I have a 97 dodge ram 1500 5.9L and went out there a couple days ago and it wouldn't start. I changed the spark plugs and had to charge the battery. It is getting fuel and puts when trying to start but thats it. What else should I check?

 

is the starter turning the engine ? got to have that first.

after that...you need fuel, compression, spark, and timing.

check for spark on the plugs. remove one, attach the wire, hold it by the insulated wire cap, touch it to a ground while cranking starter. look/listen for blue spark 'ticking'.

check for fuel pressure. turn ignition to on and listen for the 'whine' sound of the fuel pump. look on drivers side of intake and find black pipe (fuel rail). locate screw on cap and remove it. locate a tiny push button that looks sort of like a tire valve. put out your cigarette. with rag sort of under the valve push it and see if a little gas squirts out. if not, thats bad.

It is getting fuel and puts when trying to start but thats it.
what does 'puts' mean ?

report back.

 

The starter is turning the engine and the fuel pump is working.
It is getting fuel and puts when trying to start but thats it.
what does 'puts' mean ?
It seems like it wants to start but cant finish. so it is firing(chuga chuga silence).

 

Can you do the key trick to see if there is any code stored? It looks like your Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor or its circuit is not working. The delay in my truck is 3 sec and then the PCM will cut the fuel injectors. The PCM uses its signal to find if the engine is turning then uses it to sequence the injectors and ignition timing. Good luck.