Dodge Ram Starting Problems

gunowner

Throughout the day the truck did not experience any problems. Parked at the office and was attempting to leave for the evening and no luck. When I turn the key all dash lights show up bright, but no starter turnover. After continuous key turnover several times you would get a quick knock at what sounds like the starter then nothing. I tried jumping, still nothing. I put the truck in neutral (automatic trans) and nothing. Again, at the dash all appears fine.

It does have the cummins. Other than this, have had no problems at all.

See Also
Edmunds Answers: Dodge Ram Starter Problems

dustyk

A while back there was a short rash of intermittent relays in RAMs. Both the starter and ASD relays can cause a no crank condition.

Regards,
Dusty

chiana4477

I have a'99 Dodge Ram 1500 sport 5.2L 318 and she won't start unless you have your foot on the gas and will only stay running if you keep the revs up. Sometimes if you let her sit awhile she will start up. Is the fuel pump , relays, battery? I'm trying to go with the stupid things first before I buy a new fuel pump ($219).

gunowner

The problem was the computer controller went out; according to the service dept. It had to stay in the shop for approx. 4 weeks due to the controller being on "national backorder".

Thanks for the reply.

keepitcowboy

Got in the truck to go to work. It started fine. Drove half a block to a convenience store and parked it. When I got back in, it would turn over, (lots of cranking power,) but would not fire.

ping25

Hey did you ever figure out what the hack was going on. I thought is was my starter so I replaced it but nothing. I got the same problem. I got power to the dash and all the lights work. I even got power to my starter but she will not turn over. I got the cummins too. I went to the local gas station parked it and when I came back out about 10 minutes later nothing. I tried jumping and like you nothing. I bypassed the starter relay too. Can you help me out buddy?

gunowner

I had my Ram towed to the dealer (2006 and is still under warranty) and they diagnosed it as the "computer". It was on back order due to the original manufacturer screwing things up; I had to wait 4 weeks to get my truck back.

keepitcowboy

Because the motor will turn over, but won't fire, they are telling me that the fuel injector pump has failed. Furthermore, if pieces of the pump have entered the injector lines, the fix could be very expensive. Around $2500CDN.

ping25

Thanks for the intel. I took the truck to the shop and they told me that the interface under the fuse panel was shorted out. I dont think that they know what they were talking about because if that was the case there wouldnt not be any power at the dash or at the starter and I know the starter had power hell it had 12.6 VDC. So I dont know but the part costs $375 dollars. And thats just the part. Yea ouch!!!!

mikeyd123

truck was warming up, it stalled. tried to start it again but it just turns over.anyone familiar with this problem and what it could be?

jarretf

I got a 1995 Dodge ram 1500 2WD 5.2L 318. Was driving home from work, and my truck just stalled going down the highway, checked all relays and fuses, all were fine. Towed home, checked #1 spark plug wire for a spark, none, also there wasn't a spark at the ignition coil, but there was power going to it. Checked to make sure my fuel pump was working and was getting fuel to the engine, it was working fine. Replaced ignition coil, distributor cap, and rotor. It still just sits there and cranks but does not start. Out of ideas of what it may be..

irishjim1

I own a Dodge Ram 2500 with Cummins Diesel 4X4 bought new in 1996. Been a great truck. Now has 184,000 miles. It's having starting issues for several years now, traced to a fuel retention problem. If I park faced downhill it usually starts fine. I had the fuel pump replaced but didn't fix problem. Recently I discovered if I jack up the rear end and crank the bleeder for 20 mins I can usually get it up and running again, of course this is just a band aid. I would really appreciate a final fix for this problem. My normal mechanic has been un-able to solve this problem. (Though he's been wonderful with our gas vehicles)
Thanks for reading.

