I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 5.9L. It's actually my wife's truck. The check engine light came on a couple of months ago. Then about a week or two ago it started having problems cranking. It would turn over just not crank. Then all of sudden it would crank right up. One night it wouldn't crank and when it finally did, I had to keep my foot on the gas to keep it crunk up. that was the only time. Now after doing some research this is what i did. I replaced the crankshaft position sensor and the distributor cap. I took it to an auto parts store and they said it was reading a code for crankshaft position sensor. After i replaced it, i took it to my uncles house and his machine read the same thing and he cleared the code out. Then it read a code of P0320. I am still having problems. Also one night when my wife was trying to crank it she said it made a loud pop and then smoke came from under the hood. Any help will be appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum. Couple of things...I'm sure you read this before making your first post. :https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-...new-topic.html

Not sure what to make of your crank and crunk..Cranking to most means the engine is turning over but not starting....but your saying it cranks but then crunks....does the engine turn over and not start? Or does it just make cranking and crunking sounds? It will make things better is you make a better title for your thread. Millions state "help". If you really want help, make the title more specific. __________________

 

The popping and smoke is backfiring. Symptom of timing. Loose chain may have jumped a tooth. Maybe distributor internals worn and loose.

 

Coil maybe? Clogged cat ? Defective crank sensor? Test the fuel pressure also.