Help!!!!!

[uncivilized]

I have a 2000 Dodge Durnago V8 5.2L

For some reason it will start when cold. Once it has been driven and has heated up it will not start once shut off. You have to let it sit for approximately 2-3 hours before it will start again. Any idea's? I don't have the money to take it to the shop right now.

[denisond3]

When it is warm and wont start - does the engine crank over okay? I would be inclined to think it was one of the sensors having aged, but I dont know how many sensors nor of what kind such a late model engine would have. How many miles does it have on it?
If it does crank over, you should check to see if you have spark. This will mean pulling one of the plug wires (or whatever it has) loose, and having someone look for a bright blue arc when the engine is being cranked. If there is a nice spark, then you need to check for fuel pressure. Sorry that I dont know how to do that on a late model Dodge V8 either.

[uncivilized]

Originally Posted by denisond3

When it is warm and wont start - does the engine crank over okay? I would be inclined to think it was one of the sensors having aged, but I dont know how many sensors nor of what kind such a late model engine would have. How many miles does it have on it?
If it does crank over, you should check to see if you have spark. This will mean pulling one of the plug wires (or whatever it has) loose, and having someone look for a bright blue arc when the engine is being cranked. If there is a nice spark, then you need to check for fuel pressure. Sorry that I dont know how to do that on a late model Dodge V8 either.

I have fuel pressure. They pulled a hose by the engine and gas sprays out. It tries to crank over but is just not starting. I will have to have someone help me check for a spark.

[Benzman]

This sounds like the famous overheating computer. Unfortunately it is expensive to fix.
You can get your computer repaired for around $350 through Autozone (make sure you write down the VIN # for them). But the repair takes 3-4 weeks.

You can get a bag of ICE, lay it across the computer module (on the left side fender well in the engine compartment). Now, see if it still wont start once the engine is warmed up.
Also, sometimes you can just jiggle the connectors to the computer module to get things started again.

Has it ever died on you while sitting at a stop light, or sign?

[uncivilized]

Originally Posted by sdavis@bonefrontie

This sounds like the famous overheating computer. Unfortunately it is expensive to fix.
You can get your computer repaired for around $350 through Autozone (make sure you write down the VIN # for them). But the repair takes 3-4 weeks.

You can get a bag of ICE, lay it across the computer module (on the left side fender well in the engine compartment). Now, see if it still wont start once the engine is warmed up.
Also, sometimes you can just jiggle the connectors to the computer module to get things started again.

Has it ever died on you while sitting at a stop light, or sign?

No it has not died out at a stop light or anything. It will work all the time but once you turn it off when it is warmed up it will not start for at the minimum of 2 hours when it is raining.

[Benzman]

It still sounds like the computer to me. It was actually a very common problem with the 98 - 01 durango's.

[uncivilized]

Originally Posted by Benzman

It still sounds like the computer to me. It was actually a very common problem with the 98 - 01 durango's.

I have replaced the computer and it is still not working. Any idea on what else it might be.

[Benzman]

OK, your engine needs 3 things to run.
Fuel, Air, Spark.

You described your problem as only happening when the vehicle is warm.
To me, this means it's an electrical problem.
All 3 systems use electrical devices.

You can test for proper fuel by connecting a pressure guage to the fuel rail.

You can test for spark with a spark tester (rent it from Autozone for free, requires a deposit).

Air is more difficult to test.

Can you describe the start problem? Do you get any kind of ingnition, or just starter cranking?

[uncivilized]

Originally Posted by Benzman

OK, your engine needs 3 things to run.
Fuel, Air, Spark.

You described your problem as only happening when the vehicle is warm.
To me, this means it's an electrical problem.
All 3 systems use electrical devices.

You can test for proper fuel by connecting a pressure guage to the fuel rail.

You can test for spark with a spark tester (rent it from Autozone for free, requires a deposit).

Air is more difficult to test.

Can you describe the start problem? Do you get any kind of ingnition, or just starter cranking?

After it is warmed up and we turn it off when we go to start it back up it sounds as if i where starting a disel truck. It cranks like a disel and shut off.

[Benzman]

I would rent an ignition tester from Autozone.
You could also have them check for trouble codes stored in the computer to give you a clue as to where to start.
Check with Autozone to see if they rent a fuel pressure gague, or you could buy one, it might run $20-30.

When I refer to Autozone, I really mean any of the Auto parts chains, most of them have a tool rental program.

[denisond3]

I have had that 'diesel' sound when trying to start a car; because the ignition was firing too early and almost stopping the engine from cranking.
Does this vehicle have an 'igniter' or 'ignition module', that could be bad? On some cars the PCM sends signals to the igniter, which is what actually triggers the ignition coils to create the spark.