98 dodge durango will not start bulletin

[david16]

Have a 98 dodge durango that wont start. Just changed plugs, wires, rotor and distibutor. Truck would stall while driving but start right back up now will not. Dash Gauges (battery, fuel) do not read now. Engine turns over, battery reads good (checked with meter and also jumped with another vehical). Starting fluid used in the carb, did not start, so probably not fuel related. Any sugestions?

[carriedi]

the dash has three fuses that are in the junction block at the left end of the dash. #17 10A, hot in run and start. #1, hot all the time. #11, hot in start and run. Check to make sure you have battery+ at all those fuses when the key is on.

Have you checked for spark? Spark, fuel pressure and injector pulse are the things to check for a no start. Dodges can have a stalling problem because the throttle body bore gets coked up and computer doesn't react fast enough when the throttle is closed while driving. Meaning it will stall when coming to stop. There is a test you do with a scanner. Minimum air flow test. It turns off the computer idle control. The engine should continue to run. If the engine dies or starts to stutter because the idle is too low you need to clean the throttle body and possibly adjust the base idle.

Be very careful using starting fluid. Starting fluid burns very hot and could damage engine if used to excess.

TSB 08-24-00 dated 9/8/2000 for a crank no start says:

Part of "No Start" diagnosis on vehicles equipped with VTSS should include a verification check of the power supply to the Central Timer Module (CTM). The CTM provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with an "OK To Start" message via the CCD bus. If the message is not received by the PCM, the PCM will not allow the engine to start. Initially, the engine may start and stall but will eventually not start at all. Most CTMs are supplied battery voltage through the power door lock fuse. An inspection of the fuse should be one of the initial diagnostic checks performed. If the fuse is operational, a verification check of the communication system from the CTM can be performed using the DRB III. Attempt to communicate to the CTM. If the CTM does not respond to the DRB III, the DRB III will identify a "No Response From Central Timer Module" message. A "No Response From Central Timer Module" message may indicate that the CTM is not powered up. Please refer to the "Communication" section of the appropriate Body Diagnostic Procedures Manual to assist in "No Start" diagnosis due to communication problems from the CTM. In addition, the "Vehicle Theft/Security" section will aid in the diagnosis of "No Start" issues involving the VTSS system.

[Mjb]

it won't crank over sometimes, when this happens everything else is totally dead... dash gauges, radio, headlights,all power gone...
I move ignition switch, push cluck in and out and move steering wheel than it starts sometimes. .
It's like a safety switch is messed up...
Any idea where to start looking ?

[carriedi]

check your battery cable connections at the battery posts

[Phil]

Had a similar problem. Mine was a loose cable on the side of the engine block.