I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 off-road. 5.9, etc.....


From time to time, my truck will not crank. It's weird because when I cut it off the night before, there seems to be no trouble. It turns over fine, but acts like it is not getting fuel. When it does this, sometimes it will sputter a bit and blow a little smoke out of the air filter. I can hear the fuel pump when I turn the key on. Once the engine cranks, I usually do not have any more trouble for several days. However, it did it two days in a row and now I am starting to get a bit concerned.

 

Engine won't crank? Or won't fire?

 

Scan for any stored codes in the PCM . Gotta know if there are any secrets inside the PCM

Confirm the condition of the battery , and clean the terminals . Rule out any electrical power issues . Nice to see a load test performed . Weak power=bad performance in modern vehicles .

Test fuel pressure with a gauge . Maybe it was giving you hints on the pump . Gotta rule it out .

Weak spark ? Maybe a weak coil . When was your last tune up ? What was done ?

Possible IAC issues . Ever clean up your throttle body and IAC ? Here's a nice little how -to if you don't know : http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/h...-valve-756934/

 

 

Did you check fuel pressure at the rail?

 

Cranking and turning over are the same thing. It is so confusing when people don't realize this. "My car will crank but it won't turn over", or "My car will not crank but turns over fine". WTF!?!?!? If it "cranks", it is "turning over"!! The proper way to state this so people understand is: "My car cranks (or turns over) but will not START".

 

X2! Can't tell you how many times i seen this on the forums! Until the OP gets back and deciphers what the post was saying we all are scratching our heads.

 

Just went through something very similar to the issues it 'sounds' like your having. Cranks and cranks and cranks, but never catches, when it finally does gotta work it to keep it running. Other times it will start right up.

CKPS took care of the issue. but only after I phitzle farted with every other sensor under the hood. could have saved a buck twenty if I'd gone with the Crank position sensor first.

But mine mostly acted up in the cold, when it was warm out it 'normally' worked fine...with a hiccup here or there.

 

OneGoodMason, I will look into those suggestions you made.
Thanks Flue. I will definitely look into that Crank position sensor.
For those of you who are trying to fix my phrases, you are not helping with my truck, which, is why I came here. You knew exactly what I was trying to say. If you did not, then you need not reply, because if you do not understand what I am saying, you cannot help me. Find another post to gripe on!

 

I have not really checked anything yet, I was just trying to get a few ideas on where to start, seeing how I am not a knowledgeable mechanic. Got to start somewhere right??