I just acquired a 1999 Ram 1500 built in June which still should be a 1999?

I only have a key that was made at a key shop. Did it come factory with a chipped key? How do I find out without the original?

Have a no start issue and want to make sure it's not the key before I check everything else.

Thanks, Jeff

 

No smart keys, thankfully. Is it turning over? Can you hear the fuel pump for a few seconds when you turn the key on? Some people a lot smarter than me will probably chime in with more ideas for you.

 

well we some more symptoms to try and diagnose this.

If the key turns the ignition it is not the problem

 

Thanks guys!

Yea it turns over just a no spark issue. Didn't want to get started checking things until I knew about the ignition key. Will start the diagnosing tomorrow.

Thanks, Jeff

 

Didn't the newer trucks have some variety of VATS? (chip in the key??)

 

My 01 doesn't. I can pull the key out driving down the road.

 

Ok, system is called "VTSS", and no chip in the key is involved. (looked in the manual....)

 

Check your grounds, the coil, dist cap, plug wires, etc. The basics. I know my truck won't start when it rains due to a bad coil unless I leave a trouble lamp on it when it rains.

 

Just curious, why'd you buy a truck that wont start?

 

It was cheap!

Ok so I have done some trouble shooting and come up with either the cam or crank sensor. How do you check these to see if they are bad.

I downloaded the FSM and it said on the CKS that it should have 5 volts then 0. Can I hook a VOM to the two wires and have someone crank to see if it shows 5 then 0 volts?

What about the cam position sensor/plate any way to check it?

I should add that I have power to the coil and injectors while cranking but no spark from coil or plug wires. It had a new coil on it when I bought it.


Thanks for the help!

Regards, Jeff