The codes to come up? Try this http://dodgeram.info/Engine-Gas/OBDI/pcm_fault_code.htm

 

coil was replaced in sept. dist cap was replaced with cam and crank sensors. im gonna start with getting the fuel sync set properly and the timing chain replaced. if the problem still occurs ill replace the cam and crank sensors with oem sensors. hopefully with all that the problem will go away.

 

code update: i attempted to do the key trick and im not sure i did it right. if i did, according to fault code link, i got a code 12-battery disconected last 50 starts. 8 of the same code of 43- Open or short in number # coil circuit. Indicates that the ignition coil's peak primary circuit current is not achieved with the maximum dwell time. and a code 55 indicating end of codes. im not sure if these codes are relevant to the problems im having or not but if i saw them correctly, thats what i got.

this is how i read them (correct me if i didnt do it right)
i saw the check engine light flash 4 times followed by a pause and hen it flashed 3 more times followed by a longer pause. this repeated 7 more times. i read the 4 flashes followed by the 3 flashes as code 43. is that the right way to do it?

 

http://dodgeram.info/Engine-Gas/OBDI/Fault-43.htm

 

Your method is correct, but, I am unsure how to interpret two digit codes, on an OBDII vehicle......

 

43 would splain some other things.

 

well at least i know how to do it now. when i go to do the timing chain tomaro im gonna recheck to make sure i saw all the flashes and what not.

 

The code is 43, simple as that LOL . 96 is a bastard year for obdII . The dash display is the same as 94 and 95 obd1. So it can only display it in that fashion. I'd check the wire on the coil, and maybe even replace it(the coil, with a stock one)

 

the wire from the harness to the coil or the wire from the coil to the dist? and when i replaced the the oem coil with the aftermarket coil there was no difference so i can put the oem coil back on and see what happens. and for codes, are you basicaly saying that i shouldnt go with the flash codes? or use them rather than the codes i pulled with a scanner?

 

There is no wire from the coil to the dist. The dist actually has nothing to do with spark timing. The sensor in there controls injector timing. That's it.

Make sure when you turn the key on, you get a good 12 volts to the coil. Might want to use a spark checker on a couple plugs as well, and see what your spark looks like. Weak spark, for whatever reason (coil, or crank sensor) can give you a miss.