Irishjim.

ramit3

Here's a good one for you techs.. 04 2500 5.9l 300,000 kms. Problems with very noisy engine. Dealer replaced #1 injector, still noisy, brought it back. I was with tech while hooked up to computer. When he shut down # 6 injector sounded ok. So I said pull all inj. out and test. They all failed. They replaced with remans. All was ok for 5,000 kms. Started to be hard to start when at op. temp. I replaced fuel filter. Did not help. Continually got worse. to the point where it would not start. Had to leave for 1+ hours before it would start. Brought it to another repair shop which specializes in small diesels. Lift pump tested ok injector pump tested ok. no codes. They felt it may be the reman injectors because the electrical parts in each inj.can't be rebuilt. Stated that 20% of fuel is injected into cylinder prior to normal time before TDC. When inj. are hot this may not happen. Brought it back to Dealer for more testing. I relayed this info to them. They are still testing and talking to the reman company. They say it is not the inj.s. They really don't know what the problem is. Also, when in no start condition engine sounds quiet as if no fuel. Give a little sniff of starter fluid and jumps to life.When running sounds good, power is good fuel economy is normal... Any ideas???? :sick:

goin_broke

my 03 is a great truck, but for the last 4 months i have been trying to figure out what is going on. Went out to go to work one morning and it took way longer than normal to start so i took it to the dealer after it would not start altogether they said it was the fuel pump so 800 dollars later i had a new fuel pump oh then it brought a new problem the #1 injector was bad so know 1500 dollars later my truck started for about 3 weeks they were extended starts none the less it started then it started happening all over again back to the dealer #4 injector bad changed it started same as before now 2200 dollars into it i have no solution other than to give it a gas rag only after it is on the heater block all night then and only then will it start anyone out there got any suggestions. please

dyda

98 Dodge 1500 p/u 360 ci auto.....On the first try , will crank but won't start.Second try will fire right up.Been doing this for two yrs.Weather makes no difference.Lenth of first try makes no diff.

dustyk

This should be an easy problem to troubleshoot since its very consistent. Ignition coil voltage, injector voltage, and fuel pressure should be monitored at a first start-up scenario. This will confirm the problem right away.

I don't see or even hear of very many bad injectors on Dodge gas engines, unless they have a lot of miles (>100,000) and have had a steady diet of cheap fuel. One punky or completely inoperative fuel injector would not explain a no start condition, in my opinion.

Just a hunch, but I'm suspecting you might not be getting ANY injector or ignition coil voltage at that initial start, or no fuel pressure. I have worked on two Dakotas with this symptom and found that after replacing the ASD relay the problem did not return. The techs at my local Dodge dealer have also told me they've found bad connections in various connectors or ground points that have caused the same problem. I know of one RAM that had a bad fuel pump relay that caused a no start condition similiar to yours. The Fuel Pump Relay is of the same type as the ASD Relay.

Best regards,
Dusty

dustyk

This could possibly be caused by an intermittent ASD Relay, Fuel Pump Relay, bad electrical connections, or a slow Fuel Pressure Regulator.

Regards,
Dusty

goin_broke

hey thanks for the heads up does the same apply to a 2500 5.9L desiel as well

dyda

Where are the fuel pump and ASD relays located on a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 p/u?

dustyk

I have to say I honestly don't know, although I'm sure there's a fuel pump relay. I'm not sure about an Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay.

I apologize. Since the days of full-size GM cars, I have successfully avoided having anything to do with diesels, and my knowledge is very limited with respect to the Cummins version of the RAM.

Best regards,
Dusty

bradams

I have an 93 dodge 2500 diesel with same fuel leak back problem as yours and i was wanting to know if you know how to fix the problem or had any ideas of how to fix the problem.

