This is my first post on this forum and I am looking for some help. I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with the 5.2l. v8. I bought the truck used about three months ago so I'm not sure about the service history.

My problem started 3 days ago when I tried to leave for work. I turned the key but the truck would not start. The engine turned, but would not start. I've tried starting the truck every day since with no luck.

I've searched the forums and tried several things so far. I crawled under the truck while my wife turned key to acc 2 position and I could hear fuel pump priming. I also pulled the fuel line off the fuel rail and ensured that fuel was flowing. I also pulled the plug out of #3 cylinder and checked spark (there was spark). I pulled off the air intake and sprayed starter fluid into the throttle body while my wife cranked the engine, nothing happened.

Now I'm out of ideas. It seems to be getting fuel, spark and oxygen. Could a sensor be bad? If the crank position sensor was bad would I get spark? I'm assuming the truck would start if the tps was going bad. WTF if going on??

BTW there are no check engine lights.

Thanks,

Erik

 

If the CPS was bad it might get spark, just at the wrong time. So it is possibly your CPS.

It may also be that you're not getting enough fuel pressure at the rail to start either, even though there is flow.

In base form its either a spark or fuel problem, as long as the engine is cranking and it didn't have any major mechanical problems just prior, its pumping air.

Have you tried starting it while giving it throttle? When my CPS died I was able to get it to fire with throttle, however it wouldn't idle and ran like ****.

 

I was lucky enough to catch my neighbor outside (he is a mechanic). We re-checked everything and found the problem. Even though I was getting spark it was too weak. The problem was my cap and rotor, they were shot. I ended up spending $60 for cap, rotor, plugs and wires. It fired right up first try.

Thanks for help.
Erik

 

haha i was just going to say that same thing happend to my 99 dodge with 5.9 haha be careful dont pressure wash your coil mine also went from water getting in it

 

my truck needs the crankshaft position sensor replaced but i cant seem to find were its at. anyone know where its at and is it hard to do? i have replacement part.

 

my truck needs the crankshaft position sensor replaced but i cant seem to find were its at. anyone know where its at and is it hard to do? i have replacement part.