1990 dakota 3.9L wont start(need help asap)

[shiner07]

i have a 1990 dakota that wont start its not getting any fuel or spark..it just cranks over and over..im wondering if maybe its the crank sensor? but i'm not sure where its located so i can check it..also i heard someone say something about a spark box??? anyone knowing anything about this problem can you please help me out..thanks

[jdmccright]

Welp, the engine needs fuel and a spark to run, period. A CS sensor in general just helps it pollute less. 1990 V6's don't have a CPS. They weren't incorporated into the ECM until 1992 for OBD-I purposes.

First, check the battery and cables for age, corrosion and proper ground. Clean off corrosion and replace corroded cables or old battery. This is usually 80% of the cause of a no start condition.

Next check for a spark. Go get/buy/borrow/beg for a spark test tool and hook it up. No spark would indicate a problem with your distributor or your ignition coil.

Third, check for fuel. Turn the key on and listen for an electric motor sound coming from the rear...that would be your fuel pump pressurizing the fuel lines. No noise means either the pump has gone bad, wire has broken, or a fuse has blown.

Fourth, check for proper fuel pressure. Again, buy/beg/borrow a fuel pressure gauge and connect it to the test port on the fuel rail. Turn the key to "on" again and check the gauge. 14.5 psi is the norm. Low pressure can mean a clogged fuel filter.

[Dodgegal79]

I'm having the exact same problem with my truck right now. i have changed the Mode, relay, coil and the distributor and still nothing. I even checked the fusable links and they are all good. I am going to check all the wires. You will not be able to check your fuel pressure as the fuel pump will not turn on unless it gets a tach reading.