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Engine Controls - Basic Testing - Gasoline: Diagnosis Dodge Dakota Sport

VISUAL INSPECTION

Perform a visual inspection of all electrical wirings. Look for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Inspect electrical connectors and connections for tight fit and corrosion. Repair as necessary. Inspect all vacuum hoses for proper routing, cuts or pinches. If necessary, see appropriate VACUUM DIAGRAMS article to verify routing and connections. Repair as necessary. Inspect air induction system for possible vacuum leaks.

FUEL PUMP TEST (2.5L, 3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L)

  1. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE. Disconnect 5/16" fuel supply hose. Connect fuel system pressure Gauge (C-4799) between fuel supply hose and engine fuel line.
  2. Turn ignition on. Using Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-II) (C-4805), activate fuel pump. If fuel pump pressure is at specification, fuel system is functioning properly. See FUEL PUMP PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table.
  3. If fuel pressure is not to specification, record pressure. Install fuel pressure gauge in fuel supply line at rear of vehicle between fuel tank and fuel filter.
  4. Using DRB-II, activate fuel pump. Record pressure reading. If fuel pressure is 5 psi (.4 kg/cm (2) ) more than first pressure reading, replace fuel filter.
  5. If no change in pressure reading is observed, gently squeeze fuel return hose. If fuel pressure increases, replace fuel pressure regulator. If no change in fuel pressure is observed, problem is plugged fuel pump filter sock or defective fuel pump.
  6. If fuel pressure is more than specification, remove fuel return hose at rear of vehicle. Connect an extension hose to return hose. Place hose in an approved container with at least a 2 gallon capacity.
  7. Using DRB-II, activate fuel pump. If fuel pressure is now within specification, check in-tank return fuel hose for kinking. Replace fuel pump assembly if in-tank reservoir check valve or aspirator jet is plugged.
  8. If fuel pressure is still more than specification, remove fuel return hose from throttle body. Connect a substitute hose to throttle body return nipple. Place other end of hose in an approved container.
  9. Using DRB-II, activate fuel pump. If fuel pressure is at specification, check for a restricted fuel return line between throttle body and fuel tank. If no change was observed, replace fuel pressure regulator.
ApplicationPsi (kg/cm 2 )
2.5L39 (2.7)
3.0L & 3.3L48 (3.4)
3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L14.5 (1.0)

FUEL PUMP PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS

Note. Perform FUEL PUMP TEST with fuel tank at least half full. Before disconnecting a fuel line during testing, repeat FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE procedure.

FUEL PUMP TEST (3.0L & 3.3L)

  1. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE. Remove cap from service valve on fuel rail. Connect fuel system pressure Gauge (C-4799) to service valve.
  2. Turn ignition on. Using Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-II) (C-4805), activate fuel pump. If fuel pump pressure is at specification, fuel system is functioning properly. See FUEL PUMP PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table.
  3. If fuel pressure is not to specification, record pressure and remove gauge. Using DRB-II, activate fuel pump. Ensure fuel is not leaking from service valve. Install cap on service valve.
  4. If fuel pressure is not to specification, install pressure gauge in fuel supply line between fuel tank and fuel filter at rear of vehicle. See FUEL PUMP PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table. Using DRB-II, activate fuel pump.
  5. Record pressure reading. If fuel pressure is 5 psi (.4 kg/cm 2 ) higher than first pressure reading, replace fuel filter. If no change in pressure reading is observed, gently squeeze fuel return hose.
  6. If fuel pressure increases, replace fuel pressure regulator. If no change in fuel pressure is observed, problem is plugged fuel pump filter sock or defective fuel pump.
  7. If fuel pressure is more than specification, remove fuel return hose at rear of vehicle. See FUEL PUMP PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table. Connect an extension hose to return hose. Place hose in an approved container with at least 2 gallon capacity.
  8. Using DRB-II, activate fuel pump. If fuel pressure is now within specification, check in-tank return fuel hose for kinking. Replace fuel pump assembly if in-tank reservoir check valve or aspirator jet is plugged.
  9. If fuel pressure is still more than specification, remove fuel return hose from pressure regulator. Connect a substitute hose to fuel pressure regulator. Place other end of hose in an approved container.
  10. Using DRB-II, activate fuel pump. If fuel pressure is at specification, check for a restricted fuel return line. If no change is observed, replace fuel pressure regulator.