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2002 Dakota startup problems
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markmcclinton
Novice
Jun 22, 2015, 7:34 PM
Post #1 of 11
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2002 Dakota startup problems
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02 Dakota SXT 3.9V6 150,000 miles When I first turn the key it cranks slow for just a second then cranks fine for about a minute and will finally turn over and run fine thereafter. Sometimes it starts right up but usually I have to crank for about one minute before it starts. I am thinking it either needs a starter or perhaps ignition coil. Don't want to replace one to find out it is something else. Any advice? Thanks, Mark
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 22, 2015, 7:48 PM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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First you state it is cranking slowly and then you state the engine has a delayed start. Confusion. If the engine cranks slowly, you need to test the starting system first. Have the battery tested. Also make sure the battery connections are clean and tight. If the starter still cranks the engine slowly, let us know. Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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markmcclinton
Novice
Jun 22, 2015, 8:04 PM
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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Sorry for the confusion. When I turn the key to start it sounds like it wants to crank but takes maybe a half second to begin cranking normally. Then it will crank normally but will not turn over until I have been cranking for about one minute. This tells me that the battery is probably strong (It should turn over within a few seconds). Maybe it is the battery but I think it must be a weak starter or Ignition coil? I'm hoping someone else has had a similar issue that could better identify the issue with this truck.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 23, 2015, 3:05 AM
Post #4 of 11
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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Not maybe, now you need a starter for cranking it ONE whole minute! None made for that long of a crank time, T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 23, 2015, 4:14 AM
Post #5 of 11
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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As professionals we run into this problem all the time. The first step in figuring out what is going on is to have the battery tested to be sure it is good and fully charged. Doesn't make any sense to be troubleshooting other parts of the starting system if your battery is going on the fritz. Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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markmcclinton
Novice
Jun 23, 2015, 8:51 AM
Post #6 of 11
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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Thank you. The battery tests good.
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markmcclinton
Novice
Jun 23, 2015, 8:55 AM
Post #7 of 11
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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So if you crank the starter for 1 second each time for 60 starts then do you also need a new starter?
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Tom Greenleaf
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Jun 23, 2015, 9:20 AM
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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What use is cranking for one second? That's a bit fast to start any engine IMO. It's not made to work continuously like other type motors. 15-20 seconds of a no start with steady cranking is enough. Then a several minute cool down. Heat would kill it from continuous cranking if not right away will show up soon. Find the problem don't just crank engines time after time with a no start. You might just flood it and mess up diagnosing the source problem, T
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markmcclinton
Novice
Jun 23, 2015, 9:54 AM
Post #9 of 11
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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Good advice. Thank you! Do you think I have a starter issue or could it be something else? Battery is testing good. I don't want to spend $100 on a starter if its something else.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 23, 2015, 3:26 PM
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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Not just yet. I'm not sure when you say a "minute" if you set a stop watch or just a common term for a while. Starter could be OK and symptoms of it going bad if it got too hot (the problem) is glaze on brushes or shorting out windings IMO most likely. That would possibly be slow cranking up to no reaction or draw of power whatsoever. You can if careful take them apart, clean or replace brushes and look for heat damage. You can't machine the contact surfaces anymore as there isn't enough metal but can just lightly rub fine emery cloth on them and the brushes if still enough of them left if you take that on. Doable with some time and care - I will if a new one is expensive as all get out. Rebuilts I think you have about a 20% chance of getting a hidden problem from the one turned in? It's all your tolerance for some risk and there's always a chance some dang thing can go wrong and render you a pedestrian at any time. That doesn't bother the vehicle's conscience one bit BTW, T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 23, 2015, 5:05 PM
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Re: 2002 Dakota startup problems
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If you have resistance in your cables or grounds, that will cause the starter motor to drag or not work at all. Voltage drop testing on the battery cables is a good idea before condemning a starter. If you have an inductive clamp, you can also watch starter motor current. A motor that draws excessive current could be due from the motor being worn out or something in the engine causing excessive starter load. Some places will also test the starter for you once you get it off the vehicle. Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jun 23, 2015, 5:06 PM)
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