CPS or the coil, when the coil gets hot it will start to act up.

 

My truck has a brand new crank sensor and coil, and still exhibits the symptoms.

 

new fuel pump this weekend, let's see if that fixes the problem. Its a 95 so the auto parts stores tell me that they can't scan it. I tried to use the key on and off thing to get it to flash a code but no dice. If this doesn't work, I'll try to open up the computer.

 

Keep us (me...) updated!

 

Not sure about the dodges... but, on the GM OBDI systems, if you short pins a and b on the ALDL, and turn the ignition on, (but, don't start the engine.) it should flash codes at you.

 

Uncle Bannerman, your starting issue sounds just like mine. I'll keep an eye on the thread in case you find the solution.

For reference, I have a 2002 2500, 2wd with the 5.9L gas engine, 142k miles or so. I did the spark plugs in the last few thousand miles, and the distributor cap+rotor along with my plenum repair + timing chain/gears fix a few months ago. I haven't touched the fuel system because the problem isn't worth the time or money for me right now - it always starts eventually.
edit: Oh, and I've never seen an error code besides a P1486 (probably a pinched EVAP hose), but I had the starting issue before that error.

 

For the obd1 dodge, you turn the key on and off three times and the check engine flashes a certain number of times, corresponding to the code in the computer. Tried that and nothing. Got the day off so going to take the truck on a road test. For those who said they have the same starting problems as I do, how long has it been going on?

 

I've had my truck since July 2011, but I think my starting issues didn't show up until winter. There were a few multi-week periods where the issue would disappear. That said, I haven't found any correlation between the issue and the weather.

 

Is the bulb good? If you are doing it correctly, it should flash. At least for a 55 code.

 

Finally got the computer to flash a code at me and I might have a lead! It flashed 54, which the manual says is a camshaft position sensor. I know that's supposed to be under the distributor cap, but when I called the auto parts store, they told me that they don't sell them for my truck (1995). Is it part of the distributor and cannot be purchased separately or a dealer part? Or does it exist at all? Any thoughts would be appreciated!