'02 Dakota 3.9L cold starting problem

My Dakota recently started to experience starting problems when the engine is cold. I have to turn the engine over several seconds before it starts. It fires right away when the engine is warm. I just replaced the plugs, wires, cap and rotor. This problem existed before these parts were replaced. Any ideas?

My Dakota recently started to experience starting problems when the engine is cold. I have to turn the engine over several seconds before it starts. It fires right away when the engine is warm. I just replaced the plugs, wires, cap and rotor. This problem existed before these parts were replaced. Any ideas?


Its possibly your fuel filter. I have experienced the same and I am sure the fuel filter is the culprit. Might I say that the fuel filter on my 96 is incorporated into the fuel pump and will run 238.00 to replace

It was the fuel pump module. The fuel pressure was dropping very fast after shutoff. I learned that if I 'primed' the pump by turning the key on-off-on that it would start faster. The regulator is part of the pump and it cost me $200 for a new one. This was not a fun job to replace the module. Beware quad cab owners: the parts store may say they have the pump you need, but make sure it is intended for your model.