impulas07

I have had this problem going with my truck for a while now. At first i thought it was the batteries cause they were gettin drained but the starter ended up bein bad by pullin almost 200 amps. So i replaced that and for the first 2 weeks or so its been fine and now its starting to start hard again or it just cranks and somtimes i get a sound like the starter isnt engaging but then after that it wont crank over at all. Then if i do get it started for the first 30 min or so the volts keep droping for a second then they come back up. I cant find out the problem and was wondering if anyone knows anthing of the problem

lonchan

i have 99 ram 1500, 5.9L 4x4 trucks been sitting all winter, was fine before.
and i have the same problem, will start at first then stall out, wont start agan till next day and when it does start that one time a day, it bogs a couple times like it wants to die. it runs for about minute or 2 before it dies.
replaced coil, cap, rotor, wires, plugs , camshaft sensor.
turn key can here fuel pump going everytime, good fuel pressure.
when it does die out, check coil , no power.
i dont get it when it will start at least once a day everytime i come home from work it will start up runs for a minute then dies.
swap ASD relay around with other ones like it still no start. no check enigine light.
hooked up scanner , no code. when it dies , no spark at plugs, engine cranks but doesnt fire up.
next on the list is crankshaft sensor and then computer, am i on the right track anyone or am i missing something?

toby74

My dodge will start when I leave the house. Runs good but when I turn it off sometimes it won't start. After it sets for an hour or two it starts. Have replaced the fuel pump and the fuel relay. Any suggestions what would be causing this?

ldd

I am having an issue with my truck cutting out at high RPMs. I have a 5 speed standard trans and when I hit about 2200-2500 RPMs, it acts like it is not getting enought air or fuel. It blows white smoke at times. Any thoughts?

bucksdodge

Hi I seem to have the same Problem! I have an 2006 RAM Diesel 5.9. about a year ago I Had to have the Clutch sensor replace and that fixed a problem. now I have the same Problem as you. Have you figured out what was going on with it? If so what did dodge do to it? What was the time frame on getting the truck fixed?

wayne62

I have a 99 dodge ram club cab v8 when the weather is wet or rainy and truck sits over night it will not start only does it on cooler wet nights.

hooker321

Power to the coil but no spark?
Swapped crank sensor no spark?
Any Ideas?
Gonna Check ASD today... Be back to report later!

hooker321

Well Rechecked Fuel Pressure (Its ok 44psi), then rechecked ASD relay (switching it) then rechecked the Crankshaft and Camshaft sensors while hand cranking the motor super super slow (making sure to have the coil wire unplugged from the cap) while the key is in the run position. Both checked ok. Went back to the coil plug and checked for constant 12v and then checked other wire for a signal while cranking motor that seemed fine.
I was so certain to find something... I traced wires from the coil to the PCM and checked for continuity both fine. (GRN/ORG wire left harness plug on PCM & GRY/WHT wire far right harness plug on PCM.)
While doing so I then noticed the PCM Computer ECU whatever... was a junkyard replacement! (Yellow paint marker numbers and a big lakeview junkyard sticker with a check mark on it lol Also pry marks all around it from someone opening it it seems lol).. I was shocked lol ..I never would have thought this was already changed lol.. Im NOW thinking the PCM is just bad. Any thoughts out there....

hooker321

Found out today from the customer when telling him the PCM might be bad I told him "its the computer above the enging under the hood missing the cover" he then told me the van over heated and blew out the radiator hose near the thermostat lol... He said he cut the hose down and changed thermostat and he might have the PCM cover lol... Hmmm Ok soooo the junkyard computer along with not being factory sealed was drenched in hot radiator fluid then drivin the very same day and for 2 weeks more before this (dead at a stop light without warning).... Hmmmm I bet the junkard PCM was fine without the cover lol until the hose bursted and blasted the PCM witch is right above the hose lol THANKS DUMB DODGE FOR PUTING A COMPUTER THERE! I GUESS BEHIND THE DASH or NEAR THE DRIVER FLOOR IS TO MUCH TO ASK!
I will get another PCM I guess unless someone has a idea for me to try I love experimenting!

mickster5

Just went through all that mess. I installed a recon. ECU and it started right up. It was a hassle to find one. The dealer wants close to 8oo.oo for a rebuilt. Evidently a new one is not available for that one. I would not recomend the Auto Source as they gave me the runaround, and 2 weeks later I got the unit after the sent it to the wrong address. Ultimately it works, but now my oil pressure gauge will all of a sudden drop to zero and I'll get a mechanical sounding clicking. If I shut it off for a minute or so it will sometimes go back to working. Maybe oil pump picked up crud from sitting so long not running. Anyone have any similar probs.....

jmaltry

I have a 2003 Ram Truck 5.7L Hemi. Engine check light was on for several days. Then it would not start. Replaced CAM sensor and the truck started right up and check light was off. Same day the engine would not crank, tried it twice then started up. Thinking I had a weak original battery, I replaced the battery. Car stated right up with no warning lights. Next day the truck will not crank. Battery okay. Check for error codes and found none. Any recommendations? Thanks

jstingley

did you get an answer to your problem?

mazolton

I have a 94 cummins that has been a great trouble free diesel for250k+ While
Driving it acted like it ran out of fuel and died. It has fuel, cranks strong but won't fire up. I checked everything I could think of. Now my son's 2001 has done the same thing recently and no one seems to know what we need to do.
I would really appreciate your help and known what anyone else has found out when this problem occurred

mazolton

Has anyone figured out what the cause of these diesels to turn over but not fire up.
I've checked everything I could think of now

:sick: :confuse:

KCRam

Your 94 is a completely mechanical engine and your son's 2001 is electronically controlled. That means something common to both trucks has to have happened in order for identical symptoms to occur.

The first thing to check in both trucks is the trouble code listing. In both trucks, turn the key to On (but not Start), then quickly cycle to Off (but not Lock)-On-Off-On. In your 94, the Check Engine light will flash in sequence with any codes... example: blink (pause) blink blink is code 12. Code 55 means end of codes, so if that's the only one you get, the truck has not detected any problems. In your son's 2001, you should see the codes in the digital odometer.

If both trucks come up with no codes, my first suggestion would be testing/replacing both batteries. The Cummins needs both batteries at full capacity to get the engine going... "a battery and a half" will crank but doesn't give enough electricity to do the job.

kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host

emeraldgreen

Have a 5.9 gas with about 90,000 miles. Shutdown while driving and now just cranks. My mechanic (old guy) checked and replaced distributor as it was corroded. Replaced crank and cam sensors, coil, wires etc. Says he has done all he can and thinks maybe it's the computer, which he can't check. If he hooks up his ignition box to it it'll start right up, but won't even try to start with the truck ignition.
A recon ecu is about $150 with lifetime warranty. I think I'll just buy it rather than spend another $90 to have it diagnosed by dealer.
Are there any other possibilities?
Thanks

nwcomm

Last night my truck would not start after turning it off for an hour. When I went to start it the security light is blinking and truck wont turn over. I disconnected the battery for 5 minutes, it did not help. I have looked but not found a valet switch. Has anyone had this same problem?

mickster5

I replaced the computer in my van recently. It started right up. Since then though, my oil press. gauge will drop to 0 sometimes just for a couple of seconds then back up. Sometimes for a couple of minutes. When it stays down for a long time I start hearing engine noise, witch makes me think it truly is the pump shutting down periodically. If I pull over and shut off the motor for a sec. then start it back up, the gauge usually pops back up. Maybe something getting sucked up in the pump. Or is there an elect. relay that shuts it down? Sometimes I hear a click, like the sound of the engine idle fan kicking on at the same time the needle drops. Anybody else have or hear of something like this? Thanks

bradharmer

A few months back I picked up a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd manual 6-banger for $1500. It's unusual as the previous owner put in a 4 inch lift + 31s with blocks in the rear and suspension in front. I use it for dump/storage/beer runs on the weekends. It was cheap but still fun to drive. I do miss the 4x4 but for the price it was a good buy.

Recently during a long rain storm my 9 year old son and I were out hitting mud holes in town. The last hole we tried I got high centered and had to call a tow truck to get me out. :-P

The next day the truck was running rough and the check engine light came on. I checked the code and got a P0305 which I researched and found called out misfiring 5th cylinder. I was going to pull out the plug and check the wires but the engine compartment is real dirty from the mud and built up grime so I tried to clean it up by treating the whole compartment with a can of Black Magic Engine Degreaser and Shine. I followed the instructions by spraying it on the motor compartment but avoiding electrical components. I then used a light water spray 15 minutes later to remove it once again trying to stay way from electrical. The engine cleaned up real nice.

However, now the truck won’t start. It will turn over but not start. At first I thought something might still be wet, so I put a fan on the motor. Still no luck, so I let it dry a full day in the Sun. Still won't start. I hooked up my computer again and I'm now getting codes P0300, P0301 and P0305, all of which talk about cylinder misfires. I read up in an online manual and it recommends checking the spark plugs when the motor turns over but doesn't start.

I'm no mechanic, but I can change oil, plugs, belts etc. I've once put a lift kit in on a previous truck. However, my expertise stops there. Drop or rebuild a trany/motor is a little past my experience dial not to mention I don't have the tools. That said, I could use a little guidance with a problem if verifying the plugs and wires are good.

beavercleaver

did you ever get your problem solved. I have 1998 ram 1500 5.2 L doing the thing :mad:

beavercleaver

it's like a top but today i jump in it didn't start just cranks if i put my foot on the gas it will start but stops as soon i take my foot off the pedal also have check engine light :mad: :confuse:

rcbender

rcbender

The truck has 140K miles and runs good except for hot restarts. If I stop somewhere for a short period while the truck is still hot and then restart it, it will not accelerate and usually stalls out when I stop at the first stop sign etc. Sometimes I can pump the accelerator and it will surge and then stay running. Once I get past this initial hot restart stalling, it will run fine with no more stalling issues. I have replaced Idle valve, TPS, MAP sensor, disassembled and cleaned throttle body but not luck. Someone suggested that it may be the computer chip that switches the truck from cold start to hot start throttle position. What is causing me to stall out?

anthony101

i just rebuilt a dodge ram 1500 4*4 transmission and installed i have a plug left over it is a two slot plug i do not know where the plug goes, or if it is a maintenance plug. Also i can't get the starter to turn over or get the fuel pump to turn on can anyone help me with this.

anthony101

i would have the computer checked out also replace the hot cold switch. My wife's call would get hot and stall i looked for a little while and found a loose wire on the computer.

nemera08

Same problem. Did you find out what it was?? I have checked all my fuses. Looking at the relays but not getting the readings I expect... so I obviously do not understand this as of yet. My battery is fine, 12.7v. Same thing. Unhooked the battery and reconnect and it does not reset the blinking. If you have any info please pass it on. Thank you. 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L Magnum 4x4 Extended Cab SLT.

beavercleaver

it turn out be the crankshaft senor runs great now. a little broken wire was all the problem was :shades:

johe64

johe64

My 2009 ram 1500 v-8 won't start. It has a short "hum" when it tries to turn over. the tow truck tried to jump it thinking it was the battery because it acted like it... then he said nothing was "turning over" in the engine when i attempted to start it. my wife just filled up with the E-85 fuel (it's a flex-fuel veh.)and it had been running fine before with no symptoms... any advice... ?

dave311

Bought a "96 Ram from a repo guy. Previous owner dumped it into the Potomac. Bought it cheap and thought it was a deal. Since then I've put in a new transmission, but that was the beginning. The thing would keep stopping and then once at the garage would start, making a diagnosis difficult. Each time the mechanic would do something. The scenario goes as follows. Cam sensor then an oxygen sensor, then another cam sensor. With each event a towing charge. Things get worse...another oxygen was replaced and then a coil was added. Each time the mechanic thought he had it fixed. This was not nickle and dime stuff. Once again, it stopped and the mechanic proud of himself finally thought he fixed the problem by replacing the fuel pump. What a bill that was. Oops it stopped again. Now everyone is scratching their you know what. I should also mention that as the truck sat at the garage the mechanics also experienced the starting and stopping problem.

Perhaps I am a fool for letting this go so far, but I actually believed the mechanic when he said the problem was fixed. Now we have a challenge. Can anyone offer a suggestion that may lead me to a resolution?

Dave311