'02 Dakota 3.9L cold starting problem

[TomKo]

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?

[corey6135]

Originally Posted by TomKo

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

[TomKo]

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.