you printable diagrams and diagnostic instructions. If you would like to try this simply type your question into the box below.

I hope this has helped. Here is the box: