So i have a 2001 dodge ram 2500 with the 5.9 gas. Many, many things are wrong with this truck but my current problem is it won't start. Of all the things that have ever been wrong with this truck it has always started. I checked the coil and it was slightly out of spec from what the hayes book referenced so I replaced it, still won't start. As I was reading the section on the ignition system it states that with the key in the on position if you get a battery or oil light this shows that the PCM ignition system is working. After I turn the key I never get either one, so I have a few questions.

1)Because I don't have either one of these lights is my PCM bad? Is the test this simple? Is there another way to test the PCM?

2)Kinda off the wall question, does the coil need to be mounted on its bracket and bolted to the engine in order to fire? This truck is completely rusted and I couldn't get the old coil off its bracket. I had to remove the bracket and am having a machinist buddy of mine cut the screws and retap the bracket.

3) If the PCM is good, the coil is new are my next options the crank position sensor or cam position sensor? If so which on should I start with? Is there a test for these two sensors?

Any help would be great. I need to get it to start so I can move it to my lift so I can try to fix everything else that is wrong with it.

Steve

 

Need to see what you are missing. First, do you get power to the coil, and injectors for a few seconds after you turn the key on? (having a friend help with this makes it a lot easier.)

Does the fuel pump prime when you first turn the key on?

 

Fuel pump does prime. I have not checked power to the coil or injectors.

 

What are some of the problems? Any related to the motor? Do you have codes?

 

I checked power to the coil (I think), the two pin connector to the coil has no power testing across them or either of them to ground. Not exactly sure how the circuit works. I was expecting 12 volts, correct. I did not check the injectors seeing I have no power to coil. I am assuming the this is switched power. Now what? Is the ECM bad.

 

Moparite, there is a long list of things wrong with the truck. It hasn't been on the road for three years but I want to get it running so I can plow again this winter. It has no exhaust, no brakes (hydraulic or emergency), bald front tires, many rust spots, many broken bolts for the drive shaft and cross frame brace, etc, etc. Nothing in my opinion that wouldn't let the truck start. As I said in my original post, it always started until the one day I decide to start working on all the other things that are wrong with it.

 

Coil/injectors will only have power for a couple seconds, unless the PCM sees the engine turning. (crank position sensor giving a signal.) Almost have to have two people to test some of these.....

 

will it be 12 volts across the connector? How will it see power for, approximately?

 

Yep, should be 12 volts. It will last 2-3 seconds..... (as long as you hear the fuel pump running, basically.)

 

So I checked the voltage last night and as soon as I turn the key to the run position the volt meter jumps up to almost 12V. I think it would have if it had more time. However when I crank the engine I get no voltage at the coil connector. Now what? Do I need to check / replace the crank or cam sensor? If so how do I check them. Could the PCM still be bad? I hooked up my code reader and didn't get any faults out. Any help would be great. Thanks again for the help.