How To Test The Fuel Pump (2000-2003 3.9L Dodge Dakota)

TEST 2: Using Starting Fluid To Confirm Lack Of Fuel

The most common test performed to check to see if a lack of fuel is causing a no-start problem is the starting fluid test.

Now, having said that, using starting fluid to diagnose a bad fuel pump is not the most accurate way. Still, it's an effective test that'll get your fuel pump diagnostic started.

NOTE: To get an accurate test result from the starting fluid test, it's important that you make sure that all six spark plug wires are sparking.

IMPORTANT: This is a very fast and easy test but you do have to take one very important safety precaution and this is to reconnect the air intake duct back to the throttle body after spraying starting fluid down the throttle bore (although you don't have to fasten it). This will prevent any backfire, that might occur, from scaring the heck out of you when cranking the engine.

These are the test steps:

1. 1

   Remove the intake air duct from the throttle body. You don't have to completely remove it, since you'll have to reconnect it in one of the next steps.

2. 2

   Open the throttle plate and spray starting fluid down the bore.
   
   As a safety precaution reconnect the air duct after you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid (but you don't have to tighten the air duct).

3. 3

   Crank the engine once the air duct is back on and you're clear of the engine compartment.

4. 4

   You'll get one of two results with this test:
   
   1.) The engine will start momentarily and after a few seconds will die or.
   
   2.) The engine will only crank but not start at all.

OK, let's analyze your test result:

CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This test result confirms that a lack of fuel is keeping your Dodge Dakota's 3.9L V6 engine from starting.

Your next step is to check to see what the fuel pressure is with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 2: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.

CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This usually means that a lack of fuel IS NOT the reason your car is not starting.

Now, remember what I said about this test not being very accurate? Well, I suggest you do one more test and this is to check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 2: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.

Where To Buy The Fuel Pump And Save

The fuel pump in your 4.7 V8 Dodge is located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump can be bought in any auto parts store, but I think you'll find the better price online. The following fuel pumps are pretty good deals:

Not sure if the above fuel pumps fit your particular 3.9L V6 Dodge Dakota? Don't worry, once you get to the site, they'll make sure it fits by asking you the specifics of your vehicle. If it doesn't fit, they'll find you the right one.

More 3.9L Dodge Dakota Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 3.9L Chrysler and Dodge tutorials in this index:

• Chrysler 3.9L Index Of Articles.

Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

• How To Test The Starter Motor (1991-1995 3.9L Dodge Dakota).
• How To Test Engine Compression (1993-2003 3.9L Dodge Dakota).
• How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1993-2003 3.9L Dodge Dakota).
• Engine Management Sensor Circuit Diagram (1994-1995 3.9L V6 Dodge Dakota).