I replaced the camshaft/distributor pickup sensor as it was easiest and less expensive. On top of that I didn't remove the negative cable from battery. Haven't drove it enough to see if it is going to die, but haven't returned the crankshaft sensor either.

Would you explain why the negative post on battery should be disconnect or just give me a link? It was just an oversight not disconnecting, it easy to do and I am guessing you don't want voltage in the system while connecting and disconnecting wires dangling around?

 

That, and by removing it while you replace a sensor, allows the PCM to reset and learn the new part you just installed.

 

Thanks, that sounds logical. Went 23 miles and hasn't died yet, but it has done that before and fooled me, will wait until 100+ miles and maybe I might venture 30 miles out and hopefully make it back, guess I can always call AAA.

 

disconnecting battery is a good practice for anything electrical. some circuits hold power with ignition off, especially around the pcm, radio, aux power outlet, and who knows where else.

if it does work, have a drink and celebrate, then call AA.

 

Well went about 130 miles and been running fine, so I took crankshaft sensor back and got refunded $87.03. Now watch it start failing- no think positive.

 

For security's sake, it may be advisable to also look into your fuel system.

Autozone has the kit available as a loaner tool and provided you follow the instructions from the service manual for your truck, you will be able to eliminate any fuel issues if you discover that your fuel pressure and volume being delivered is not satisfactory.

If that is not the case however, then you will be in need of a fuel pump.

 

I've never heard of the 30-30-30 keyswitch procedure, or at least I don't recognize what it is compared to what I've learned about, could you do us all a favor and share that exact procedure?

 

+1, never heard of that either !

 

hey i use the site all the time for help, and was just wondering if that solved your problem completely. ive got a 1994 ram 1500 with the 5.9L. ive replaced all the sensors on throttle body, vehicle speed sensor, and a full tune up and the damn thing was still dying on me and losing power. now i go down the road and the truck backfires at like 50 and loses power, and backfires when i let off gas. but would idle perfectly fine after i did tune up. went out there this morning and the battery dies somehow. any input would be nice.

 

Don't know about the dying battery, but the rest of it sounds like a clogged cat. probably caused by a leaking plenum gasket.
Or could be a bad crank sensor., or both. Pull the O2 sensor off the front of the cat. and see if that improves the performance.