How To Test The Fuel Pump (1997-1999 V8 Dodge Dakota, Durango)

TEST 2: Using Starting Fluid

This of the oldest tests to find out if the 'no-start' problem is due to a lack of fuel. This test harks back to when cars were equipped with carburetors.

I remember learning this test early on in my career as an automotive technician.

NOTE: If you have a fuel pressure test gauge, you can skip this test since this only a general test that only checks to see if fuel is missing when cranking the engine.

IMPORTANT: Before you start the starting fluid test, it's important that you first check all spark plug wires for spark. If there's no spark, the cause of the engine no-start issue is an ignition system issue and not a lack of fuel. Not to mention that without spark, the starting fluid test is essentially a useless test.

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, manually, and spray starting fluid down the bore. When you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid, quickly reconnect the air duct to the throttle body (you don't have to tighten the hose clamp).
   
   Reconnecting the intake air duct is important as a safety precaution.

3. 3

   Have your assistant, inside the vehicle, crank the engine.

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.

Let's interpret your test result:

CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This test result confirms that the engine is not starting due to a lack of fuel.

Usually, this also means that the fuel pump is bad. To make sure, I suggest testing the fuel pumps pressure output with a test gauge. For this test go to: TEST 1: Fuel Pressure Test With 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, the starting fluid test is not the most accurate way of testing a defective fuel pump so I suggest you do one more test. And this is to use a fuel pressure test gauge to test the fuel pump: TEST 1: Fuel Pressure Test With Gauge.

More V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 5.2L and 5.9L Dodge Dakota and Durango tutorials in this index:

• Chrysler 5.2L, 5.9L Index Of Articles.

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

• How To Test The Blower Motor (1997-1999 Dakota, Durango).
• How To Test The Blower Motor Resistor (1997-1999 Dodge Dakota And Durango).
• How To Test The Starter Motor (1997-1999 Dakota).
• How To Test Engine Compression (Chrysler 3.9L, 5.2L, 5.9L) (at: troubleshootmyvehicle.com).
• How To Test The Ignition Coil -No Start Tests (Chrysler 3.9L, 5.2L, 5.9L) (at: troubleshootmyvehicle.com).